Amitabh Bachchan, one of Bollywood’s fittest senior actors, revealed that only 25% of his liver is working. This disclosure surprised many fans because it is unusual to survive with such limited liver function. A few years ago, on his popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), Big B shared that his liver damage was linked to an accident on the sets of his 1983 film Coolie and a subsequent hepatitis infection.
During the accident, Amitabh required a massive blood transfusion. Around 200 donors contributed, resulting in 60 bottles of blood. Unfortunately, one donor unknowingly carried the hepatitis B virus. The virus went undetected and gradually damaged 75% of his liver over the years. Amitabh learned about the extent of his liver damage only in 2005 during a routine check-up.
This revelation led to questions about whether it is possible to live with only a quarter of the liver functioning and what it means for overall health. We spoke to Dr. Amit Miglani, Director & HOD of Gastroenterology at Asian Hospital, to understand the medical reality.
Dr. Miglani explained that having 25% liver function means that around three-quarters of liver cells are either lost or not working due to chronic disease, infections, toxins, or past surgeries. The remaining 25% of healthy liver cells must handle all the liver’s essential tasks. These include detoxifying the blood, producing bile for digestion, managing metabolism and glucose, and supporting immunity.
However, 25% liver tissue does not always mean only 25% functional capacity. If the remaining liver cells are healthy and adaptable, they can perform more efficiently than damaged or scarred tissue. Survival depends heavily on the quality of the remaining liver, not just the percentage.
Gradual liver damage allows the body to adapt. In long-term hepatitis, for instance, the liver slowly loses cells, giving the remaining tissue time to compensate. Blood flow can increase, and the liver’s natural regenerative ability helps maintain essential functions.
Medical management also plays a major role. For viral hepatitis, antiviral treatments can stop further damage. Nutritional support, careful use of medications, and regular monitoring of complications like jaundice or fluid buildup (ascites) are essential. Regular check-ups help detect problems early and prevent life-threatening complications.
Lifestyle choices are equally important. Patients should avoid alcohol completely, follow a liver-friendly diet, manage obesity and diabetes, and engage in moderate, safe exercise. Supportive care and adherence to medical advice greatly increase the chances of survival even with limited liver function.
Living with only 25% liver function is possible but carries risks. The main concern is lower reserve. Even minor infections, illnesses, or surgeries can overwhelm the liver. With limited functional tissue, the liver may struggle to remove toxins, regulate blood sugar, or produce enough clotting factors.
Patients with low liver function are at higher risk of complications. These include bleeding due to reduced clotting, toxin buildup leading to confusion or encephalopathy, and difficulty processing medications. If the root cause of liver damage is not treated, the remaining healthy tissue can deteriorate further.
In medical practice, cases of liver transplant or surgical removal (resection) show that patients can temporarily survive with 25–30% liver volume. The liver’s natural ability to regenerate allows more functional tissue to develop over time. In chronic hepatitis B or similar conditions, patients can live for years with significant liver loss, although careful monitoring and medical supervision are essential.
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Dr. Miglani emphasised that survival depends not only on how much liver is left but also on its quality, overall health, and medical care. Early detection of liver issues, active treatment of the underlying cause, and preventing further damage are crucial for maintaining health. Patients with only a small portion of liver tissue need ongoing check-ups, strict adherence to medications, and lifestyle management to avoid complications.
While Amitabh Bachchan’s case shows that living with only 25% liver function is possible, it is not easy. Regular monitoring, a healthy diet, avoidance of harmful habits, and timely medical intervention are the key factors that allow patients to lead relatively normal lives. With careful management, the liver can continue to perform essential tasks, and patients can survive for many years despite severe damage.
In conclusion, living with limited liver function is challenging but achievable. The focus should be on protecting the remaining liver tissue, preventing further injury, and maintaining overall health. Amitabh Bachchan’s recovery demonstrates that with proper medical care, lifestyle discipline, and timely intervention, people can survive and even thrive despite serious liver damage.
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