Former Censor Board chairman Vijay Anand suffered a massive heart attack last evening and was admitted to Leelavati hospital in Mumbai.

"The condition of the 71-year-old filmmaker is not yet stable," said Dr Narendra Trivedi, vice-president of the hospital.

 "His condition is still critical," Trivedi said. "This is Anand's second attack."

"Vijay had been admitted to another hospital and was brought here at 1:55 p.m. yesterday. His condition was critical. His pulse rate could not be recorded and his blood pressure was around 40. He was put on a life supporting system and had been put on a pace-maker," the doctor said.

Trivedi said Anand had been suggested a bypass surgery earlier, but the filmmaker had not undergone one so far.

"He had been feeling unwell 10 days ago and had seen another doctor. He had improved but his condition deteriorated yesterday and suffered a cardiac arrest," the doctor said.

"His condition will be closely monitored," Dr Trivedi said.