Amitabh, Abhishek test positive for coronavirus, hospitalized

MUMBAI — 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, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope told NDTV.  “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!,” 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 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.”

Amitabh 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 NDTV he is responding well to treatment. “He is asymptomatic and stable,” Tope told NDTV.  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 Amitabh, are banned from set due to their vulnerability to the virus.  The news of Amitabh and Abhishek having tested positive for coronavirus evoked a wave of good wishes, all wishing them quick recovery.  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: “Extremely saddened to hear the news of Shri #AmitabhBachchan Ji testing COVID Positive. Praying for his strength & speedy recovery. @SrBachchan please get well soon!”  Industrialist Anand Mahindra wrote: “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.”  “Wishing and praying for @SrBachchan ji’s speedy recovery,” tweeted Samajdwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote: “Take care Amit ji. Praying for your good health and quick recovery.” — Agencies