Amitabh Bachchan And His Son Abhishek Test Positive For COVID-19

Amitabh Bachchan, 77, 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.

Millions of Indians revere Mr. Bachchan like royalty, hanging on his every word, seeking his blessings and congregating outside his Mumbai bungalow every year on October 11, his birthday.

The dozen of Bollywood is a keen user of Twitter, where he has 4.3 crore followers, and his career has branched into television presenting, business, and politics, as well as countless commercial endorsements.

Early in his acting life, Mr. Bachchan earned his reputation as India’s “angry young man” for portraying violent heroes fighting an unjust system and injecting a new aggressive element into Bollywood movies, which had previously consisted of polite romances.

After some lean years, Mr. Bachchan bounced back spectacularly, largely due to his stint as host for the popular TV game show “Kaun Banega Crorepati?”, which revived his artistic and financial fortunes.

The legendary actor is at the Respiratory Isolation Unit at the Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai

“He is asymptomatic and stable,” Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said.

His son Abhishek Bachchan also has been admitted to a Mumbai hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus. The top-notch actors confirmed the news of their diagnosis on Twitter, with Abhishek informing that they have ‘mild symptoms’.

“Earlier today both my father and I tested positive for COVID 19. Both of us having mild symptoms have been admitted to the hospital. We have 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,” Abhishek wrote.

Earlier in the evening, the BIG B tweeted, “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 !”

According to sources at the hospital, The senior was experiencing breathlessness. On Saturday, around 10 pm, he was rushed to the hospital.

The actor was last seen in Shoojit Sarkar’s Gulabo Sitabo, which released on Amazon Prime. Two of his films, Jhund and Chehre are ready for release. He is also working in Ayan Mukherji’s Brahmastra along with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.

Amitabh Bachchan’s announcement prompted a wave of wishes from people wishing him a quick recovery.

“We’re all cheering for you. And you have nothing to worry about. There’s a vaccine you possess—it’s code-named the Big V—and it’s inbuilt & organic. Grows inside all those like you who are natural fighters,” industrialist Anand Mahindra jotted.

“Wishing and praying for @SrBachchan ji’s speedy recovery,” Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav tweeted.

“Take care, Amit Ji. Praying for your good health and quick recovery,” wrote cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

India’s nationwide coronavirus toll rose Saturday to 8,20,916 cases — the third highest in the world — with 22,123 deaths.

Health workers have complained about severe staff shortages, with some senior doctors and nurses avoiding frontlines because of their risk of catching the virus.

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