Every year hundreds of Bachchan's loyal fans assemble outside his Juhu bungalow, Prateeksha on his birthday to catch a glimpse of him.
But this time the assembled fans were in for a disappointment as though they caught a glimpse of him at around 12:30pm but it was of him being taken to the nearby Nanavati Hospital.
Following a few check ups he was transferred to Bandra's Leelavati Hospital. There was major media frenzy as reporters and photographers kept following Big B's ambulance right from Nanavati to Leelavati Hospital. Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya and close friend, Amar Singh accompanied Big B.
Abhishek and Aishwarya were scheduled to leave for Kerala on Sunday morning for a long shoot of Mani Ratnam's Raavan. Therefore Big B's birthday this year was planned to be celebrated at his home itself. But it was not meant to be.
Speaking to media outside Leelavati Hospital, Abhishek said, "My father has not been keeping well since Friday night. But right now he is stable as he has been responding well to the medication given to him by the doctors. He will be kept in the hospital for at least 72 hours now.
Bachchan Sr. has been presently busy with the shooting of Teen Patti, Alladdin and Johnny Mastana. Ritesh Deshmukh his Alladdin co-star told us, "I wish a speedy recovery for Mr. Bachchan. It is sad to see him spend his birthday on a hospital bed."
Govinda said, "He is great fighter and he will fight back through this successfully. I pray to GOD that he blesses Bachchansaab with good health."
Sujoy Ghosh, director of Alladdin said, "I am not worried about my film. It is almost complete. But what is more important presently is him (Amitabh Bachchan) getting back to best of his health.
Filmmaker Ravi Chopra (Baghbaan, Baabul) was amongst the first to rush to be beside Big B at Nanavati Hospital told us, "Along with me I am sure the whole nation is praying for his good health. He has the blessings and good wishes of crores of his fans with him. He will hopefully be fine soon."
One can recollect that in November 2005, Bachchan had spent three weeks, including one in intensive care, at the Lilavati Hospital after bowel surgery.