Dara Singh, 83, best known for his portrayal of Hanuman in Ramayan was rushed to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital around 5 pm on Saturday following a cardiac problem.

"Daraji has been suffering from nerve related disorder that has gradually made him rather weak over the years. Today, he suffered a stroke or a clot and is now critical. He will be kept under observation for at least 24 hours. Though he is being treated by great doctors, prayers are needed," his son Vindu Dara Singh told the media following the actor's hospitalisation.

Family, friends and fans are praying for the actor to recover at the earliest.

Last seen in Imtiaz Ali's 2007 hit Jab We Met, Dara became famous as the first ever action hero of Hindi cinema in the 1960's with films like King Kong, Faulad, Samson, Hercules, Tarzan Comes To Delhi and Sher Dil.

We wish him a speedy recovery.