Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan undergo treatment at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai (File)
Kolkata:
Amitabh Bachchan fans in Kolkata organized “mahamritunjay yagna“, which they say will continue until the Bollywood superstar and his family recover from COVID-19.
The prayers, which take place 24 hours a day since Sunday morning, were originally planned at the “temple” dedicated to Bachchan in the Bondel Gate district of the city, but had to be moved due to waterlogging, following the rains incessant.
“We will continue yagna until everyone in the Bachchan family recovers, which we know is a matter of a few days, “said Sanjoy Patodia of the Amitabh Bachchan Fan Association.
“We originally planned”yagna“at the temple of”Shahenshah“(King of kings) of the Indian film industry, but due to the rains and the waterlogging, we organize the rituals in my apartment, located next to the temple,” he added.
Amitabh Bachchan (77) and her son, actor Abhishek Bachchan (44), are on treatment at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai after being tested positive for COVID-19, which they revealed on Twitter on July 11 .
Abhishek’s wife, actor Aishwarya (46), and their eight-year-old daughter Aaradhya also tested positive for COVID-19 the next day, but they “self-quarantine at home “.
A great superstar idol adorns the “temple”, which was built in 2001. He also has a collection of outfits, shoes and glasses that Bachchan has used in various films.
Gifted to association by the actor himself over the years, all items are loved every day without exception, even during the coronavirus epidemic. A “specially composed Amitabh” Chalisa“is recited by fans with”aarti“of the idol.
“However, we have not allowed visitors to the temple since the lockdown started.”yagna“is also attended by a limited number of fans,” said Patodia.
The association celebrates August 2, the day that Bachchan regained a second life after being seriously injured on the sets of his film “Coolie” 37 years ago, in a big way and also has big plans for this year.
“We all regard August 2 as the second anniversary of Mister Bachchan. This year, we intend to celebrate the day in a grand manner by respecting all standards of social distancing. Those who will not be allowed inside the temple will be able to see the celebrations on the Internet, “he said.
Patodia said he was touched when Bachchan texted him to inquire about their well-being after Hurricane Amphan hit the city.
“Mr. Bachchan and his family are aware of our love and respect. He, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaya-ji and Aishwarya-ji know us. He also asked us to pay attention to the aftermath of the coronavirus epidemic, “he said.
