Bachchan taken ill on b'day, admitted to Mumbai hospital

Mumbai, Oct 11 (PTI) Iconic Bollywood actor Amitabh
Bachchan was Saturday admitted to Lilavati hospital here after
he complained of restlessness and stomach ache due to
suspected incisional hernia, giving anxious moments to
millions of fans on his 66th birthday.

"There is no cause for worry or concern. We are giving
him the best possible treatment. He will soon be up and above
and go back to work," hospital spokesman Mohanrajan said,
adding Bachchan had undergone tests and his condition was
"stable".

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

Bachchan's daughter Shweta Nanda, daughter-in-law
Aishwarya Rai and family friend and Samajwadi Party leader
Amar Singh followed the ambulance in a car.

The actor was suspected to be suffering from
incisional hernia, a recurring problem that has been troubling
him since the near-fatal accident on the sets of 'Coolie' in
1982, but there was no immediate confirmation from family or
doctors attending on him.

Big B, who was shooting for 'Teen Patti' till
Friday, had taken a break from work to spend time with his
grand children who had come over from Delhi to celebrate
Dussehra and Diwali. He was taken ill Friday night, family
sources said.

"He complained of stomach cramps for which he was
taken to Nanavati hospital this morning. He was later admitted
to Leelavati. He is under treatment," Bachchan's secretary
Sunil Doshi said.

Bachchan underwent a surgery on November 30, 2005 for
abdominal infection `Diverticulosis' at the Leelavati
hospital.
Earlier in 1982, he had undergone a major surgery
after the accident during a stunt sequence for 'Coolie'
following which he suffered from myasthenia gravis, an ailment
of muscle weakness.

"I am doing fine," Bachchan was quoted as saying by
visitors who enquired about his health.

Among those who called on the ailing actor were
filmmaker Ravi Chopra and Susan Roshan, wife of actor Hrithik
Roshan.

A large number of fans and media persons gathered
outside the hospital anxiously waiting to know about the well
being of the legendary actor.

Doshi said friends and family were praying for
Bachchan's wellbeing. "At this point of time we are focusing
attention for his speedy recovery," he said.

Earlier at Nanavati hospital, X-rays of stomach and
lungs were taken and later in the day at Lilavati further
tests and examinations were conducted.

Over the years, the Bollywood legend has been coming
out of his house especially to greet fans on his birthday.

It has been a busy year for the Big B with releases
like 'Sarkar Raj', 'God Tussi Great Ho', 'Bhootnath'
and 'The Last Lear' as well as "The Unforgettable" world tour.

But, the highlight was Bachchan hitting the cyberspace
with his blog which is keenly followed by fans.