Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has been discharged from hospital, three weeks after being admitted with "mild" Covid-19 symptoms.
"I have tested Covid negative, have been discharged," the actor, 77, on Sunday, August 2. "I am back home in solitary quarantine. Grace of the Almighty, blessings of Ma Babuji, prayers and duas of near and dear friends and fans ... and the excellent care and nursing at Nanavati made it possible for me to see this day."
Bachchan's actor son Abishek, who was admitted at the same time, will remain in hospital.daughter-in-law – actress and former Miss World Aishwarya – and granddaughter Aaradhya, were discharged last week.
They were among the most high-profile cases in India, which has recorded more than 1.8 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
"I am back home. I will have to be in solitary quarantine in my room," Bachchan added on Instagram.
At the time he was admitted to hospital, he said he had mild symptoms.
Bachchan's discharge came as Home Minister Amit Shah said he had tested positive for the virus.
"On getting initial symptoms of coronavirus, I got myself tested and my report is positive," Shah, 55, tweeted.
"My health is fine, but on the advice of doctors I'm getting myself admitted to a hospital."
Shah – the first national government Cabinet minister to test positive – called on everyone who was in contact with him over the past two days to get tested and isolate.
Fans celebrate Big B's recovery
Screen legend Bachchan, affectionately known as "Big B", has worked for more than half a century in the film industry.
His discharge from hospital was cheered by his legion of fervent fans.
Hundreds of them gathered at the Amitabh Bachchan Temple in Kolkata on Sunday. It was built by his fans in the city in 2001 and has a life-sized statue of the celebrity.
Bachchan's son, Abishek, 44, also celebrated his father's release from hospital.
"My father, thankfully, has tested negative on his latest Covid-19 test and has been discharged from the hospital," he posted on Twitter on Sunday, August 2. "He will now be at home and rest. Thank you all for all your prayers and wishes for him."
Abishek confirmed that he would remain in hospital for the time being.
"I, unfortunately due to some comorbidities, remain Covid-19 positive and remain in hospital," he added. "Again, thank you all for your continued wishes and prayers for my family. Very humbled and indebted."
The actor also vowed to beat Covid-19 and "come back healthier".
