The All Indian Cine Workers Association has demanded a high-level investigation after veteran actor Rajesh Sharma fell critically ill from a suspected insect bite on the Hyderabad set of Prabhas's film Fauji. Sharma is currently hospitalized in Kolkata with a severe leg infection, prompting union demands for stricter on-set safety protocols.
HYDERABAD, INDIA — The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has formally requested a high-level government investigation following the sudden hospitalization of veteran actor Rajesh Sharma. The 55-year-old actor fell critically ill after suffering a suspected venomous insect or spider bite while on location for the upcoming Prabhas-starrer action film Fauji (previously cited as Fauzi) at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.
The industry workers' body filed an official appeal on Thursday, July 9, 2026, urging Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to mandate a transparent probe into workplace hygiene, safety protocols, and potential production negligence. Sharma remains under intensive round-the-clock medical observation at a private hospital in Kolkata, where physicians report he is still not entirely out of danger.
Escalating Health Crisis and Medical Emergency
According to a comprehensive timeline released by family spokesperson and fellow actor Sudipa Chatterjee, the incident occurred after a daily shooting wrap-up at Ramoji Film City. Sharma was interacting with local crew members in an uncleared, densely vegetated backlot when he sustained a bite from an unidentified insect or poisonous spider.
While the puncture initially appeared minor, Sharma's health deteriorated rapidly over the subsequent six hours. Despite experiencing severe localized pain, the actor boarded a commercial flight from Hyderabad to his home city of Kolkata. During the transit, he developed a high-grade fever and acute breathing difficulties.
Upon landing, he was rushed to Manipal Hospital in Dhakuria, Kolkata. Attending medical teams confirmed that a severe, fast-moving soft-tissue infection had spread from the actor's toes up to his right knee, causing major blistering and inflammation.
Cine Workers Demand Stricter Industry Safety Standards
The rapid deterioration of the well-known character actor's health has sparked a sharp response from organized industry bodies regarding the safety of production personnel in remote locations.
The AICWA issued a stringent public directive questioning why Sharma was not immediately routed to a specialized emergency care facility in Hyderabad when the symptoms first manifested. The association raised serious queries regarding whether adequate on-set medical assistance, proper sanitation, and mandated workplace health protocols were being actively enforced by the production house.
Furthermore, the AICWA has demanded that the film's financial producers completely cover the actor's ongoing critical care expenses. The union emphasized that strict legal action should be pursued if safety oversights are formally discovered during the state's review.
Medical Status Update
"Mr. Sharma remains under close observation and is not yet out of danger. The condition is being monitored round the clock due to the risk of secondary complications, including deep vein blood clots that could become life-threatening if they migrate to the respiratory system."
— Attending Senior Physician, Manipal Hospital Kolkata
Production Team Clarifies On-Set Timeline
As the controversy intensified, representatives from the Fauji production team issued a statement clarifying their awareness of the medical crisis. The makers noted that Sharma had successfully completed his scheduled performance sequences and departed the Hyderabad set nearly a week prior to the public health announcements.
The production unit asserted they received no initial internal reports of an injury or medical emergency while the actor was physically present on the set. They added that subsequent attempts to contact the family for direct updates had gone unanswered. Concurrently, separate statements from local assistants suggested the swelling might have been exacerbated by pre-existing diabetic complications, though hospital teams continue to treat the aggressive insect-borne infection.
Official Sources Section
The administrative requests and health declarations compiled in this report are based on official press statements published on X by the All Indian Cine Workers Association, official medical bulletins provided via the Press Trust of India (PTI), and regional administrative updates from the Telangana State Government.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights the systemic occupational hazards faced by cast and crew members on large-scale Indian film sets, which frequently shoot in rural, forested, or unmanaged outdoor environments. A formal state investigation could lead to strict compliance mandates for production houses, requiring full-time emergency medical teams, on-site anti-venom availability, and thorough pest control sweeps on all active film sets across India.
Key Facts at a Glance
The Incident: Veteran actor Rajesh Sharma suffered a suspected poisonous insect bite on a densely vegetated backlot at Ramoji Film City.
Medical Condition: Hospitalized in Kolkata with a rapidly spreading right-leg infection, high fever, and breathlessness.
Union Action: The AICWA has petitioned Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for an independent high-level probe.
Production Response: The Fauji filmmaking team stated the actor had finished his schedule and left the set a week prior without reporting an injury.
The Project: Fauji is a high-profile war action drama directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, starring Prabhas, Mithun Chakraborty, and Imanvi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to actor Rajesh Sharma on the film set?
Following a shooting schedule for the movie Fauji at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, Rajesh Sharma was bitten by an insect or spider while speaking with crew members in an area surrounded by dense bushes. The bite led to a severe infection and sudden hospitalization.
What is the actor's current medical status?
He is currently receiving treatment at Manipal Hospital in Dhakuria, Kolkata. Doctors state that he is under round-the-clock observation for a severe leg infection, high fever, and respiratory discomfort, and is not yet out of danger.
What specific demands has the AICWA made?
The All Indian Cine Workers Association has demanded a formal investigation into the production's safety and medical protocols. They have also called on the film's producers to bear all of Sharma's medical expenses and urged legal consequences if workplace negligence is proven.
Source: All Indian Cine Workers Association Press Registry, Manipal Hospital Medical Bulletin (Kolkata), Press Trust of India Entertainment Bureau, The Times of India Entertainment Desk.
