BollyParty

Film projects worth at least Rs 100 crore are riding on megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who was admitted to a hospital here after he complained of severe abdominal pain.

Bachchan, who was admitted to Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra yesterday on his 66th birthday, would be under observation for another 48-72 hours.

Megastar's son Abhishek had yesterday said that his father was responding well to medication. Bollywood was stunned to hear of Bachchan's sudden illness, who was shooting for Leena Yadav's 'Teen Patti', a Rs 25-25 crore film, at different locations in Mumbai till Friday.

Bachchan has completed shooting for Sujoy Ghosh's 'Aladdin', a Rs 35 crore film starring Ritiesh Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt in which he plays the role of a genie. The actor was also shooting recently for Sujit Sarkar's 'Shoebite', which has a budget of Rs 20 crore.

Besides, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Chenab Gandhi' and Chandraprakash Dwivedi's 'Kunal' were to go on floors soon. Trade sources said Bachchan's illness would affect shooting schedules of these films.

Trade analyst Amod Mehra said that more than a monetary loss, Bachchan's illness is a major setback to the industry as "he is an institute.... a living legend". The industry prays for his speedy recovery, he said.

Bachchan underwent blood investigation and a CT scan of the abdomen yesterday, reports of which are expected by this afternoon, a spokesperson for the actor said.

The Big B was also scheduled to participate in 'Live Earth' concert in December in Mumbai to create awareness about global warming and climate change. Bachchan, who had last posted comments on his blog on October 9, was eagerly looking forward to spending his birthday with his grandchildren who had come from Delhi.