A distressing incident has occurred on the set of the upcoming South Indian film 'Fauji', headlined by superstar Prabhas. Veteran actor Rajesh Sharma suffered a severe medical emergency after being bitten by a suspected poisonous insect or spider while filming. Following the bite, his health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his hospitalization. This event has reignited urgent concerns regarding the safety standards for actors and crew members on film production sets. In response, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has demanded a high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Details of the Incident at Ramoji Film City
According to a statement released on behalf of Rajesh Sharma’s family by actress Sudipa Chatterjee, the incident took place at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. After completing his shoot, Rajesh Sharma was engaged in a discussion with local technicians in an area surrounded by dense trees and thick vegetation. It was during this time that he felt a sharp bite on his leg from an unidentified creature. Initially, believing it to be a minor issue, he did not pay significant attention to it and refrained from seeking immediate medical intervention, a decision that proved detrimental as his condition worsened.
AICWA Challenges Production Safety Protocols
Following the incident, Suresh Shyamal Gupta, the President of the All Indian Cine Workers Association, took to the social media platform X to express his frustration. The association has explicitly questioned why the producer or the production house failed to rush Rajesh Sharma to a major hospital in Hyderabad as his condition began to spiral. The association also posed critical questions regarding the availability of basic emergency medical facilities on the film set. They have expressed deep concern over the lack of sanitation, unsafe working environments, and the absence of adequate medical support within the film industry.
Calls for Government Inquiry and Compensation
AICWA has appealed to the Chief Minister of Telangana, Revanth Reddy, to initiate a high-level investigation into the matter to determine if there was any gross negligence by the production house regarding established safety regulations. Furthermore, the association has demanded that the producers of the film 'Fauji' cover the entire medical expenditure incurred during Rajesh Sharma’s treatment.
Rapid Health Deterioration and Medical Status
Roughly six hours after the initial bite, Rajesh Sharma began experiencing severe discomfort. Intense pain manifested in his right leg, accompanied by extreme restlessness. Despite his declining health, he proceeded with his scheduled flight to Kolkata. During the transit, he developed a high fever and became severely distressed. Upon arriving in Kolkata, he was immediately admitted to the Manipal Hospital in Dhakuria. Currently, he remains under the close observation of doctors. The infection has reportedly spread from his toes to his knees, resulting in large blisters on his leg. Doctors have indicated that the danger is not yet over, as the infection poses a significant risk of causing blood clots, which could prove fatal if they travel to his lungs.
Family Acknowledges Support During Crisis
During this challenging time, Rajesh Sharma’s family has expressed their sincere gratitude for the support received from the media, the Bengal Motion Pictures Artists' Forum, and the actor's dedicated fan base. Sudipa Chatterjee specifically thanked veteran actor Prosenjit Chatterjee, who has been consistently guiding and supporting the family throughout this ordeal.
