Veteran Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar was hospitalised on Saturday in Mumbai after he complained of respiratory problems.

According to doctors treating him at Lilavati Hospital, the next 72 hours are crucial for the 90-year-old thespian who is suffering from pneumonia.

"He is under observation. We are keeping a close watch. He might have to be shifted to the ICU. It takes time for a patient to respond to the treatment in the same way as it takes three hours for the food to digest," Dr Jalil Parkar of the hospital told the media.

In a statement, his wife and actress Saira Banu said "He is recovering well and is stable by the grace of God and the care of doctors treating him."

Dilip Kumar has had a successful career in Bollywood films, spanning six decades, and is better known as the tragedy king of the film industry. He was last featured in a 1998 film, Qila.