Riz Ahmed has disclosed a deeply frightening health crisis that nearly halted his career but ultimately shaped his journey in a positive way. The actor spoke about this intense ordeal during a recent appearance on the Podcrushed podcast, revealing the severity and lasting impact of the experience that coincided with his work on major film projects.
Struggles During Major Film Production
Ahmed described how his health deteriorated during the filming of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which began production in August 2015 and involved extensive reshoots well into the following year. While filming, Ahmed’s body became overwhelmed by exhaustion, leading to a brief hospitalization and a challenging recovery period that required him to rebuild his strength from the ground up.
Around the time of taking on Sound of Metal, I had had a very intense kind of health-related experience myself,
Ahmed revealed on the Podcrushed podcast.
Basically, I was in the middle of filming [Rogue One: A Star Wars Story], and my body kind of gave up on me. I was extremely exhausted. I was hospitalized for a brief period, and I really tried to regain my strength. I was building myself up from scratch. It was super scary and intense and quite prolonged, actually. For a minute I was like, ‘Am I ever going to get my life back?’
—Riz Ahmed, Actor
Ahmed did not provide specific medical details or explain how this crisis affected the day-to-day filming experience he shared with costars such as Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, and Ben Mendelsohn, but he confirmed the ordeal cast a shadow over this high-profile project.
The Silent and Prolonged Nature of the Ailment
Reflecting on the confusing nature of his condition, Ahmed called it a silent yet intense experience, one that worsened over time with no quick resolution. This uncertain battle forced him to confront deep emotional and physical challenges.
something very silent and very intense [that] happened to me, and I wasn’t getting better quickly.
—Riz Ahmed, Actor
The health scare not only impacted Ahmed’s physical wellbeing but also led to a profound personal reckoning with fear and grief.
Finding Meaning Through Crisis
Despite the hardship, Ahmed found unexpected clarity and growth. He described a complex mix of grief, terror, and gratitude upon losing the ability to function normally for a time. This humbling experience revealed to him the fragile limits of control over one’s body and life.
deep kind of grief and fear and terror, and yet also a kind of tremendous kind of liberation and gratitude and acceptance
—Riz Ahmed, Actor
I always think that when you’re brought to your knees, you’re halfway towards praying.
—Riz Ahmed, Actor
In moments of profound reflection, Ahmed realized the preciousness of life’s gifts amid uncertainty.
you don’t control a single thing. You don’t even control your body. Then, in moments of kind of trippy clarity and in the darkness, I realized, then everything you have is a gift.
—Riz Ahmed, Actor
Connection Between Health Crisis and Career Choices
This life-altering experience deeply influenced Ahmed’s artistic path, particularly his decision to accept the lead role in Darius Marder’s 2019 film Sound of Metal. The film, which earned Ahmed his first Academy Award nomination, centers on Ruben Stone, a metal drummer confronting sudden hearing loss that transforms his life.
Ahmed has shared that the film’s themes resonated widely, especially in the context of 2020’s global upheaval during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I think in the context of 2020 and the pandemic, that is a journey a lot of people have been on: Go, go, go. And, This is who I am. This is my life. This is what gives me meaning. And all of a sudden, the rug has been pulled from under them. Ruben’s journey is one that almost feels like a microcosm of what we’ve been going through as a society.
—Riz Ahmed, Actor
Looking Ahead: Continuing Impact of Overcoming Adversity
Ahmed’s candid reflections on his intense health scare provide insight into the struggles behind the scenes of a rising star’s career. His experience highlights themes of vulnerability, resilience, and acceptance that have enriched his work and connected deeply with audiences. As Ahmed moves forward, this episode remains a pivotal point that continues to influence his artistic choices and personal outlook.
