Dilip Kumar out of danger, to be under observation

Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who has been admitted to hospital due to respiratory problems, has been declared “out of danger” but will be kept under observation for 72 hours. His family has also refuted rumours that Kumar is being kept in the ICU.

Kumar had fever on Friday and vomited a couple of times, which led to dehydration. But considering the age of the 93-year-old actor, doctors advised admitting him to a hospital. He was then taken to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra early on Saturday around 2.30 am.

“He is stable now and will be discharged soon. Cardiologist, nephrologist, neurologist and gastroenterologist have checked on him. The next two days would be crucial for him. If his condition doesn’t improve, he would be shifted to ICU,” Dr Jalil Parkar of Lilavati Hospital said.

Kumar’s wife Saira Banu and other members are with him at the hospital. Banu tweeted: “Dilip Sahab was admitted to Lilavati Hospital for treatment of high fever and chest infection on April 15 night. He was advised intravenous administration of antibiotics for speedy recovery. Oral drugs would not act as fast as the IV injections, the doctors advised. Hence it became necessary to shift him to a hospital.”

He is recovering well and is stable by the grace of God and the care of the doctors treating him. He is in a room and in the hospital and not in the ICU as spread by rumours.”

Kumar’s career spans six decades, in which he has played leading roles in several popular films, like Mughal-e-Azam, Ganga Jamuna, Ram Aur Shyam and Karma. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994 for his contribution to Indian cinema.