Bachchan returns to work after illness

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan returned to work Friday, nearly a month after leaving hospital following treatment for a stomach complaint.

The 66-year-old star, who holds iconic status for Indian film fans around the world, wrote on his personal web site that he was back in front of the cameras at a five-star hotel shooting an advertisement.

"It's wonderful to be back in front of the camera but quite honestly I was rather enjoying the rest days. Nothing to do, no schedules and timings to rush to, no compulsions...just lying back and taking my own time over it," he said.

"Ah! Well can't have everything in life your way."

"The Big B" was taken to hospital near his home in Mumbai on his 66th birthday and underwent treatment for nearly a week, sparking concern among his legions of fans and calls for him to ease up on his punishing workload.

He has previously had bowel surgery following a life-threatening stomach injury sustained during the shooting of the 1982 film "Coolie".