Film body seeks probe after insect bite leaves actor Rajesh Sharma ill on Fauji set
Actor Rajesh Sharma is undergoing treatment in Kolkata after his condition worsened following a suspected insect bite on the set of Prabhas's Fauji. As he remains under close medical supervision, AICWA has demanded a high-level probe into the incident and sought accountability from the makers.
Actor Rajesh Sharma is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kolkata after his condition reportedly turned critical following a suspected insect bite during the shoot of Prabhas-starrer Fauji at Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City. As concerns grow over the incident, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has called for an "immediate, impartial and transparent investigation" into the matter, demanding accountability and better safety measures for film workers.
In a statement shared on X, AICWA urged Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to order a high-level probe into the incident. The film workers' body also demanded that the film's producer bear the actor's medical expenses and sought strict legal action if any negligence is found during the investigation.
The statement, issued by AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, questioned whether proper emergency protocols were followed on the film set. The association raised several concerns, asking why Sharma was not immediately admitted to a leading hospital in Hyderabad if his condition had become so serious during the shoot.
It also questioned whether adequate emergency medical assistance was available on set, whether mandatory health and workplace safety protocols were followed, and what exactly transpired at the shooting location that caused the actor's condition to deteriorate so rapidly.
Calling for a detailed inquiry, the association stated, "The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) urges the Honourable Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Revanth Reddy, to order an immediate high-level investigation into the incident at the Fauji shooting set at Ramoji Film City. The investigation should determine the exact cause of actor Rajesh Sharma's medical emergency, examine whether all workplace safety, hygiene and emergency medical protocols were followed, and identify any negligence on the part of the producer, production house or any other responsible authority (sic)."
The body further said that if the investigation uncovers any lapse or negligence, strict legal action should be taken against everyone found responsible. It added that no individual or production house, regardless of the scale or budget of the film, should be exempt from accountability.
AICWA also urged the makers to bear the full cost of Sharma's medical treatment and ensure that he receives the best possible care until his complete recovery.
According to an official statement shared by actor Sudipa Chatterjee on social media on July 8, Sharma was bitten by what is suspected to have been a bug or a poisonous spider while shooting for Fauji at Ramoji Film City. The incident reportedly occurred after pack-up when the actor was interacting with local technicians in an area surrounded by dense vegetation.
Initially, the bite did not appear serious, and Sharma did not seek immediate medical attention. However, around six hours later, he began experiencing severe pain in his right leg and felt unwell. Despite his worsening condition, he boarded a flight to Kolkata.
During the journey, the actor developed a high fever, became increasingly restless and his condition deteriorated further. The following day, he was admitted to Manipal Hospital in Dhakuria, Kolkata.
Chatterjee's statement said Sharma remains in a critical condition and is not yet out of danger. He continues to suffer from high fever, breathlessness and a rapidly spreading infection in his right leg. The infection has reportedly spread from his toes to his knee, with large blisters developing over the affected area, while doctors continue to monitor him closely and carry out further investigations.
Rajesh Sharma is a celebrated actor who has worked extensively in Hindi and Bengali cinema. His filmography includes acclaimed titles such as Khosla Ka Ghosla, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, Chillar Party, The Dirty Picture, Special 26, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, India's Most Wanted and Bhooth Bangla.
Actor Rajesh Sharma is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kolkata after his condition reportedly turned critical following a suspected insect bite during the shoot of Prabhas-starrer Fauji at Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City. As concerns grow over the incident, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has called for an "immediate, impartial and transparent investigation" into the matter, demanding accountability and better safety measures for film workers.
In a statement shared on X, AICWA urged Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to order a high-level probe into the incident. The film workers' body also demanded that the film's producer bear the actor's medical expenses and sought strict legal action if any negligence is found during the investigation.
The statement, issued by AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, questioned whether proper emergency protocols were followed on the film set. The association raised several concerns, asking why Sharma was not immediately admitted to a leading hospital in Hyderabad if his condition had become so serious during the shoot.
It also questioned whether adequate emergency medical assistance was available on set, whether mandatory health and workplace safety protocols were followed, and what exactly transpired at the shooting location that caused the actor's condition to deteriorate so rapidly.
Calling for a detailed inquiry, the association stated, "The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) urges the Honourable Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Revanth Reddy, to order an immediate high-level investigation into the incident at the Fauji shooting set at Ramoji Film City. The investigation should determine the exact cause of actor Rajesh Sharma's medical emergency, examine whether all workplace safety, hygiene and emergency medical protocols were followed, and identify any negligence on the part of the producer, production house or any other responsible authority (sic)."
The body further said that if the investigation uncovers any lapse or negligence, strict legal action should be taken against everyone found responsible. It added that no individual or production house, regardless of the scale or budget of the film, should be exempt from accountability.
AICWA also urged the makers to bear the full cost of Sharma's medical treatment and ensure that he receives the best possible care until his complete recovery.
According to an official statement shared by actor Sudipa Chatterjee on social media on July 8, Sharma was bitten by what is suspected to have been a bug or a poisonous spider while shooting for Fauji at Ramoji Film City. The incident reportedly occurred after pack-up when the actor was interacting with local technicians in an area surrounded by dense vegetation.
Initially, the bite did not appear serious, and Sharma did not seek immediate medical attention. However, around six hours later, he began experiencing severe pain in his right leg and felt unwell. Despite his worsening condition, he boarded a flight to Kolkata.
During the journey, the actor developed a high fever, became increasingly restless and his condition deteriorated further. The following day, he was admitted to Manipal Hospital in Dhakuria, Kolkata.
Chatterjee's statement said Sharma remains in a critical condition and is not yet out of danger. He continues to suffer from high fever, breathlessness and a rapidly spreading infection in his right leg. The infection has reportedly spread from his toes to his knee, with large blisters developing over the affected area, while doctors continue to monitor him closely and carry out further investigations.
Rajesh Sharma is a celebrated actor who has worked extensively in Hindi and Bengali cinema. His filmography includes acclaimed titles such as Khosla Ka Ghosla, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, Chillar Party, The Dirty Picture, Special 26, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, India's Most Wanted and Bhooth Bangla.
