BIG STORY
Bachchan stars among those infected
India’s leading actor Amitabh Bachchan used the social media late on Saturday to announce he is COVID-19 positive.
His actor-son Abhishek tweeted he too had tested positive. Rumours began around 9.30pm about Bachchan being admitted to Nanavati Hospital, which is close to his Juhu home. While Nanavati is now mainly a COVID-19 hospital, Bachchan has been visiting it over the years for his routine checkups; his family doctor is a consultant in the hospital.
“I have tested COVID positive ... shifted to Hospital... hospital informing authorities... family and staff undergone tests, results awaited…,” read Bachchan’s tweet at 10.52 pm. Amitabh Bachchan has requested ‘all that have been in close proximity to me in the last 10 days’ to get themselves tested for the viral fever. Abhishek too announced his COVIDpositive status via a tweet.
“Earlier today both my father and I tested positive for COVID-19,” he tweeted. He said both have mild symptoms and were in hospital. “We have informed all the required authorities and our family and staff are being tested. I request all to stay calm and not panic,” he added.
Amitabh, whose various hospitalisations in July 1982 and December 2005 have been closely followed by his fans, has been vocal about his ailments, including tuberculosis and Hepatitis B. On Saturday, Nanavati Hospital spokesperson confirmed that Bachchan got admitted late in the evening. “He is undergoing a series of tests,” he said. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the actor is asymptomatic and stable. Former cricketer Chetan Chauhan, now a politician, has also tested positive for COVID-19, according to reports. He was tested last Friday.