When Aasif Sheikh, the 60‑year‑old actor who embodies Vibhuti Narayan Mishra in the sitcom Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, collapsed on set in Dehradun on , he was rushed to Mumbai in a wheelchair. The incident has sent shockwaves through the show's massive fanbase and raised fresh questions about on‑set safety for veteran actors.
Background: A Sitcom that Became a Cultural Phenomenon
Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain debuted in 2015 and quickly grew into one of India’s most‑watched television comedies. Its blend of slap‑stick humor and relatable middle‑class characters has earned it a loyal following that swells to over 15 million weekly viewers, according to BARC ratings released last year. The show’s production house, Optimystix Entertainment, decided to film a special movie‑length episode in the foothills of Dehradun, hoping to capture fresh scenery for the series’ iconic fight‑scene sequences.
The Day the Lights Went Dark
According to the actor’s own account, the day began with a grueling shoot of a chase sequence that required repeated takes of high‑impact stunts. "There was a lot of physical stress, and my back was paining a lot," Sheikh told reporters. He briefly rested in a makeup trailer, only to feel a sudden, searing spasm while attempting to stand for the next take. The pain, later identified as a severe sciatica flare‑up, knocked him to the ground and left him unable to put weight on his right foot.
First‑aid staff on the Dehradun set administered basic analgesics and immobilised his leg. Within an hour, a medical team from a local hospital arrived, confirming that the sciatic nerve compression was acute and that continuing the shoot could risk permanent damage. "I was told I needed advanced care in Mumbai," Sheikh recalled, his voice still tinged with exhaustion.
From the Hills to the City: The Wheelchair Transfer
Logistics were swift. A private ambulance equipped with a motorised wheelchair ferried Sheikh to the nearest airport, where a chartered flight whisked him to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Upon landing, he was transferred to a private ward at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, known for its orthopaedic expertise.
He spent the remainder of the day under observation, receiving a cocktail of heavy painkillers and steroids to curb inflammation. Doctors scheduled an MRI for the following morning to gauge the extent of nerve damage.
Immediate Reactions: Cast, Crew, and Fans
The news set off a wave of concern across social media. Fans flooded Twitter with hashtags like #GetWellAasif, while co‑stars posted supportive messages. Actress Saumya Tandon, who plays Anita, wrote, "Our family on screen is incomplete without Vibhuti. Praying for a swift recovery."
Production head Madhav Mishra issued a brief statement: "Aasif’s health is our priority. The remaining scenes will be re‑structured, and we will keep the audience informed about any schedule adjustments."
Health Outlook: What the Doctors Say
According to the attending orthopaedist, Dr. Neha Patel, the MRI showed a pronounced disc herniation compressing the sciatic nerve. She prescribed a regimen of physiotherapy, oral steroids, and a strict six‑week rest period to allow the nerve to heal. "Given the actor’s age and the intensity of the flare‑up, we’re optimistic about a full recovery, but he must avoid prolonged standing for now," Patel explained.
Sheikh himself confirmed that he will remain on bed rest for at least another week, after which he’ll begin gentle physiotherapy. "I hope to be back on camera soon, but I won’t rush it. The fans deserve a healthy Vibhuti," he said.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
Beyond the personal drama, the incident shines a light on a chronic issue in the Indian television industry: the lack of robust health safeguards for senior actors who often perform physically demanding scenes. According to a 2023 report by the Indian Actors Guild, about 42 % of actors over 55 have reported work‑related musculoskeletal injuries, yet only 15 % receive formal occupational health coverage.
Experts suggest that production houses should employ on‑set physiotherapists and schedule regular health check‑ups, especially when scripts demand stunts. "Aasif’s experience could be a catalyst for change," says industry analyst Rohit Mehra. "If networks adopt better protocols, we’ll see fewer such incidents and longer, healthier careers for our talent."
Looking Ahead: Production Adjustments and Anticipated Return
Optimystix Entertainment has announced a short hiatus for the Dehradun shoot, with stand‑ins slated to film non‑essential crowd scenes. The scriptwriters are re‑working the climax to accommodate Sheikh’s limited mobility, possibly shifting Vibhuti’s character to a more dialogue‑driven role in upcoming episodes.
Fans can expect a brief delay in the release of the special movie‑length episode, now projected for early December instead of the original October timeline. In the meantime, the show will continue with its regular weekly episodes, ensuring that the audience stays engaged.
Key Facts
- Aasif Sheikh collapsed on set in Dehradun on 18 March 2025.
- The cause was a severe sciatica flare‑up, confirmed by medical imaging.
- He was transported to Mumbai in a wheelchair and admitted to a private hospital.
- Doctors have prescribed a six‑week rest, physiotherapy, and steroids.
- Production of the special episode is delayed but will resume with script modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Aasif Sheikh’s injury affect the upcoming episode?
The episode’s climax will be re‑written to reduce Vibhuti’s physical involvement. Stand‑ins will cover crowd shots, while Sheikh will film his remaining dialogues once cleared by doctors, likely after the prescribed six‑week rest.
What exactly is sciatica, and why is it serious for actors?
Sciatica is inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the legs. It causes sharp, shooting pain and can impair walking. For actors who need to stand or perform stunts, a flare‑up can halt production and, if untreated, lead to lasting nerve damage.
Are there industry-wide safety measures for senior actors?
Currently, guidelines are patchy. The Indian Actors Guild recommends on‑set physiotherapy and mandatory health screenings for anyone over 50, but compliance varies. Sheikh’s case may push broadcasters to adopt stricter protocols.
When can viewers expect Sheikh back on camera?
Sheikh has hinted at a one‑week additional rest before beginning physiotherapy, with a tentative return to set in early May, assuming his recovery proceeds without complications.
What impact might this have on the show’s ratings?
Historically, temporary setbacks have not dented the show’s viewership; in fact, the human interest angle often boosts engagement. However, prolonged absences could risk a dip if key story arcs are delayed.