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

(Eds: Adding Abhishek Bachchan tweet, quotes) Mumbai, Jul 11 () 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 .

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.

Within minutes of Amitabh's post, the get well soon wishes began pouring in, flooding Twitter and other social media platforms.

Fans and his colleagues from the film industry posted their best wishes for the star, one of India's most loved and best known actors. "Get well soon sir," said veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty.

"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.

Amitabh has been active on social media through the lockdown, which began on March 25 to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

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. He has also been sharing throwback pictures with family and friends, motivational quotes, anecdotes about his cinema journey and celebrating anniversaries of his various films.

He was last seen in Shoojit Sircar's "Gulabo Sitabo", which released on streaming platform Amazon Prime Video last month. KKP/JUR SHD BK MIN

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