Actress Shakeela has revealed that she recently underwent neck surgery after experiencing health problems that she believes were linked to years of excessive mobile phone use and poor posture.
The actress, who is known for films including Thotti Gang, Nijam and Jayam, opened up about the health scare in a recent vlog on her YouTube channel. She is currently recovering at home after undergoing surgery at a hospital in Chennai.
Shakeela said the procedure cost approximately ₹3 lakh. She is still in the recovery phase and revealed that she currently needs assistance with some basic day-to-day activities, including getting out of bed and eating.
Long Hours on the Phone
Explaining what may have contributed to her condition, Shakeela said she had developed a habit of spending several hours on her mobile phone while lying on her bed.
According to the actress, she would often lie sideways and play mobile games for extended periods without taking breaks. She would occasionally get up for tea or coffee, but would soon return to the same position and continue using her phone.
Her mobile usage continued even after gaming. Shakeela said she would spend additional hours watching reels and videos on YouTube and Instagram.
She believes that maintaining the same posture for long periods, combined with excessive screen time, gradually affected her neck and eventually resulted in her requiring surgery.
Shakeela Shares a Message With Fans
Reflecting on the experience, Shakeela advised people not to overuse their mobile phones.
“A phone is a very useful object, but do not use it more than necessary,” she said.
Her comments have drawn attention to the importance of taking regular breaks and maintaining a healthy posture while using smartphones for extended periods. However, the actress was sharing her personal experience and belief about the cause of her condition, rather than presenting it as a medical diagnosis.
A Popular Name in South Indian Cinema
Shakeela rose to prominence in the Malayalam film industry during the 1990s, becoming particularly popular through her appearances in adult-oriented Malayalam films. She later expanded her career across South Indian cinema and appeared in several mainstream films, including Thotti Gang, Nijam and Jayam.
The actress is now concentrating on her recovery following the surgery. Her candid account of her health struggle has given fans a glimpse into the difficulties she is currently facing and prompted her followers to be more mindful of excessive smartphone use.