Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan on Saturday said they have tested positive for coronavirus and have been taken to a hospital. The 77-year-old is asymptomatic and stable, said Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope.
"I have tested CoviD positive .. shifted to Hospital .. hospital informing authorities .. family and staff undergone tests , results awaited .. All that have been in close proximity to me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested !t," Amitabh Bachchan tweeted.
His son actor-producer Abhishek Bachchan tweeted:
“Earlier today both my father and I tested positive for COVID 19. Both of us having mild symptoms have been admitted to hospital. We havew informed all the required authorities and our family and staff are all being tested. I request all to stay calm and not panic. Thank you.”
Amitabh Bachchan lives in Mumbai, which has been one of the worst hit cities by the deadly respiratory disease in India, recording 91,745 cases and 5,244 deaths so far, second only to Delhi.
The legendary actor is at the Respiratory Isolation Unit at the Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. Doctors told he is responding well to treatment.
Affectionately known as "Big B", Mr Bachchan shot to stardom in the early 1970s on the back of roles in huge hit movies such as Zanjeer and Sholay.
His films still open to packed cinemas across India, but his new movie -- comedy-drama Gulabo Sitabo -- was released on Amazon's streaming service due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Bollywood recently resumed film shoots after a months-long hiatus following the imposition of a nationwide lockdown in India in late March.
But actors over the age of 65, such as Mr Bachchan, are banned from set due to their vulnerability to the virus. —NDTV