Amitabh Bachchan, son Abhishek test positive for COVID-19, hospitalised

Mumbai: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan on Saturday said they had tested positive for COVID-19 and been admitted to a city hospital.

The Bachchans, who are at Nanavati Hospital, shared their health update on Twitter.

Abhishek said both his father and he had had mild symptoms and requested everybody to be calm and not panic.

While Amitabh is 77, Abhishek is 44 years old.

I have tested COVID positive. Shifted to Hospital. Hospital informing authorities, family and staff undergone tests, results awaited, Amitabh tweeted. "All that have been in close proximity to me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested, he added.

He has been moved to the isolation ward of the hospital, Nanavati Hospital sources told PTI.

Soon after his father posted his tweet, quelling speculation about his health, Abhishek also 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," Abhishek tweeted.

"The BMC has been in touch and we are complying with them," he added.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said both Amitabh and Abhishek underwent rapid antigen test.

"Amitabh Bachchan ji and Abhishek had mild symptoms. They had cough and fever. They underwent rapid antigen test and (result) came positive. Since he (Amitabh) is co-morbid he has got himself admitted to the hospital. They both are normal. Their test was conducted today at the Nanavati hospital," the minister told PTI.

According to Tope, the complete Bachchan clan, including veteran actor Jaya Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, have underwent swab test for COVID-19.

Swab test have been taken of all the other family members, including Jaya ji and Aishwarya ji. Their reports are awaited. They have undergone RTPCR test and their reports will come tomorrow, he said.

The minister wished both the actors quick recovery.

The Bachchan family lives in Mumbai which is one of the worst COVID-19 hit cities in the country recording 91,745 cases and 5,244 deaths so far. The figures are second only to Delhi.

Amitabh was last seen in director Shoojit Sircar’s Gulabo Sitabo, alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. The film premiered on Amazon Prime as the COVID-19 induced lockdown prevented it from getting a theatre release.

The actor, who was roped in by the government in March to help spread awareness about the pandemic, has been frequently posting on Twitter and Instagram as well as his blog, sharing advice on a range of issues.

According to a PTI tally taken at 9:25pm on Saturday, Maharashtra has reported 2,46,600 COVID-19 cases and 10,116 deaths.

In Mumbai, COVID test can be done at private facilities as well and no prescription is needed for the same.

Wishes poured in for the speedy recovery of the legendary actor Amitabh from the film and political circles.

Malayalam star Mammootty and his actor son Dulquer Salman were among the first to wish “Get well soon” to the senior Bachchan.

Take care sir. Love you. Awaiting your tweet when you say you're fine & going back home, wrote filmmaker Kunal Kohli.

Actor Bipasha Basu said she was praying for his speedy recovery. South superstar Mahesh Babu and Dulquer Salmaan as well as actors Pankaj Tripathi, Nimrat Kaur, Rahkummar Rao and director Hansal Mehta were among those who sent him their wishes.

Get well soon Amit uncle. All my love and prayers, actor Sonam Kapoor replied on his tweet.

Southern stars Dhanush, Vikram Prabhu and Priyamani also prayed for his recovery among other celebs.