Bangalore, Apr 11 (DHNS): Nearly 40 days after he was shifted to a Singapore hospital for treatment, actor and Housing Minister M H Ambarish returned to Bangalore on Friday, looking hale and hearty.

He was given a rousing welcome at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and at his JP Nagar residence by hundreds of fans, Congress supporters and well-wishers.

Ambarish, missing in action ever since the Lok Sabha elections were declared, announced that he would campaign in Mandya and ensure that the Congress retains the seat.

After landing at KIA, the actor emerged from Gate No 3 meant for VIPs and waved to the crowd gathered outside. Amid tight security, he accepted bouquets offered to him.

Clad in a white shirt and brown trousers, Ambarish was accompanied by his actor wife Sumalatha. Greeting the “Rebel Star” as he stepped out of his car were hordes of his fans. He was welcomed into the house with a traditional “arathi” performed by a group of women.

Earlier, in anticipation of his arrival, hoardings and banners carrying his images were put up in the locality. Euphoric fans even performed “abhisheka” by pouring milk on his flex pictures. Colourful “rangoli” patterns were drawn along the stretch leading to his house. His family had also prepared his favourite idlis and non-vegetarian delicacies.

Addressing his fans, Ambarish said, “I had to spend so many days at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore due to my own negligence. Had I got admitted to the hospital two to three days earlier, the situation would not have turned  grim. Thousands of people prayed for me and I am back.”