Actor Rajesh Sharma, 55, is recovering in a private hospital in Kolkata after developing an infection linked to a suspected insect bite. The actor had recently returned from Hyderabad, where he was working on a project featuring Prabhas.

Providing an update on his condition, actor Sudipa Chatterjee says, “He’s a little better now. It’s an unknown insect bite and tests are being done. His condition is being monitored and treatment is ongoing. The last two days have been much better.”

According to Chatterjee, Sharma initially experienced fever after returning home and believed it could be a routine mosquito bite. But, after his condition worsened, he was admitted to hospital. His manager also dismissed reports suggesting the infection had spread to his lungs. “Rajesh ji is better. Bahut fake news phail gaya.”

Following reports of the incident, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) called for an “immediate, impartial and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the case. 

AICWA urged Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to order a high-level inquiry and sought accountability if any lapses in worker safety are found. “We have demanded a thorough probe as the incident raises several critical questions about working conditions on film sets,” AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta said.