Shakeela has opened up about a recent health scare that required her to undergo neck surgery costing Rs 3 lakh. The actor shared details of her recovery in a video after returning home from hospital, where she was seen wearing a neck collar. Shakeela said that the problem to spending long hours playing games and watching videos on her phone while lying in an improper position. She also used the opportunity to warn her fans against excessive mobile phone use and asked parents to be careful about giving gadgets to children. Here is what Shakeela revealed about her health and her career.

Shakeela who has appeared in films featuring Thalapathy Vijay, Jiiva and Mohanlal said that she would often lie on her side while using her phone for several hours. She said she could spend up to four hours continuously playing games, taking breaks only for tea or coffee before returning to her phone. She also said that she would spend hours watching reels on YouTube and Instagram. Shakeela, then said that the prolonged use and improper posture affected the veins in her neck, eventually requiring major surgery.

“I recently underwent surgery; it was a major one. Let me tell you something very serious: a phone is a very useful object, but do not use it more than necessary,” she said.

Shakeela also revealed that she currently requires assistance with basic activities during her recovery. She asked people to use mobile phones only when necessary and advised parents against allowing children to spend excessive time on gadgets.

“Use the phone only for essential things. Avoid watching unnecessary videos, even mine, and watch only useful ones. Otherwise, you will lose Rs 3 lakh and have to endure unbearable pain as well,” she cautioned.

Shakeela began her acting career in the 1990s and became a popular name in Malayalam cinema following the success of Kinnarathumbikal in 2000. The film became a major success and led to what was popularly known as the Shakeela wave in Kerala. She later appeared in supporting roles in films including Chotta Mumbai and Teja Bhai & Family.

Apart from Malayalam cinema, Shakeela has also worked across Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. She acted in several supporting roles over the last decade, takinng a break from the bold films she had been part of. Her filmography includes Maru Malarchi, Thotti Gang, Jayam, Monalisa, Bangaram, Azhagiya Tamil Magan, Siva Manasula Sakthi, Boss Engira Bhaskaran, Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga and Madha Gaja Raja.