By Horrors from the past came back to haunt superstar Amitabh Bachchan who did rounds at suburban hospitals on the morning of his 66th birthday.

While doctors at Lilavati Hospital where the star is currently admitted say that Bachchan may be suffering from diverticulitis (see box), conflicting reports in the media have said that the actor may be suffering from an incisional hernia. Bachchan was previously treated for diverticulitis in 2005 and had suffered massive injury to his intestine during the filming of Coolie in 1982.

According to those close to him, Bachchan's recurring illness is more than indication that he should take a step back on his numerous commitments. "The last time this happened was also because he had exhausted himself.

This time too he's just returned from a world tour, and is working on more than one movie at the moment. He needs to take it easy," said a family friend.

Bachchan is currently working on movies Shoebite, Aladin and Teen Patti and in addition to these, there are plans for the Unforgettable Tour in India. He has also spoken about movie commitments to directors Ravi Chopra, Raykesh Mehra and Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi.

MiD DAY earlier reported (Bachchan burnt-out, March 27, 2006) that following his surgery in 2005, Bachchan had resumed work in the third week of March 2006 for his makeup man Deepak Sawant's movie Ganga. At the time, Bachchan had shot 27 scenes in three days for Ganga, started work on Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and was shooting a Reid & Taylor advertisement. He landed up with pain in his abdomen and was rushed to his residence for the same and advised rest.

According to Bachchan's neighbour, the star was conspicuous because he did not take his routine morning walk on his garden. "I spoke to him last evening and he sounded perfectly fine then," said neighbour K V Satyamurthy. "However, when I called him on Saturday morning to wish him, he was unable to take any calls because he was confined to bed with stomach pains. He didn't even come out for his morning walk which he never misses."

Bachchan's pains led a secretary to call for an ambulance claiming it was an emergency case. Wajid Ansari, strategic head with Topsline told Sunday MiD DAY that the call was received at 12.20 pm. "The vehicle reached Bachchan's residence Prateeksha around five minutes later with a paramedical team," said Ansari. Bachchan was then rushed to Nanavati Hospital where an X-ray was taken. He complained of breathlessness and stomach pain.

Nanavati medical superintendent Dr Ashok Hatolkar confirmed that the star had been brought in to the hospital. "He was brought in for investigations but we are not allowed to comment further on his status as he is not our patient. He came in with his doctor Jayant Barve and has already left our hospital," said Hatolkar. When contacted, Barve refused to comment.

Bachchan was then taken to Lilavati, and is currently still there with his wife Jaya, daughter Shweta, his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya. Amar Singh also joined the entourage shortly after his admittance.

Bachchan has been admitted to room 1101 on the 11th floor for VVIPs the same room where his mother Teji Bachchan was admitted. "Bachchan wanted to walk to the X-ray room insisting that he was fine, but he was forced into a wheelchair by family and hospital staff," said a hospital staffer.

Dr J B Agarwal, the gastrointestinal surgeon who operated on Bachchan in 2005, said Bachchan would require a month and a half to recover if he underwent surgery. "Patients with recurring intestinal problems are advised to avoid getting constipated as this can prove harmful for their intestines. However I can't say anything for Bachchan since I'm not involved in his treatment this time."

Hospital officials have confirmed that Bachchan is suffering from abdominal pain, which has been relieved by medication. However the cause of this is still being investigated and reports will be available today morning (Sunday). Bachchan underwent blood test and a CT scan on his abdomen. A visibly calm Abhishek addressed the waiting media on Saturday evening saying that his father would remain under observation for 48 to 72 hours and thanked well wishers for their prayers.

What is diverticulitis?

According to a top gastroenterologist attached with Hiranandani Hospital, diverticulitis is a common problem affecting older patients wherein the walls of the large or small intestine weaken and an inflammation occurs. In most cases, patients receive outpatient treatment with antibiotics. Mildly serious cases require hospitalization with antibiotics and in severe cases, surgery is required. Patients are advised high fibre diets to prevent infections.

Panditji makes an appearance

This pandit apparently makes an appearance at Bachchan's house every year on the day of senior Bachchan's birthday. Yesterday (October 11) too he came at 11.30 am, only to find the Amitabh Bachchan being taken to Nanavati Hospital. Ram Shukla (39), pujari from Allahabad said, "When I reached Jalsa I was informed that he has been hospitalised. So I carried the books and other accessories along with me and met the family after reaching Lilavati." Shukla supposedly has been coming to Mumbai since the last 11 years to perform puja at Amitabh Bachchan's place.