Bollywood actor Om Puri quits smoking after mouth surgery

Bollywood actor Om Puri recently underwent a mouth surgery for an intimidating white patch in his mouth. While, he is totally fine now, he swears to quit smoking hereon. The veteran actor sounded hale and hearty when this writer spoke to him. (Read: 10 reasons smoking is bad for you)

Talking about the ordeal, Om said: 'When this white patch was detected in my mouth I was hospitalised and fearing the worst, immediate surgery was performed. Most luckily for me, the patch was found to be benign. So there is no threat to my life.' Om has been strictly advised to quit smoking. 'After years of inability to kick the habit I've quit smoking with immediate effect. Nothing is more important than one's health. I've realized this after being in hospital,' he said. (Read: Are cancer survivors 'disabled'? (Exclusive interview)

The actor whose next release 'The Hundred Foot Journey', directed by Lasse Hallstrom, features him as the main lead opposite formidable British actress Helen Mirren, says roles have dried up for him at home. 'Indian cinema seems to have nothing to offer me any more. After having seen and done it all, I suddenly find myself jobless at home,' he said. Remind him that the West still reveres his talents and Om says: 'But that can't keep me going as an actor. A good offer from the West comes once in a blue moon. I need to be valued at home.' (Read: Gutka ban just on paper!)

Anytime is a good time to quit smoking, but if you're looking for extra motivation, why not resolve to give up the bad habit now Here are five methods to keep in mind for those hoping to become ex-smokers this year:

- Nicotine patches, applied to the skin, provide a continuous source of the drug and are available in different doses, so smokers can dial back their intake progressively. There is also the option of nicotine gum or lozenges based on the same principle. These may be consumed several times per day, but only over a period of less than six months.

- Acupuncture, the traditional Chinese practice, can help to decrease cigarette cravings through the insertion of needles into specific points on the body.

- Herbal cigarettes, which do not contain nicotine but do contain tar, allow smokers to go through the motions of smoking while their body goes through withdrawal from nicotine.

- Hypnosis speaks to the smoker on a subconscious level in an attempt to strengthen his or her resolve to quit and possibly even decrease the desire to smoke.

- E-cigarettes, which replicate the sensations of regular smoking, are an increasingly popular option for those trying to quit. The corresponding e-liquid is available in a variety of flavors and nicotine levels.

Read more tips to keep oral cancer at bay

With inputs from IANS

Image Source: Getty images

You may also like to read:

• Giving up the tobacco habit a cancer survivor's tale
• Oral cancer: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
• Oral cancer: Playing with fire

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