Imagine a crisp October morning in 1961, when the world welcomed a boy who would grow up to mend bones and hearts alike. Born on October 18—yes, today marks his 64th birthday in 2025—Dr. Arun Kapoor entered life as the son of an Army officer. Picture young Arun bouncing from one Indian posting to another, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene hills of the Northeast. “Pack up, we’re off again!” his father would say, and off they’d go, turning every new base into a playground of adventure.

Fast-forward to September 1979, and Arun steps into Sarojini Naidu Medical College in Agra, where I had the luck to be his classmate. He wasn’t just another student; he was a whirlwind. Tallish, fair, with an athletic build honed from cricket pitches, he’d dash into lectures after a quick game, bat in hand. “Wicket down, but class is up—let’s bowl through this anatomy lesson!” he’d quip, his fast speech and impeccable English leaving us all chuckling. A natural sportsman, he could smash a six as effortlessly as he dissected a case study.

But oh, his confidence! It was infectious. Girls would flock around during breaks, and Arun, with his quick repartee, would say charmingly. “You know, your smile could fix a fractured femur faster than I ever could,” he’d tease one, earning giggles and eye-rolls in equal measure. And let’s not forget his eternal hunger—lunch breaks were sacred. “I’m starving! Who’s sharing their tiffin? Knowledge is power, but food is fuel!” he’d declare, devouring whatever was offered.

After graduating MBBS in 1985 and MS in Orthopaedics in 1989 from S.N. Medical College, Arun settled in Agra, founding the Kapoor Orthopedic Center in Tajganj. With over 36 years under his belt, he became a maestro in knee replacements, joint pains, and sports injury rehab—think knee braces, shoulder tweaks, and back woes banished. As a member of the Indian Medical Association and Orthopaedic Association, he’d jet off to seminars worldwide, his passport stamped from Tokyo to Toronto. “Travel broadens the mind—and the surgical toolkit!” he’d say upon return, regaling us with tales of global techniques. Married to Arundhati kapoor, they are seen sending pictures from all over the world on social media.

His big break? That unforgettable moment when a National Geographic team, knee-deep in an Indian expedition, limped into his clinic with a nasty injury. “Doc, we’re filming tigers, not tending to twisted knees—fix us quick!” they pleaded. Arun, ever the pro, patched them up seamlessly. The episode aired nationwide, catapulting him to fame. “See? Even explorers need a good orthopod,” he’d laugh later, married now and rooted in Agra, where patients rave about his punctual, top-notch care.

Dr. Arun Kapoor isn’t just a surgeon; he’s a force—confident, witty, always ready for the next adventure, be it on the field, in the OR, or devouring a plate of chaat. Happy birthday, old friend! May your life keep bowling strikes.