Roberts’ spiritualist hospitalized in Bali

As people anticipate Julia Roberts’ movie Eat, Pray, Love, to debut in US theaters this Friday, her character’s spiritual guru, featured in the movie, has been hospitalized due to heart problems.

The 95-year-old healer from Ubud, Ketut, was admitted to the Surya Husada Hospital in Denpasar last Thursday after experiencing breathing difficulties, his family said.

Ketut is the spiritual teacher of Elizabeth Gilbert, Roberts’ character in the movie adapted from the bestselling book with the same title.

Gilbert’s memoir tells of her four months in Italy savoring good food, followed by four months in India discovering her spirituality before she visits Bali where she falls in love.

In the book, Gilbert also wrote about her friendship with Ketut.

Granddaughter-in-law Ni Wayan Puspita Sari said on Monday that Ketut also underwent bladder surgery to remove a crystallized substance.

“His condition has improved a lot after surgery,” she said.

“The doctor said he just needed several more days of treatment here to heal post-surgery.”

Puspita said her grandfather-in-law had suffered fatigue after conducting a series of Ngaben (cremation) ceremonies for one of his family members about three weeks ago.

“He was also exhausted from serving many people who come to our house for consultation,” she said.

Following the movie, Ketut has risen to fame, with a deluge of people — on average about 50 people per day — asking him to read their fortunes through palm readings.

Puspita said Ketut had suffered a bladder problem for three years.

Due to his weak condition, Ketut did not play himself in the film. His character was played by newcomer actor Hadi Subiyanto.

A local film crew representing the Hollywood crew have given their support and prayed for Ketut’s recovery, Puspita said.

Talking slowly while resting in his bed, Ketut said he had just found out that the film would premiere in
Hollywood this Friday.

“I am happy. I hope I can recover soon and see the movie,” he said.

Asked whether he would accept offers to be in a film again after he recovered, he smiled and said, “I would love to.”