Bachchan released from hospital
2005-12-17 12:04
Mumbai - Bollywood movie legend Amitabh Bachchan was released from a Mumbai hospital on Saturday after doctors said he made a good recovery from bowel surgery.
Bachchan, known as the "Big B," waved at the doorway to hundreds of fans who had gathered outside the building to catch a glimpse of him.
The fans chanted "Bachchan, Bachchan" as the 63-year-old actor emerged from Lilavati Hospital where he had spent 19 days.
Bachchan, who has a huge following in the movie-mad nation, was accompanied by his son Abishek Bachchan, a rising movie star, and his daughter Shweta, who is married with a family.
"After his operation, he showed a speedy recovery," said a doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The actor, the biggest name in Bollywood's constellation of stars, spent about a week in intensive care after being operated on November 30 for diverticulitis.
The ailment involves bulging pouches on the outside of the colon that can lead to infection and sometimes rupture.
Fans across India had gathered in groups to pray for the star who can be seen on any of India's televisions channels night or day, gyrating to one of the song-and-dance routines that have made him famous.
Doctors have said that after Bachchan's release from hospital, he will need more rest at home. Even when the star returns to work, he will have to slow down his frenetic pace, doctors say.
- AFP