Reputed Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal, who rose to fame in Tamil through Suriya starred 'Soorarai Pottru', has on Friday said that he has tested positive for the COVID-19 viral infection. The development has come two weeks after he received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and when some of the celebrities are contracting the viral infection. 

The 65-year-old actor had shared the news on social media and requested those who came in close contact with him to get tested. Taking to Twitter, Rawal said, "Unfortunately, I have tested positive for COVID-19. All those that have come in contact with me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested". According to reports close to the development, the actor has placed himself under home quarantine. 

Paresh Rawal had got inoculated with the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on March 9, a week after India unveiled the second phase of its mega vaccination drive in which the Central government had encouraged the people above 60 years and people above 45 years with specific comorbidities to get vaccinated against the viral infection. As part of the second phase, Rawal took the vaccine and he had posted a picture of himself on social media, and flashed the victory sign at a vaccine center. 

In his post, he had thanked doctors, frontline workers, scientists, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the vaccination programme. However, two weeks after getting vaccinated, Paresh Rawal has on Friday announced that he had contracted the viral infection, which had shocked his fans and fraternities. While India has been bracing up the sharp surge in COVID-19 cases, the country has been witnessing several celebrities getting tested positive for the viral infection in the past few days. 

Earlier this Wednesday, Bollywood star Aamir Khan had tested positive for the viral infection and actor Madhavan had confirmed on Thursday that he had contracted the novel coronavirus. In a shocking development, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has on Saturday said that he has tested positive for the pandemic and he has been observing home quarantine. The Master blaster asserted that all others in his family had tested negative. 

In a statement that he released on Saturday on social media, Sachin said, "I have been testing myself and taking all the recommended precautions to ensure COVID is kept at bay. However, I have tested positive today following mild symptoms. All others at home have tested negative. I have quarantined myself at home and am following all the necessary protocols as advised by my doctors". 

"I want to thank all the healthcare professionals who are supporting me and many others across the country. Take care all of you", the 47-year-old retired cricketer added. Paresh Rawal has risen to popularity in the Tamil cinema industry by playing antagonist to Suriya in 'Soorarai Pottru', which was a blockbuster hit. Rawal was also a former BJP MP in Lok Sabha. It must be noted that as part of the second phase of the vaccination drive, Prime Minister Modi and several leaders had received the vaccine for COVID-19. 

Unfortunately, I have tested positive for COVID-19. All those that have come in contact with me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested.

— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) March 26, 2021