MONTREAL — Former prime minister Brian Mulroney, keen to dispel rumours he is dying, said Monday he feels "terrific" and as "fit as a fiddle" despite losing 30 pounds since March due to post-surgery complications.

"It is a little bit much to see that, particularly when they come at a time when the danger has long since passed," Mulroney told The Canadian Press in a telephone interview when asked whether he thought rumours he was dying were ghoulish.

"As my mother used to say, I'm as fit as a fiddle. I'm as strong and as clear as a bell as I've been for as long as I can remember. And it's just a little off-putting to have people speculating in the other way."

One rumour last week had officials in Ottawa preparing a national funeral for Mulroney, who was prime minister between 1984 and 1993.

But the former Conservative leader admitted there were darker times since he was first sent to hospital in March to have benign lesions removed from a lung before he developed pancreatic problems.

"There's been a lot of turmoil and everything hasn't been easy -- on the contrary" a vigorous-sounding Mulroney said in the brief interview. "But I've emerged from it in very good shape."

Asked whether he ever feared for his life, Mulroney replied: "I don't know. I really don't."

"I was so busy being a patient that I wasn't sure of anything. But there were some rough days, no doubt about it."

Mulroney, 66, said he has lost a lot of weight in the past few months.

"I'd lost 35 pounds but I put on five in the last 10 days," he said. "I eat everything. Look, I'm in terrific shape and I can't believe these people running around speculating the way they are."

During his post-operative recovery, Mulroney developed an inflammation of the pancreas.

He left hospital on April 21 to recuperate at home but was admitted again on May 20 for surgery to remove fluid that had accumulated near his pancreas.

He was released last Thursday.

Mulroney was speaking Monday shortly after completing a session of physical therapy aimed at helping him rebuild his strength.

"I'm in excellent shape and I am progressing very well. And my expectation is that I will be back at work after a bit of a summer break."

Mulroney praised his family and close friends as "wonderful and indispensable'' throughout his ordeal.

He said his main objective now is to rebuild his muscle mass because "three months in bed will atrophy most of your muscles."

He also sounded wistful when asked whether he has special plans for Canada Day.

"No, just take it easy with Mila and the kids,'' he said referring to his family. "We're just going to do it all en famille.

"I can't get out and enjoy the parades right now but I certainly can enjoy them on television -- and I do. I love the Canadiana on TV."