CHENNAI, Nov 23: South Indian superstar Kamal Haasan (67) was hospitalised in the city with covid on Monday. He contracted the viral infection following a visit to the US, where the infection is still raging even as elsewhere all it has declined to almost the bottom level, primarily due to the reckless behaviour of the public there in violation of the covid protocol, incensed as always by a false sense freedom.

The condition of the actor-turned-politician is stable, the Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, where he is admitted, said on Monday evening.

A statement issued by Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre read, “Sri Kamal Haasan is admitted in SRMC for the complaints of lower respiratory tract infection and fever. He was tested COVID positive. He is on medical management and his condition is stable”.

"I had mild cough following my return from the USA. When I tested, the coronavirus infection was confirmed. I have isolated myself in hospital. Everyone should be on guard realising that the COVID-19 spread has not faded," Haasan said in a tweet in Tamil.

Haasan had gone to the US for the launch of his clothing brand, House of Khaddar, in Chicago. On return last week he returned to the sets of Bigg Boss Tamil to host the weekend episodes and met the contestants and the audience. He did not show any symptoms then. He is vaccinated. He turned 67 on November 7.

Haasan was also to resume the final phase of the shooting for his upcoming 'Vikram' directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil.

'Vikram' is said to be an action thriller written and directed by Lokesh with music by Anirudh Ravichander. The star cast also includes Arjun Das, Kalidas Jayaram, Narain, Shivani and Myna Nandhini, among others.