Bollywood's biggest star Amitabh Bachchan underwent abdominal surgery on Saturday and was recovering well in a Mumbai hospital, his son said.

The 69-year-old actor has a history of stomach ailments following an intestinal injury he suffered while filming a movie in 1982.

His son, Abhishek Bachchan, said the surgery went well and his father was resting. He tweeted thanks to Bachchan's fans for their prayers and get well wishes.

Affectionately known as "Big B," Amitabh Bachchan has acted in around 180 films in a career spanning four decades in Bollywood, the home of India's prolific movie industry.

In 1982, when Bachchan was injured on the set of his Hindi film "Coolie," or 'The Porter," thousands of fans across the country prayed for his recovery. Two even committed suicide, hoping to trade their deaths for his life.

Over the last decade, Bachchan has endorsed a slew of products — from hair oil to high-end clothing.

He has also had a successful run as the host of "Kaun Banega Crorepati," India's version of the hit television show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire."