MUMBAI - BOLLYWOOD icon Amitabh Bachchan left hospital on Friday, nearly a week after he was admitted complaining of stomach pains.

The 66-year-old star had been at the private Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai since his birthday last Saturday with what was thought to be complications from a previous hernia operation and abdominal injury.

Bachchan emerged from the clinic in mid-morning wearing a white suit and waved at waiting crowds, many of whom have kept a round-the-clock vigil to wish for his return to health.

He was then driven away by his actor son, Abhishek, an AFP photographer said.

There was no immediate word from the hospital. Medical staff have previously said Bachchan had been responding to treatment and tests had shown no cause for concern.

Bachchan told the Midday tabloid that he was 'better' and looking forward to going home.

Asked if he was in pain, he added: 'Life can never be completely painless. But I'm going home.'

'The Big B' spent three weeks at the same hospital in November 2005, including one in intensive care, after bowel surgery. In 1982 he suffered a severe stomach injury while shooting the film Coolie. -- AFP