Veteran actor Rajesh Sharma is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kolkata after reportedly falling critically ill following a suspected insect bite during the shooting of Prabhas' upcoming film Fauji. The incident has raised concerns within the film industry, with the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) demanding an immediate investigation into the circumstances around the actor's medical emergency.

AICWA seeks probe into the incident

The All Indian Cine Workers Association has written to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, urging him to order a high-level, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident that allegedly took place at Hyderabad's Ramoji Film City.

In its statement shared on X, AICWA questioned whether adequate workplace safety, hygiene standards and emergency medical facilities were available on the set. The association also asked whether proper health protocols were followed and why the actor was reportedly not shifted immediately to a leading hospital in Hyderabad if his condition had become serious during the shoot.

The workers' body further said that the investigation should establish the exact cause of Sharma's medical emergency and determine whether there was any negligence on the part of the production team or other authorities associated with the film.

AICWA also demanded that the producers of Fauji bear the full cost of Rajesh Sharma's treatment and ensure he receives the best possible medical care until he fully recovers. It added that if the investigation uncovers any lapse in safety or negligence, strict legal action should be taken against those found responsible, irrespective of the size or stature of the production house.

How Rajesh Sharma's condition reportedly deteriorated

According to a statement shared on social media by actor Sudipa Chatterjee on July 8, Rajesh Sharma was allegedly bitten by what is suspected to have been a bug or poisonous spider after the day's shoot had concluded.

The statement said Sharma was interacting with local technicians in an area surrounded by dense vegetation at Ramoji Film City when the incident occurred. Initially, the bite did not appear serious, and the actor reportedly did not seek immediate medical attention.

However, around six hours later, he began experiencing intense pain in his right leg along with a high fever. Despite feeling unwell, Sharma boarded a flight to Kolkata.

During the journey, his condition reportedly worsened significantly. He developed a high fever, became increasingly restless and later required hospitalisation after reaching Kolkata.

He is currently admitted to Manipal Hospital in Dhakuria, Kolkata, where doctors continue to monitor his condition closely.

Reports indicate that the veteran actor is suffering 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 forming on the affected area. Doctors are continuing medical investigations as they monitor his recovery.

Who is Rajesh Sharma?

Rajesh Sharma is one of the most respected character actors in Indian cinema, known for seamlessly moving between Hindi and Bengali films.

Born on October 8, 1970, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Sharma developed an interest in acting at a young age. He later trained at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi before beginning his professional acting career.

He made his film debut with Maachis in 1996 and gradually established himself in Bengali cinema before gaining nationwide recognition with Parineeta. Over the years, Sharma has become one of the industry's most dependable supporting actors.

His impressive filmography includes acclaimed films such as Khosla Ka Ghosla, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, Chillar Party, The Dirty Picture, Special 26, Piku, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, India's Most Wanted and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

Rajesh Sharma was recently working on Fauji, Prabhas' much-awaited upcoming film, when the reported incident occurred. As of now, the makers of Fauji have not issued an official statement regarding Rajesh Sharma's condition or AICWA's demands for an investigation.

Meanwhile, members of the film fraternity and fans continue to wish the veteran actor a speedy recovery as doctors closely monitor his health.