Leh, Ladakh – A major film production has been halted by a real-life health scare. Over 100 crew members working on Ranveer Singh’s highly anticipated film, tentatively titled “Dhurandhar” (reported to be “Don 3”), were rushed to hospital in Leh this week following a suspected outbreak of food poisoning.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has thrown one of Bollywood’s biggest projects into disarray, raising serious questions about safety and logistics for large-scale shoots in remote, high-altitude locations.
What Happened on the Set of “Don 3”?
According to local reports and industry sources, the crew had just wrapped a long day of shooting in the challenging conditions of the Ladakh region. Dinner was served at the unit’s base camp, a common practice for large productions that house and feed their staff on location.
A Night of Widespread Illness
Within hours of the meal, a significant number of crew members began reporting severe symptoms. These included intense stomach cramps, repeated vomiting, high fever, and dehydration.
Recognising the scale of the emergency, the production team acted swiftly. Given the remote location and the severity of the symptoms, the decision was made to transport the affected individuals to the Sonam Nurboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh for immediate medical care.
A hospital official, who chose to remain anonymous as they were not authorised to speak to the press, confirmed the influx of patients. “We had a large number of patients from the film unit admitted with symptoms consistent with food poisoning. They are being treated and are under observation. Most are stable now.”
The Response and Current Status
The production house, Excel Entertainment, known for films like “Gully Boy” and the “Dhoom” series, has not yet released an official statement. However, on-set sources indicate that all shooting schedules have been indefinitely suspended to prioritise the health and recovery of the team.
Thankfully, reports confirm that lead actor Ranveer Singh and director Farhan Akhtar were not among those affected, as they were reportedly not present at the camp during the meal service. The focus remains entirely on the crew, the backbone of any film production.
Local health authorities have initiated an investigation. The source of the contamination is still being determined, with the focus likely on the food preparation and storage facilities at the camp.
The Challenges of Remote Location Shoots
This incident highlights the immense logistical challenges film crews face when shooting in isolated areas like Leh, which sits at an altitude of over 3,500 meters (11,500 feet).
- Altitude and Health: The high altitude already puts strain on the body, weakening immunity and making people more susceptible to illness. Dehydration is a constant risk.
- Logistical Hurdles: Sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients can be difficult. Maintaining a consistent cold chain for perishable items from supplier to a remote mountain camp is a complex operation where a single lapse can have serious consequences.
- Catering for Masses: Feeding hundreds of people three times a day requires industrial-scale cooking. This amplifies any risk of contamination if the strictest hygiene protocols are not followed meticulously.
Beyond the Headlines: Food Safety on Film Sets
While this event is shocking due to its scale, it casts a necessary light on an often-overlooked aspect of filmmaking: the health and safety of the crew beyond physical stunts and equipment handling.
The Importance of Rigorous Protocols
Professional film productions typically employ catering services that specialise in large units. These services are supposed to adhere to stringent food safety standards, similar to those required of any large restaurant or hotel. This includes:
- Regular health inspections of kitchen facilities.
- Certified food handlers.
- Rigorous temperature control for all food items.
- Clean and sanitised preparation surfaces and utensils.
The investigation in Leh will determine where this chain broke down. It will serve as a critical case study for the entire Indian film industry on the non-negotiable nature of these protocols, especially in vulnerable environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Your Questions Answered
Q1: Was Ranveer Singh hospitalised?
A: No, according to all current reports, Ranveer Singh and director Farhan Akhtar were not present for the meal and were therefore not affected by this incident.
Q2: What is the current condition of the crew?
A: Most of the over 100 hospitalised crew members are reported to be in stable condition and recovering under medical observation. The swift response in getting them to a hospital was crucial.
Q3: What caused the food poisoning?
A: The exact cause is still under investigation by local health authorities. It could be linked to a specific ingredient, improper food handling, or a lapse in storage temperatures. We will update as official information is released.
Q4: How will this affect the release of “Don 3”?
A: It is too early to tell. The immediate priority is the crew’s health. Once the unit has recovered, the production will likely reassess the shooting schedule. Significant delays are a possibility.
Q5: What is the name of the movie? Is it “Don 3” or “Dhurandhar”?
A: “Dhurandhar” is believed to be the working title used to maintain secrecy on the project, which is widely reported to be the third instalment in the “Don” franchise starring Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan in the past.
A Sobering Reminder
The incident on the set of “Don 3” is more than just a Bollywood headline. It’s a stark reminder of the hundreds of skilled professionals who work behind the scenes to bring stories to life, often in tough conditions. Their well-being is paramount.
While audiences eagerly await the next glimpse of Ranveer Singh as the new Don, the industry’s focus should rightly be on a full recovery for the entire crew. This event will undoubtedly lead to stricter enforced guidelines for catering and health safety on location shoots across India, a necessary step to protect the people who make the magic happen.
We wish the entire crew a speedy and full recovery.
Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Guidelines for Caterers