The Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre (SRMC) at Porur was thronged by anxious fans, journalists and television crews since Thursday morning after the media carried reports that Superstar Rajinikanth was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit.

The relief came in the afternoon, after Rajini’s wife Latha, son-in-law Dhanush and chief cardiologist Dr S Thanikachalam spoke to the media and allayed fears on the Superstar’s health condition.

“Rajini is cheerful today. He is responding well to the treatment. He ate idly and vadai and is in good spirits, cracking jokes in the ICU. We will be moving him to the ward as soon at the earliest,” the doctor said.

Explaining as to why her husband was shifted to the ICU, Latha said, “The ICU is a sterile area and it is very safe when compared to an ordinary ward. He was moved to ICU only to give him more protection and proper treatment.”

Meanwhile, the hospital confirmed that the actor’s condition necessitated advanced treatment, including haemodialysis. “He is doing well now,” SRMC further stated.