Kannada actor-cum-minister Ambareesh's health stable

Bangalore, Feb 23 (IANS) Kannada star and Karnataka Housing Minister M.H. Ambareesh is recovering from a breathing problem caused due to lung infection, a senior doctor at a private hospital here said Sunday.

"Ambareesh's health condition is stable and improving, though he is still on ventilator to help him breathe easily and avoid strain," Vikram Hospital's chief pulmonologist K.S. Satish told reporters here.

The 61-year-old was admitted to the hospital late Friday after he felt feverish and uneasy and complained of difficulty in breathing.

"Ambareesh's lungs were infected due to change of weather and less immunity level at his age. Diagnosis and tests showed he was unable to breathe normally due to respiratory problem. He was put on ventilator to support breathing and stabilise his condition," Satish said.

A 10-member team of doctors, including specialists, is monitoring the veteran actor round-the-clock and treating him.

"Ambareesh, under observation in the intensive care unit (ICU), is responding to medication and is better than he was Saturday. His vital organs are functioning normally and health parameters are improving," Satish noted.

The "Antha" actor will be in the ICU for the next 24 hours and will be shifted to ward Monday if he resumes breathing normally.

"He is on sedation to ensure total rest and faster response to medication through intravenous drip. He is on liquid diet and fed through Ryles tubes," said Satish.

Following reports about Ambareesh's ill-health and anxiety over his welfare in the fraternity, his actress-wife Sumalatha asserted that her husband was fine and there is no cause to worry unduly.

"Ambareesh is better and conscious. He is expressive and responding to treatment. I appeal to his fans not to spread false information about his health," Sumalatha said on the occasion.

Seeking privacy and space for her family to take care of Ambareesh, the actress assured the hundreds of fans thronging the hospital since Saturday that their annavaru (elder brother) would return home soon and appear before them.

Ambareesh's nephew Madan, who was at the hospital, also assured the fans across the state that their icon would return home early after recovering from breathing problem.

"We thank all his fans across the state for their well wishes, appreciate their concern for his welfare and join them in prayers for Ambareesh's good health," said Madan.

About 100 fans have, however, decided to stay put in front of the hospital till they see the star appear and leave only after he talks to them.

At his home town Mandya, about 100 km from here, special prayers and pujas (rituals) were conducted for Ambareesh's speedy recovery and long life with good health.