The Kiss of Life: How a Superhero and My Son Defeated Cancer

by Emraan Hashmi, Bilal Siddiqi

How do you deal with the most difficult moments in your life?

Every experience that we go through changes us and helps us grow. As we learn to laugh and cry, win and lose, share and care, the meaning of life and true happiness unfolds before us. Known for his bold forays into Bollywood, Emraan Hashmi walks us through his memories that have shaped him—from a confused teenager who dabbled in a variety of things to finding his calling to the suave, smart and unorthodox actor he has become today. At the heart of his story lies the most important and transformative experience of his life—the period when his son, Ayyan, was battling with cancer. It reveals the man behind the limitless charm of Emraan Hashmi and how he dealt with his son’s illness. Honest, personal, bold and heart-warming, The Kiss of Life is about an actor and a father’s trials and triumphs.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Samisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because we all come with expiry dates. The only difference between us and those shelved bottles is that their 'best before' date is printed on their lids and ours is flying in the wind.

[Akankshit Kanungo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never planned to take up this book so soon, but a day spent at an airport alone was enough to start and finish without much of a break. Starting from the very first page, the foreword, this will keep you hooked till the end. You dont have to be a movie or bollywood fan to read this. This is a simple story of Emraan Hashmi's personal struggles when his son is detected with cancer and has to undergo treatment. The various phases he has to go through, the people in his life, his support system, relationships all go through a depressing time and come out strong in the end. More than what you get to know about Emraan Hashmi and his kid from this book, what will keep you interested is the detailed research gone behind our own lifestyles, the way we take things that come our way and the words of wisdom related to cancer which all of us should know.

Hats off to such an attempt by him. Cancer comes with a lot of consequences. And this book shows how you can approach the same in a positive manner. A must read for anyone who wants to know more about this disease, rather about life and its struggles. Do read this.

[Gaurav Prabhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a fan of Emraan Hashmi but I always loved the music in his films. Have only been audience to a few of his films.

I always wanted to read this book just as a curiosity to peek into his life. From the cover till the very last page, I was gripped. It portrays a totally different side of the actor. One could relate as to how the actor tackles the challenge of cancer affected son. It shows him as a normal human being with the need for normalcy of his son. The emotions are pure raw. Good or bad, it has been written in an call a spade, a spade manner. I liked that fact.

There are many takeaway from this one. A few important being, how one should take care of his/her wellbeing. To be resilient and to take on the challenges which life throws as a superhero. To get up each time, you are knocked down. All this in a beautifully written tale. I almost had tears at certain juncture of the book. It touched me and made a shift in my paradigm.

[Rafsan Riyadh · Rating 2 out of 5]

overly dramatic. kudos to him and his family for fighting off cancer from his son. but a very badly written book indeed! repeatative, boring narrations. I think after consecutive movie failures he needed money and haphazardly put off something this blunt. had high hopes, utterly disappointed.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a die-hard Emraan fan, I just had to read this book. But a book about his son's cancer? I wasn't sure how interesting it would be. Having finished it, this is not just a book about Ayaan's cancer - it's a book about how cancer affects a family, a marriage, a career and how it brings loved ones closer together. And it's about a journey - Emraan's journey through Bollywood and his growth from a laid-back actor to a committed, loving father. As an Emraan fan, I was glad for the window into Emraan's life this book provided. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read about a loving family and an amazing kid beating a horrible illness.

[Altaf Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #23 #


3.5 stars

In the start, this book was very interesting and captivating but as the pages went on it lost that feel and attraction because of poor writing and depth details. There is no doubt in the emotions of every character. It's the story of "Never Give Up" attitude and "When life throws you lemon make it lemonade" behaviour. Such books are full with hope but I must say chapter no. 12 and epilogue of this book was very informative. A must read portions of the book for everyone.

These two portions will inspire you to live healthy and balanced life with all its benefits and simultaneously it will move you away from unhealthy life with all its horrors defined.

[Megha Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book. Portrays the journey, the struggle of a parent while his kid is battling cancer. The book is written beautifully and touches your heart. With simple language but bang on emotions, it makes for a worthy read.

[Sulav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and heartbreaking.

[swamish · Rating 4 out of 5]

amazing book inspiring and informative

[Tejaswini Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mix of Heart wrenching & Heart warming emotions. A soulful memoire to read on.

[Jayshree Gohil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and easy to read book with lots of information. Emran's information medically and mental status via his extensive research and experience was a real surprise package. I feel extremely guilty for not putting the same or more effort when my mom was detected of breast cancer. Mom's they never show their pain :( I could have done more.
This book is a must read for all. For awareness and healthy life! Beautiful informational worthy and must read.

[Himanshika Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would be making an understatement if I say that this book has left me speechless. From the starting till the end, all this book has given me is Goosebumps and tears. This story tells us how to fall and rise. A four-year- old boy, who deals with a life taking disease, still manages to smile and speak out the words of wisdom is not only encouraging but heartwarming as well.
We all know Emraan Hashmi for the roles he plays on screen, but we never knew the things he was going through in his personal life while shooting for the films that we mockingly call – Flops. We, as an audience, are so used to judge a person by the performance he/she gives that we deliberately neglect the hardships that person might be facing during that period of his/her life. Same happened with Mr. Hashmi! While he was mocked to give out three flop films, he was trying hard to make his son fight the battle of cancer. Who knew, the person who was screaming and crying for the role of his film, was actually taking his frustration out – and all the director could say was EXCELLENT SHOT!
This book also has much important information about Cancer that we might not be aware of. This book spreads awareness regarding Cancer that will be useful for us. Emran has somewhere taken out his frustration on the media and journalists as well, in the book. The additional information about cancer might not please the people. The story goes offbeat, sometimes as well. But the Ayaan man has dominated every flaw of this book. And I finished this book in one go! Hats off, Mr. Hashmi! You have gained respect.
The mere imagination of losing a person sends a shiver down the body. So, nobody should take relations for granted. You never know, what happens next!

[Vinayak Jadhav · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all sorry for reviewing this extremely touching and beautifully written book, so late. There is nothing that i can say now as all the adjectives and good things which i wanted to say about the book have been robbed by other fellow readers :) When i finished reading this book i was really blown away by mr. bilals writing. This young gentleman is extremely talented and has proved it time and again. How can i forget about ayaanman who not only bravely faced such a deadly and grave disease but also came out unscathed as a winner and a stronger person which inspired many like me in the bargain. Emraan Hashmi the actor, the star who we watch and admire on the big screen locked horns with the situation fearlessly with lots of support from his loving wife parveen and were successful in keeping their only child away from harms way.
So i sign out by requesting people who haven't read this book to kindly grab a copy and do yourself a favor and not be deprived of such a fascinating and life changing experience...

[Merril Anil · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you are generally curious or seeking a guidance and support regarding cancer and dealing with it, this book could be a good read. Do not expect to learn about the disease inside out from the book but yes you would get some good insight as to how to deal with it. The book doesn’t teaches or preaches but merely shows you plain facts through a person’s personal struggles and sharing it for the better of other

Check out the full review on

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/li...

[Aisharyya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading "The Kiss of Life" by Emraan Hashmi with Bilal Siddiqi...Awesome and very inspiring book. The true story of Ayaan's battle with cancer to eventually become a true Superhero Ayaanman and how he helped evolve Emraan Hashmi and his wife Parveen is heart rending at times and makes you smile and inspires you at other times.

In all, its truly a good read and helped me get a better perspective of life.

[Sanket Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart touching real life describing the feelings and predicaments of the FAmily And the patiend suffering from Cancer.

A book that has a feeling of hope on every alternate page. Ayyan is a superhero in true sense. It is amazing to see how an innocent kid teach lessons of lifetime So easily. A must read for everyone.

The only diference betwewn us and those shelved bottles is that their "best before" date is printed on their lids and ours is flying in the wind.

LIFE GOES ON..!

[Riddhi Kishnadwala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got interested to read this book on the recommendation of a friend. Emraan Hashmi is an underrated actor and the common thing in all his movies is great music! It was very heart-wrenching to read about his little son getting affected by cancer and the ensuing treatment and the pain the entire family went through. Emraan Hashmi has let his heart out in the book and it is quite an emotional and informative (in terms of cancer awareness) read!

[Deepankar Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful book. This book is not just about his Son's battle with cancer but has much more to it. It also has lots of information at the end and a feel good and motivating factor too. A short and precise book with a strong emotional background. Didn't expect this book to be this good. Just enjoyed reading it and you too will for sure.

[Aashish Dhakan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this book!! It was written from the heart.. Emraan has bared his emotions and feelings completely in the book . I want my son to read it once he grows up.

[Gaurav Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an eye opener for me. Takes you through the ups and downs during a disease like cancer and how it affects patient and his family. I had developed an interest in causes of cancer and precautions. I am going to embibe some of the suggeations and improve the life style.

[Mahavir · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Emraan Hashmi has shared a lot of information about cancer which is not available to people generally.

[Harry b nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

[Praveen Garlapati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly well written book.

[Mrinmoy Bhattacharya · Rating 5 out of 5]

একজন অভিনেতা থেকে পিতা হয়ে ওঠার গল্প ( গল্প নয়, সত‍্য ঘটনা) , ক‍্যান্সারের বিরুদ্ধে একটি ছোট্ট শিশুর লড়াই ।।

[Dipankar Bhadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Whatever life throws at you, you endure it. You fight it. Most of the time, life is that formidable opponent in the ring. It will hit you hard. It will pummel you to the ground. But you have to tell yourself to get up, however shaky your legs are. You have to get up each and every single time. And once you do that, you are a champion. A champion who will win the fight. A champion who will taste victory.”

In the middle of fear and uncertainty, a father calls his young son who is battling cancer. Pretending to be his son’s favorite superhero, Batman, he tells him to be brave and strong — to fight like a hero. That father is Emraan Hashmi.

Emraan Hashmi is not just a good-looking actor or a popular name in Bollywood — he’s a dad who stood tall when life hit him the hardest. He faced every parent’s worst nightmare with strength, love, and faith.

The Kiss of Life is an honest and emotional account of the toughest chapter in Hashmi’s life — his son’s fight with cancer. It takes you through his journey as an actor trying to balance fame, fear, and fatherhood. Through every page, you can feel his pain, his hope, and his unconditional love as a parent.

The book also shares valuable information about cancer and healthy living, while showing the emotional reality of what families go through during such times. It’s not just a story about illness — it’s a story about courage, healing, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his son.

The book reminds us to hold our loved ones a little closer, to never take them for granted, and to find strength even in the darkest moments. It’s a touching, powerful read that stayed with me long after I finished it.

Emraan Hashmi has my utmost respect for sharing his family’s journey with such honesty and heart.
Honestly, “𝐀𝐤𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐞𝐤 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐟 𝐚𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐦𝐫𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐢 𝐞𝐤 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐟.”
Because after reading this book, you realize he’s not just a star on screen — he’s a real-life hero off it.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I have friends and acquaintances who continue to let their kids indulge in processed, canned, packaged, refined foods, sodas, etc. and they stubbornly shoot down any advice on changing their lifestyle and dietary habits. Their justification is that they whole world is doing it. Well my plea to them and other parents is that, with all the knowledge available, you by all means have the freedom to continue these suicidal habits, but for God's sake, don't impose them on your kids because unlike you, they don't know that they have a choice. you make that choice for them. It's better to have them dislike you know for a while because you deprived them of an unhealthy lifestyle than have them curse you later on, once the consequences raise their ugly head."

"Cancer is where the money lies. It's a business. And finding a cure could probably mean losing out on billions of dollars."

"But he [my son] has made me realize that whatever life throws at you, you endure it. You fight it. Most of the time. life is that formidable opponent in the ring. It will hit you hard. It will pummel you to the ground. But you have to tell yourself to get up, however shaky your legs are. You have to get up each and every time. And once you do that, you are a champion. A champion who will win the fight. A champion who will taste victory."

[Sachin Joshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how Hashmi along with Siddiqi used simple and easy English to narrate his son Ayaan's battle with cancer, probably the most-dreaded disease known to humankind. Ayaan's story is a heartbreaking one BUT it is heartwarming to know that he won the battle against Cancer.

I have huge respect for the actor, especially after knowing that he completed the shooting of 3 movies at a time when his son was going through chemo therapies in Canada, only to save his producers from irreparable financial losses. Hats off to you Emraan Hashmi !

Emraan stresses in the epilogue that if you eat well and make a few change to your lifestyle, you have a very high chance of mobilizing the body's resistance to cancer. The 9 pager epilogue is a must read for everybody.

The book is a riveting account of Emraan Hashmi, the serial-kisser actor and a father's trials and triumphs.

My favorite bit from the book:

Whatever life throws at you, you endure it. You fight it. Most of the time, life is that formidable opponent in the ring. It will hit you hard. It will pummel you to the ground. But you have to tell yourself to get up, however shaky your legs are. You have to get up each and every single time. And once you do that, you are a champion. A champion who will win the fight. A champion who will taste victory.

[Prashant · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
The Kiss Of Life by Emraan Hashmi lurked from corner of the memoir section of bookstore like an offline-click-bait, The Kiss of Life> :there could be no better title for memoir of a person with image of Serial Kisser. Out of curiosity picked it up and found that it's about how Emraan's son Ayaan fought cancer.It's co-written by Bilal Siddiqi, whose first book The Bard of Blood is soon to a Netflix Original series.

It is very difficult to separate image of an actor in reel life and real life,but this book does separates the these two, the Emraan as we know him as an actor and Emraan real life as doting husband and parent. The book switches between 2 different stories in alternating chapters. First being Ayaan's treatment and trauma that family went through during the time and second being story of Emraan, his from his childhood to Ayaan's recovery.

The book is an easy read, it could have been much better had it not been written like a essay by a 5th grader. Book touches many emotional fronts but fails to go in depth of those emotions.

[Bhawana Somaaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought of picking this book because film industry has lost too many people to cancer. In this book, Emraan Hashmi talks about his life, what attracted him to be become an actor, his various roles. That he is the grandson of veteran actress Purnima, who was known for her histrionics, and his child Ayyan and what he felt and what he went through when he discovered that his son had cancer. How the two of them battled the disease together and how they conquered it.

It’s a very courageous story extremely emotional, sensitive and I think it is wonderful that he has penned his thoughts and his experiences because what happens is moments pass and the intensity fades but if you have documented it then somebody somewhere is going to read it and get inspired. I think this book is meant for that because, as we talk, either a father or son is battling with cancer. There are also lovely photographs in the book. It makes an interesting read. I think I read it the second time now and I loved it.

[Dr Kashmira Gohil · Rating 3 out of 5]

The actor describe about his struggle to beat cancer in his small kid Aryan. I totally empathize with each and every point as my family suffered the same fate as we struggled with my mom's cancer few years back. The only difference is that the actors kid is alive and I wish him good God's blessings. Imran hashmi has done some good, deep research on cancer despite being a non medical person and it's impressive. This book he wrote with help of another author Mr. Bilal S. Apart from sharing their own journey during their tough time and his parallel acting career at that juncture, the actor shared some good lifestyle, diet and medicine tips at the end of the book to prevent the dreaded C (cancer) from his own experience, observations and research. 3 stars.