Rajesh Sharma – AICWA Seeks Inquiry After Actor Falls Ill During Fauji Shoot
Rajesh Sharma – The All Indian Cine Workers Association has called for a senior-level inquiry after veteran actor Rajesh Sharma reportedly suffered a serious health setback while working on Prabhas’ upcoming film Fauji at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.
AICWA said the incident raised important questions about medical preparedness and workplace safety at film shoots. In a statement released on Thursday, the association asked for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances that led to Sharma’s medical emergency.
Actor Under Medical Observation in Kolkata
According to the association, Sharma’s condition worsened during the shooting schedule in Hyderabad. He later travelled to Kolkata, where he was admitted to a private hospital for treatment. The latest update shared by AICWA said the actor remains under close observation and his condition continues to be monitored by doctors.
Actor Sudipa Chatterjee had earlier shared information about Sharma’s illness, stating that he was admitted to a hospital in Dhakuria, West Bengal. She said the actor reportedly developed a high fever, breathing difficulty and discomfort after suffering an insect bite during the shoot.
Questions Raised Over Emergency Response
The workers’ body has sought clarity on why Sharma was not taken to a major hospital in Hyderabad if his health had become critical while filming was underway. It also asked whether emergency medical support, trained personnel and essential treatment facilities were available at the location.
AICWA further questioned whether the production had followed required hygiene, sanitation and emergency response procedures. The association said film sets must provide safe and medically prepared working conditions for artists, technicians and crew members.
In its statement, AICWA noted that it has repeatedly raised concerns about poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene arrangements and the absence of proper emergency medical facilities at several shooting locations across India.
Call for Telangana Government Intervention
The association has urged Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to order a high-level investigation into the incident at the Fauji set. It has requested that the inquiry determine the exact cause of Sharma’s medical condition and establish whether any lapse occurred on the part of the producer, production company or other responsible authorities.
AICWA said accountability should not depend on the scale or budget of a film project. It demanded legal action against any person or organisation found responsible if the investigation identifies negligence or a violation of safety standards.
The association also asked the producer and production house to cover Sharma’s medical expenses and ensure that he receives appropriate treatment until he has fully recovered.
Safety Standards Must Be Strengthened
AICWA said the health, dignity and safety of people working in the film industry should take priority over production schedules. It added that no artist, technician or worker should be expected to continue working in an environment that lacks proper medical support or basic safety measures.
The association also claimed that workers and technicians are often reluctant to speak publicly about serious incidents on sets because they fear losing future work or facing professional pressure. It said greater transparency is needed when health emergencies occur during film production.
Rajesh Sharma’s Career in Indian Cinema
Rajesh Sharma is widely regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most dependable character actors. A graduate of the National School of Drama, he has built a long career across Hindi and regional films.
His notable work includes Khosla Ka Ghosla, The Dirty Picture, Special 26, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Tanu Weds Manu, Piku, Mardaani 2 and Crew. The actor’s health update has prompted concern among colleagues and fans as he continues to receive medical care in Kolkata.