Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 29, 2017)

Shahid Kapoor knew he was in for a challenging ride when he signed on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati. The period drama that sees him portray Maharawal Ratan Singh has not only been mentally taxing, but also physically. The actor had suffered a ligament tear in July on the sets of the film. Now, as the unit is completing the last schedule, Kapoor’s health has suffered another setback. We hear his ankle injury has resurfaced after the actor shot for some strenuous action sequences over the past week.

A unit hand reveals, “Shahid had to perform a few stunts. It has taken a toll on him and his ankles are swollen.”

The source further adds that being the perfectionist that he is, Kapoor re-shot a few scenes as he was struggling to perform the stunts perfectly in the first go. “This, in turn, aggravated his injury.” At this juncture, Kapoor can’t afford to take leave in order to recuperate.

“The unit is racing against time to meet the deadline. It is impossible to halt the shoot at this stage. He has almost 10 days of shoot left.”

Since the mishap in July, Kapoor’s ankle has been a cause for worry. Close on the heels of the injury, he had to perform at the IIFA Awards in New York. He had to be rushed to the emergency room right after his act because of the excruciating pain. It was only after undergoing regular physiotherapy sessions that Kapoor had resumed work on Padmavati in August-end.