Actor Amitabh Bachchan has often repeated that work is his tonic. But after his hospitalisation on Saturday many in Bollywood feel that his hectic work schedule may have affected his health. Bachchan celebrated his 66th birthday on Saturday.

Bachchan has not taken a break in two years, having as many as 16 releases in the period. After his hospitalization in 2005, the actor disciplined himself in terms of timing. But his commitment to work and the industry's working pattern has not really helped him, says an actor who has finished a film with Bachchan recently.

Bachchan returned from the two-month long tour and went straight on to the sets. Says a senior production head of a big banner, "He needs to cut down on work as this exertion seems to be definitely affecting his health. He is no longer the same Amitabh Bachchan we saw in the 70s, he is 66 years old and needs to take care of his health."

Romu Sippy, who has worked with Bachchan on films such as 'Satte Pe Satta', 'Chupke Chupke' and 'Bombay To Goa' is concerned. He says " There is definitely concern about his health and wish him a healthy life." Asked if Bachchan needs to slow down a bit, Sippy said, "He is capable of doing much more than what he is presently doing. Amitabh Bachchan knows best about himself and his health."

Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi, who has worked with Amitabh Bachchan on films like 'Family' and 'Khaki', does not buy the burnout theory. "I have seen the kind of energy he brings on to the set. Jis energy se work karte hain who hi unka tonic hain" says Santoshi.