Renowned gynaecologist Padma Shri Dr. Rustom Soonawala, succumbed to a prolonged illness on 5th January, 2025, at the age of 95. He dedicatedly practised as a medical advisor at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital till a few years ago. He was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in 1991 for his pioneering work in women’s health and family planning, especially his ground-breaking invention of the polyethylene IUD as an alternative form of birth control in the 1960s, amongst other significant contributions to infertility treatments.

Everyone’s favourite doctor, from Bollywood’s elites to the everyday woman, Dr. Soonwala earned his MD in 1956 at Wadia Hospital, Mumbai, and rose through the ranks becoming professor. He later practised at Breach Candy Hospital, alongside his equally illustrious son, Dr. Feroze Soonawala, in the same department. In addition to his expertise, Dr. Rustom was cherished for being kind, gentle and caring towards all, and always there for his patients in their time of need. His generosity also extended to his staff. He was a beacon of wisdom to his younger colleagues, always guiding them in the right direction in terms of their practise and their careers. His biography, ‘Lifegiver’, published in 2015 and written by Rashmi Uday Singh, chronicles his illustrious career.

Tributes poured in from all corners. “For two decades, he was a medical advisor to hospital trustees, attending monthly meetings filled with direction, ideas, and wisdom. His invaluable contributions will never be forgotten, and we will strive to build further on the legacy he leaves behind,” shared Breach Candy Hospital CEO, Dr. Annirudh Kohli, in a media report while Dr. Rishma Pai, Past President, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, said, “Dr. Rustom Soonawala… was an entire package — his kindness, sweetness of voice, incredible talent and commitment to work. He was an inspirational guide…”

He birthed many Bollywood celebrities including generations of the Kapoors, like Karisma, Kareena  and Ranbir Kapoor and their children – Taimur, Jeh and Raha. Dr. Soonawala was Professor Emeritus at Mumbai’s Wadia Maternity Hospital; Founder President of the Indian Society of Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy and Honorary Medical Director, Family Planning Association of India; and Founding Chairperson of Jaipur’s Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology.