Posted By Larsen Beaumont On 30 Sep 2025 Comments (0)
When Aasif Sheikh, the 60‑year‑old star of Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai, was filming an action sequence in Dehradun on March 17, a sudden wave of back spasms knocked him flat, leaving him unable to stand. The actor was rushed to a local hospital, then transferred to Mumbai in a wheelchair, where doctors diagnosed a slipped disc and sciatica. He’s now on strict bed rest and hopes to be back on camera within a week.
What Happened on Set?
The incident unfolded during a staged chase scene that required Sheikh to sprint up a narrow stairwell. According to a statement to the Times of India, the actor felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his lower back, followed by immediate numbness in his right leg. "My leg suddenly started feeling numb and then the sciatica pain made things much worse," Sheikh told reporters. The crew halted production instantly, and a medic on set helped him lie down. Within minutes, an ambulance arrived, whisking him to a hospital in Dehradun for emergency imaging.
Medical Details and Treatment
Radiographs confirmed a herniated intervertebral disc at the L4‑L5 level—a classic culprit behind sciatica that can compress the nerve root, causing radiating leg pain and weakness. The attending orthopaedic surgeon prescribed anti‑inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants, and a brief course of steroids to reduce swelling. Because the disc has slipped, Sheikh was advised against any weight‑bearing activity for at least seven days. He now spends most of his time lying flat, with occasional physiotherapy sessions aimed at gentle stretching and core strengthening. "Complete bed rest is essential to allow the disc material to settle back into place," explained Dr. Neeraj Sharma, a spine specialist in Mumbai, who is overseeing Sheikh’s recovery. "Early movement can aggravate the tear, prolonging pain and delaying return to normal function."
Impact on the Show and Recent Loss
Sheikh’s absence comes at a delicate moment for the sitcom. Production schedules are already tight, and the ensemble had just wrapped a week‑long shoot in Himachal before the mishap.
Adding to the emotional weight, the show’s long‑time writer Manoj Santoshi passed away on March 23 after battling liver cancer. Santoshi, 49, was a veteran screenwriter responsible for many of the series’ most memorable jokes and plot twists.
The cast posted a joint tribute on social media, noting that they were “grieving two pillars at once.” Co‑star Shilpa Shinde, who plays Angoori Bhabhi, said, "We’re all in shock. Aasif’s health is our immediate worry, and Manoj’s loss feels like a silent void on set."
Expert View on Spinal Injuries in Acting
Physical demands on television actors often go unnoticed. Stunt coordinators warn that even routine chase scenes can generate forces equal to a mild car crash when a performer twists or lands awkwardly. "Back injuries are the most common occupational hazard for actors who do their own stunts," noted industry physiotherapist Ananya Patel. "Repeated micro‑trauma can weaken the disc’s outer annulus, making a slip more likely." Patel recommends that production houses schedule mandatory warm‑up periods, provide on‑set physiotherapists, and use harnesses whenever possible. "A simple 10‑minute dynamic stretch before a demanding shoot can cut injury rates by up to 30%," she added.
What’s Next for Aasif Sheikh?
Sheikh’s team confirmed he arrived in Mumbai on the 18th and has been under observation ever since. "I was brought to Mumbai in a wheelchair and now I have been advised complete bed rest," he told the Free Press Journal. "I think I will have to rest for another week and hopefully I will be in front of the camera again soon." Producers have already adjusted the shooting calendar, moving Sheikh’s scenes to later in the month while other characters take the spotlight. Fans, meanwhile, have flooded social media with well wishes, using hashtags like #GetWellAasif and #BhabhiJiStrong. If his recovery stays on track, Sheikh could re‑join the set by early April, just in time for a special holiday episode slated for mid‑month. The show’s creator, Rajesh Singh, promised “a heartfelt comeback that honors both Aasif’s resilience and Manoj’s legacy."
Key Facts
- Incident date: March 17, 2025
- Location: Action scene filmed in Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Diagnosis: Slipped disc (L4‑L5) with sciatica
- Transport: Ambulance to Dehradun hospital, then wheelchair to Mumbai
- Recovery plan: Bed rest for 7–10 days, physiotherapy thereafter
- Concurrent tragedy: Writer Manoj Santoshi died March 23, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is a slipped disc for an actor?
A slipped disc can range from mild discomfort to severe nerve compression. For performers, the pain can limit movement and delay shooting schedules. Recovery usually involves rest, medication, and gradual physiotherapy, but returning too soon risks chronic issues.
When is Aasif Sheikh expected to return to filming?
Sheikh’s doctors have advised a minimum of one week of bed rest. Production insiders suggest he could be back on set by the first week of April, assuming no complications and a steady response to treatment.
How has the show dealt with the writer’s death?
The crew held a private memorial for Manoj Santoshi and dedicated the upcoming holiday episode to his memory. Scripts are now being overseen by senior writers who promised to preserve his comedic style.
What precautions are TV productions taking to avoid similar injuries?
Industry experts recommend mandatory warm‑up routines, on‑set physiotherapists, and the use of safety harnesses for stunt work. Some networks now require a medical clearance before actors perform physically demanding scenes.
Will the audience see any changes in the show's storyline?
The writers have re‑structured a few episodes to give other characters more screen time while Sheikh recovers. No major plot arcs are being altered; Aasif’s character is expected to return exactly where he left off.