Hrishikesh Mukherjee responding to treatment

Mumbai, June 7 (UNI) Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who was admitted to the Leelavati hospital here on Saturday, is responding to treatment.

Hospital spokesperson told UNI that Mr Mukherjee was better since the time he was admitted and was responding to the treatment. ''He is still in ICU and on ventilator. It is still early to take any decision,'' the spokesperson added.

Actor-director Anupam Kher visited the hospital today to enquire about Hrishida's health. So far Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Gulzar, Raza Murad have visited the ailing director to enquire about his well-being.

The 83-year-old legendary filmmaker is on ventilator and is suffering from pneumonia. Hrishida, as he is fondly called, was detected with chronic failure last year and has been undergoing dialysis since then.

A multi-faceted personality, Mukherjee has been an ace editor, writer, director and producer during the peak of his career. He came to Mumbai in 1951 and joined Bimal Roy as an assistant. Later, he won the President's medal for 'Anuradha'.

Some of his best known works include 'Guddi', 'Namak Haram', 'Milee', 'Golmaa', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Khoobsurat', 'Asli Naqli', 'Ashirwad' and 'Anand'.

He was also the chairman of Central Board of Film Certification and National Film Development Corporation.

UNI MR KU AK PC1810