EXCLUSIVE: Big B taken to hospital(pics)

The veteran, who wanted his birthday to be a low-key affair, had to be admitted to hospital after complaining of abdominal pain and breathlessness

Amitabh Bachchan, who ushered in his 66th birthday on Saturday, was rushed to Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, around noon, after he complained of abdominal pain and breathlessness. He was later shifted to Lilavati Hospital, Bandra, where he has been kept under observation for at least 48 hours, said sources at the hospital.

"He has a history of abdominal pain, which has been relieved by medicines. The cause of pain is being investigated by a team of doctors," said a spokesperson for the hospital. Bachchan had been uneasy since Friday night and his condition was stable, he added.

The Bachchan family — wife Jaya, daughter Shweta Nanda, son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya —were present at the hospital all day. Bachchan wanted to keep his birthday a low-key affair due to the demise of his mother Teji Bachchan less than a year ago.

On Saturday morning, the family called for a private emergency medical care van and the actor was rushed to Nanavati Hospital, which is closest to his Juhu residence. "He was brought as an outpatient by his family physician and underwent a preliminary medical examination," revealed Dr A. Hatolkar, medical superintendent, Nanavati Hospital. "The hospital was not informed about his visit. He came to the hospital's radiology department for an abdominal CT scan, after which the Bachchan family physician rushed him to Lilavati Hospital for further treatment," Hatolkar added.

While coming out of Nanavati Hospital, a frail-looking Bachchan senior clad in a woollen cap and shawl, refused to take a wheelchair, and instead walked to the ambulance, flanked by his son and daughter-in-law. Currently, he is in a suite on the 11th floor of Lilavati Hospital and has been admitted under the care of Dr Jayant Barve, family physician of the Bachchans, and a medical team.

The official statement released by the hospital at 8 pm on Saturday said "Bachchan had already undergone blood investigation and CT scan on the abdomen. The medical reports will be available on Sunday morning. Further treatment will be decided based on the report."

Close friend and confidante, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh, industrialists Anil Ambani and Ness Wadia and actor Hrithik Roshan's wife Suzanne Khan visited the hospital.