Coronavirus update: Veteran actor Kiran Kumar tests positive for COVID-19

Veteran actor Kiran Kumar has tested positive for the COVID-19 illness caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and is currently quarantined at home.

The 74-year-old tested positive when he went to a hospital to undergo a minor medical procedure.

Kiran Kumar told the Press Trust of India news agency: "I am asymptomatic. On 14 May, I went to the hospital for a medical check-up, where the COVID-19 test was mandatory. So I got myself tested and the result was positive. But I had no symptoms then, nor do I have any now. There is no fever, no cough. I am fine and have quarantined myself at home."

The popular screen villain of the 1980s and 1990s added, "I will get tested again on 26 or 27 May. Since the test results, I am staying on the third floor of my residence. My family lives on the second floor."

Kiran Kumar, son of Jeevan, a popular villain and character actor of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, was part of films like Tezaab (1988), Aaj Ka Arjun (1990), Patthar Ke Phool (1991), Khuda Gawah (1992), Dhadkan (2000), LOC: Kargil (2003), Bobby Jasoos (2014) and Brothers (2015).

The total number of COVID-19 cases in India rose to 1,38,845 on Monday. Of these, 77,103 are active, while 57,720 patients have been discharged. The death toll stands at 4,021.