Veteran actor Rajesh Sharma remains hospitalised in Kolkata days after a suspected insect bite during a shoot involving superstar Prabhas escalated into a serious medical emergency. Doctors have reported that the infection has spread from his toes to his knee, accompanied by large blisters, and the actor is experiencing breathlessness.
Incident at Ramoji Film City
Actress Sudipa Chatterjee, speaking on behalf of Sharma's family, shared a statement on Instagram detailing the incident. The actor was bitten — possibly by a bug or a venomous spider — while conversing with local technicians in a heavily vegetated area of Ramoji Film City. The set belonged to a Prabhas project, though it has not been confirmed whether it was for Hanu Raghavapudi's 'Fauzi' or Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Spirit', both of which Sharma is currently filming.
Delayed Medical Attention
Sharma initially dismissed the bite as minor and skipped medical attention. Approximately six hours later, he developed intense pain in his right leg and grew visibly unwell, yet he still flew back to Kolkata. A fever set in mid-flight, and his condition continued to deteriorate. The next day, he was admitted to Manipal Hospital in Dhakuria.
Current Medical Condition
According to reports, doctors have since found the infection creeping from his toes up to his knee, accompanied by large blisters, while the actor continues to battle breathlessness. Dr Avijit Bhattacharya, cited in the family's statement, said it remains too early to make a definite assessment. A senior doctor treating the actor separately told PTI that Sharma “remains under close observation and is not yet out of danger.”
Official Update Expected
An official update on his condition is expected soon, following further assessment by the hospital's medical team. In her note, Chatterjee thanked well-wishers, the Bengal Motion Pictures Artists’ Forum, and actor Prosenjit Chatterjee for their support.
About Rajesh Sharma
Sharma, known for roles in 'Khosla Ka Ghosla', 'Ishqiya', and 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', most recently appeared in 'Bhooth Bangla' and 'Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart'. His current projects include two high-profile Prabhas films, though production schedules may be affected by his health.
