Date:12/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/12/stories/2008101254421000.htm

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Anxious moments for Amitabh fans

PHOTO: PTI

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan accompany megastar Amitabh Bachchan after he underwent a medical check-up at the Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday.

Mumbai: Iconic Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan was on Saturday admitted to the Lilavati hospital here after he complained of abdominal pain due to suspected incisional hernia, giving anxious moments to millions of fans on his 66th birthday.

“There is no cause for worry. We are giving him the best possible treatment. He will soon be up and about and go back to work,” hospital spokesman Mohanranjan said, adding Mr. Bachchan had undergone tests and his condition was “stable.”

He has undergone blood investigation and CT scan of the abdomen and reports are awaited, a bulletin read by Mr. Mohanranjan said. Mr. Bachchan is in suite number 1101 on the 11th floor of the hospital with wife Jaya Bachchan, son Abhishekh, daughter-in-law Aishwarya and other relatives by his side.

“Amitabh Bachchan has been admitted to Lilavati hospital today afternoon [Saturday] with a history of abdominal pain which has been relieved by medicines,” the bulletin said.

The cause of pain is being investigated by a team of doctors and the report will be available on Sunday morning based on which further treatment will be decided, it said.

A large number of fans and media persons, who gathered outside the actor’s house ‘Jalsa’ in Juhu on his birthday, were shocked to see an ambulance taking the actor on a stretcher accompanied by son Abhishek.

Mr. Bachchan, wearing a brown woollen cap and a blue shirt, was first rushed to the nearby Nanavati hospital from his residence for a check-up and scan and was later admitted to the Lilavati hospital in Bandra.

Mr. Bachchan’s daughter Shweta Nanda, Ms. Aishwarya and family friend and SP leader Amar Singh followed the ambulance in a car.

“We respect the patient’s rights and confidentiality and hence would not like to discuss this matter further,” the bulletin added. — PTI