Rajinikanth "Progressing Well, Decision Tomorrow On Discharge": Hospital

Actor-politician Rajinikanth, who was admitted to a hospital in Hyderabad on Friday over "severe fluctuations" in his blood pressure, is "progressing well", a medical bulletin said this morning. Based on his test results and his blood pressure, doctors will take a call tomorrow on his discharge.

The 70-year-old megastar was in Hyderabad for his film "Annathe" but the shoot was cancelled earlier this week after four members of the crew tested positive for coronavirus. Rajinikanth had tested negative for Covid on Tuesday, Apollo Hyderabad said. 

"Rajinikanth who was admitted yesterday is progressing well. He had an uneventful night and his blood pressure is still on the higher side although under better control than yesterday. His investigations have not revealed anything alarming so far. He is scheduled for a further set of investigations today, reports of which will be available by today evening," this morning's statement by the Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, read. 

He has been advised "complete rest" and "visitors are not being allowed to meet him," it further added. A decision on his discharge will be taken by the evening, as per the statement.

Later in the evening, the hospital said, "Mr Rajinikanth is stable. Reports of some of the investigations done today have come and there is nothing alarming. A few more reports are awaited. Based on the reports of remaining investigations and his blood pressure status overnight a call will be taken tomorrow morning on his discharge from the hospital."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami today spoke to the 70-year-old superstar on phone and wished him quick recovery. 

His fans and admirers are hoping that the next week's highly-anticipated event when he is scheduled to announce the launch date of his new political party won't be cancelled. The December 31 event comes just months ahead of the Tamil Nadu election. 

For 25 years, his political plunge had been a matter of speculation but despite weighing in on various subjects, he stayed away from active politics. 

Yesterday, actor-politician Kamal Haasan wished him a speedy recovery.  "Wishes for Rajinikanth's speedy recovery," the 66-year-old actor tweeted in Tamil.

Mr Haasan, whose Makkal Needhi Maiam will face its first assembly election, had expressed his willingness to work with Rajinikanth earlier this month, hinting at a possible alliance.

Tamil Nadu will vote to elect its next government in May.