Bollywood star Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, known professionally as Akshay Kumar, has been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai after testing positive for Covid-19, as the state where the Hindi film industry is based has found itself at the centre of a national second wave of infections.
According to reports, aside from Akshay Kumar, another 45 crew members from his new film Ram Setu have tested positive for the virus.
The actor took to Twitter to reassure his fans, writing: “Thank you, everyone, for all your warm wishes and prayers, they seem to be working.
“I am doing fine, but as a precautionary measure under medical advice, I have been hospitalised. I hope to be back home soon. Take care.”
The film’s shoot has therefore been suspended indefinitely while everyone, including the lead actor, takes time to recuperate.
Akshay Kumar first announced he had tested positive on Sunday. “Following all the protocols, I have immediately isolated myself,” he wrote at the time. “I’m under home quarantine and have sought necessary medical care. I would sincerely request all those that have come in contact with me to get themselves tested and take care. Back in action very soon.”