'Big B escaped life-threatening disease'

In the press release he read out on Wednesday, hospital vice-president Dr Narendra Trivedi said, "Bachchan's and his family's positive approach and attitude contributed to his smooth, speedy and satisfactory recovery."

What is puzzling, however, is the timing of the statement and the use of the words "life-threatening illness" by the hospital after repeatedly insisting Bachchan was "not serious".

While doctors treating Bachchan refused to comment if there were any complications that contributed to making his case life-threatening, reliable sources added that bronchial asthma, myasthenia gravis (a muscular disorder that causes weakness and fatigue) and delicate intestines sutured during his earlier surgery would have played a part.

Trivedi said the hospital made a statement on Wednesday because it was swamped by inquiries about the superstar's condition and date of discharge. As for the use of the term life-threatening, Trivedi told HT, "Jejunal perforations, if untreated, can be critical for anyone."

One of the doctors treating Bachchan was scheduled to address the media but he dropped out at the last moment following intense pressure from Bachchan's family, which wants to maintain complete secrecy on the superstar's health.

Speculation is still rife about when Bachchan will leave the hospital. Doctors have given him permission to go home but the family wants him to stay at Lilavati, where he will not be disturbed and doctors are easily accessible.