Dilip Kumar 'Recovering Well,' Says Saira Banu

New Delhi: Screen legend Dilip Kumar was taken to hospital so that he could be treated intravenously and is 'recovering well,' said the actor's wife Saira Banu in a statement. Dilip saab was taken to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on April 16 after complaining of respiratory problems.

Sairaji's statement read: "Dilip Saab 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 the hospital. He is recovering well and is stable by the grace of god and the care of doctors treating him. He is in a room in the hospital and not in the ICU as spread by rumours." (Also Read: Dilip Kumar, 93, Hospitalised; Doctors Say Next 72 Hours 'Crucial')

Doctors have said that the next 72 hours are 'crucial.' "He is under observation. We are keeping a close watch. He might have to be shifted to the ICU. It takes time for a patient to respond to the treatment in the same way as it takes three hours for the food to digest." Dr Jalil Parkar told news agencies.

Dilip saab was taken to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra on Saturday around 2-2.30 am, hospital sources said.

Dr Parkar said that Dilip saab had fever and had vomited a few times. "He was suffering from pneumonia as well. His white blood cells had shot up. We thought it would be better to admit him to hospital."

Dilip Kumar was born Mohammad Yusuf Khan and his six-decade career is studded with acclaimed classics such as Madhumati, Devdas, Mughal-e-Azam, Ganga Jamuna, Ram Aur Shyam and Naya Daur. (Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan Says Dilip Kumar is the 'Pillar' of The Film Industry )

Dilip saab, who married actress Saira Banu in 1966, is well-known for playing tragic heroes in films like Andaz, Baabul, Mela, Deedar and Jogan. He was last seen in 1998 film Qila.

Dilip Kumar's many awards include the Padma Vibhushan, which he received in 2015. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1994. He was the first winner of the Filmfare Best Actor award - for 1956's Azaad - and shares the record for the most wins - eight - with Shah Rukh Khan. Dilip saab also received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement award in 1993.