Bollywood's Bachchan 'responding to treatment': doctors

Bollywood movie legend Amitabh Bachchan had a comfortable night in hospital and is responding to treatment after being admitted with stomach pains, doctors said Sunday.

The actor, accorded superstar status by Indians around the world, was taken for tests from his home in the upscale Juhu area of north Mumbai on his 66th birthday Saturday after complaining of feeling unwell.

His illness sparked widespread concern from fans and friends and he has been deluged with messages of support wishing him a speedy recovery.

The vice-president of the private Lilavati Hospital, Dr Narendra Trivedi, said in a statement that Bachchan had a "restful night", adding: "The doctors attending him are pleased with his recovery.

"The tests do not suggest any abnormality. Under the circumstances, medicines have worked. Within a few days, he should go home."

Bachchan's actor son, Abhishek, said late Saturday that his father had suffered an intenstinal blockage and had been told he would spend two to three days in hospital.

Unconfirmed reports said he had suffered an incisional hernia, where scar tissue from previous surgery fails to heal properly.

"The Big B" spent three weeks at the same hospital in November 2005, including one in intensive care, after bowel surgery. In 1982 he suffered a severe stomach injury while shooting the film "Coolie".

He is known for his prolific workload and is currently shooting three films. He has recently returned from a global stage tour with his family and is involved with the upcoming Live Earth India concert to fight climate change.