Dr Chetan Kalal Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award in Hepatology — Recognition for Excellence in Liver Care

Mumbai: In a rare and inspiring crossover between the world of cinema and the world of medicine, Dr. Chetan Kalal has been honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2025. While the award is traditionally associated with cinematic excellence, Dr. Kalal’s recognition sends a powerful message — saving lives is perhaps the greatest masterpiece of all.

A leading Consultant at the Institute of Liver Diseases and one of South Mumbai’s most trusted hepatologists, Dr. Chetan Kalal’s journey reflects grit, ethics, and an unwavering commitment to patient care.

From Khandesh to Mumbai: A Dream Takes Shape

Dr. Chetan Kalal hails from the Khandesh region of Maharashtra and completed his MBBS in Dhule. Coming from humble beginnings, he carried with him the ambition to achieve something meaningful in the field of medicine.

In 2007, he moved to Mumbai to pursue his MD at KEM Hospital, stepping into a city often described as the “City of Dreams.” Determined to specialize further, he completed his DM in Hepatology from the prestigious Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, one of the most respected centers for liver diseases globally. With this achievement, he became Maharashtra’s first DM Hepatologist.

He further enhanced his expertise with professional exposure in the United States and the United Kingdom before returning to India, where he has been practicing in Mumbai for over a decade.

A Trusted Name in Hepatology

Currently serving as a Consultant in the Department of Hepatology at the Institute of Liver Diseases, Dr. Chetan Kalal is widely regarded as one of South Mumbai’s leading liver specialists.

His contributions to medicine have earned him international recognition, including the prestigious American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Foundation Award in 2016 and 2017 — a significant honor in the field of hepatology research.

Research, Innovation, and Academic Excellence

Dr. Chetan Kalal’s primary research focus lies in liver diseases. He has authored over 20 original research articles published in national and international peer-reviewed journals.

Beyond publications, he has played an active role in international clinical trials aimed at developing new therapies for liver disorders. His research findings have been presented at prominent national and global medical conferences, strengthening his reputation as both a clinician and academic contributor.

Ethics Above All

Despite being associated with high-profile personalities from the film and business industries, Dr. Kalal maintains strict confidentiality under non-disclosure agreements. More importantly, he emphasizes equality in healthcare.

His guiding philosophy is simple:
“If I would not recommend a treatment to my own family member, I will not recommend it to my patient.”

This patient-first approach has made him one of the most trusted hepatologists in Mumbai.

Liver Transplantation: A Life-Saving Milestone

According to Dr. Kalal, around 5,000 liver transplants are performed annually in India, with nearly 90% being living donor transplants and only about 10% cadaveric (deceased donor) transplants.

He emphasizes that when conducted at the right time and in experienced centers, liver transplantation has a success rate of nearly 95%. With timely intervention, patients can lead long and fulfilling lives.

Lifestyle: The Silent Threat

Dr. Chetan Kalal frequently highlights the alarming rise of liver diseases in India, largely driven by modern lifestyle habits:

Sedentary routines

Junk and high-fat diets

Sleep deprivation

Stress

Diabetes and obesity

Alcohol consumption

Self-medication

His message is clear: “Taking care of your liver today means taking care of your life.”

Prevention as a Mission

More than treatment, Dr. Kalal believes in prevention. He strongly advocates:

Regular exercise

Maintaining a healthy body weight

Avoiding alcohol

Avoiding over-the-counter medications without medical advice

Timely vaccinations

Balanced diet and portion control

Through social media outreach and community awareness programs, he continues to educate the public about early diagnosis and preventive care.

A Doctor on the Dadasaheb Phalke Stage

Receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2025 marks a symbolic milestone in Dr. Chetan Kalal’s career. It represents a powerful recognition that the art of healing stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the art of storytelling.

From a small-town student in Khandesh to an internationally recognized hepatologist honored on one of India’s most prestigious stages, Dr. Chetan Kalal’s journey is not just about professional success — it is about purpose.

At a time when lifestyle diseases are rising rapidly, doctors like him are not only advancing medical science but also inspiring society to choose health, awareness, and prevention.

Because in the end, saving lives may indeed be the greatest masterpiece of all.