Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 9: Actor Akshay Kumar has expressed concern over the health of actor Rajesh Sharma, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital after suffering a suspected insect or poisonous spider bite while shooting for a film at Ramoji Film City.
Sharing a candid photograph with Sharma on X on Thursday, Kumar wished his longtime co-star a speedy recovery.
"Very concerned to hear about my dear friend Rajesh's health condition after an insect bite while shooting. Hope Mahadev blesses him with fast and complete recovery," Kumar wrote.
He added, "Jaldi theek ho ja yaar, abhi saath baith ke bhot hansna hai (Get well soon, buddy; we still have a lot of laughing to do together)."
Kumar and Sharma have previously worked together in films including Special 26, Laxmii, Mission Raniganj, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Bhooth Bangla.
According to a statement shared by actor Sudipa Chatterjee on social media, the incident occurred after pack-up while Sharma was interacting with local technicians in an area surrounded by dense vegetation. He reportedly felt an insect bite but initially considered it minor and did not seek immediate medical attention.
Around six hours later, Sharma developed severe pain in his right leg and began feeling unwell. Despite his condition, he boarded a flight to Kolkata, during which he developed a high fever and his health deteriorated further.
The following day, he was admitted to Manipal Hospital in Dhakuria, Kolkata. Doctors found that the infection had spread rapidly from his toes to his knee, accompanied by high fever, breathlessness and large blisters on the affected leg.
The statement said Sharma remains under close medical observation and is not yet out of danger.
Dr Avijit Bhattacharya, who is treating the actor, reportedly said it was too early to make a definitive assessment. Doctors are also monitoring him for possible complications, including the risk of a blood clot that could become life-threatening if it reaches the lungs.
Chatterjee said further updates would be issued after the hospital released an official medical bulletin. She also thanked the media, the Bengal Motion Pictures Artists' Forum, Sharma's friends and well-wishers, and actor Prosenjit Chatterjee for their support during the difficult period.
Rajesh Sharma is known for his performances in films such as Khosla Ka Ghosla, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, Chillar Party, The Dirty Picture, Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, Special 26, B.A. Pass, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story and India's Most Wanted.