Veteran actor Dilip Kumar was admitted to a private Mumbai's hospital with symptoms of Malaria.

The 86-year-old who has been dubbed 'the tragedy king' for his roles in many Bollywood classics is recovering at the Lilavati hospital.

A doctor at the hospital said: ''Dilip Kumar has been detected with falciparum malaria, but after taking anti-malarial medicine and antibiotics, his condition is stable now.''

Dilip Kumar's wife and former actress Saira Banu said: ''He is much better now, and we hope he will be discharged within 2-3 days''.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has also paid a visit to the actor, a member of India's upper house of parliament.

Gandhi, who came to the city for the inauguration ceremony headed straight for Lilavati immediately after the event.