“Sonia Gandhi called on the actor at the hospital today,” a hospital spokesperson confirmed. She visited the 86-year-old actor and his family and stayed for a short while. “Dilip saab was visibly exited and said it was very gracious of her to come. Mrs Gandhi wished for his fast recovery,” said Dr Jalil Parker of the 10-minute brief interaction.

On the visit, Dlip Kumar’s wife Saira Banu said,” she asked Dilipji, Kaisi Tabiet hai?”

“It was very sweet of her to come,” Saira Banu said and added, “Soniaji is a warm and affectionate person and Dilipji has had very strong ties with the Gandhi family for ages. We often meet her in Delhi.”

Dilip Kumar, under treatment for malaria and suspected dengue, is recovering.