Dilip Kumar stable, but not out of danger: Doctor

Mumbai: Legendary actor Dilip Kumar is stable and has improved since his admission to hospital but is not yet out of danger, his doctor said on Saturday.

"Dilip sahab's condition is stable since the time of admission... hasn't deteriorated but is slightly better. Multiple investigations have been conducted, and we have roped in the concerned consultants. We have taken a consensual decision as regards to the investigations and the modality of treatment. Some specialised tests are still left, which we are doing. We will keep a close watch on him for the next 48 hours or so," said Jalil Parkar, outside Lilavati Hospital, where Dilip Kumar has been admitted.

He also said that the 93-year-old actor had infection in his lungs, fever and had experienced a few bouts of vomiting, but was conscious and was having food.

Dilip Kumar was suffering from pneumonia as well but his breathing condition had improved.

"We can't say he's out of danger right now, we have to see for at least two more days, right now there is no need for an ICU for him, we have kept him in close observation. We can't say about discharge, we'll decide after 72 hours of observation," he added.

Dilip Kumar was admitted to the hospital late on Friday, and his wife Saira Banu had earlier announced that his condition is stable and he is recovering well.

Saira took to the actor's official Twitter account to quash reports that Dilip Kumar is in ICU.

She issued a statement which read: "Dilip Sahab 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 a hospital. He is recovering well and is stable by the grace of God and the care of the doctors treating him. He is in a room and in the hospital and not in the ICU as spread by rumours."

Born in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, Dilip Kumar, whose real name is Yusuf Khan, entered the Indian film industry in the black-and-white era and became a name to reckon with in the 1950s and 1960s.

Apart from films like "Aan", "Daag", "Madhumati", "Paigham", "Leader" and "Ram Aur Shyam", his cinematic gems range from the tragic story of "Devdas", the historical love saga "Mughal-E-Azam" to the dacoit drama "Ganga Jamuna".

After working for about six decades, he stepped away from the arclights in 1998. His last movie was "Qila".

Dilip Kumar was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honour, in 2015.