The high‑altitude shoot of Ranveer Singh’s upcoming action thriller Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, took a harrowing turn when more than 120 crew members were hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning late on Sunday evening. The production, stationed in the remote terrains of Leh, suffered an abrupt disruption as crew members suddenly fell ill with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and debilitating headaches.
The affected group, which included technical staff, laborers, and intriguingly, several children, was rushed to Sajal Narbu Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh. Physicians described the situation as a sudden influx that required immediate mobilization of resources, with off‑duty doctors called back to manage the critically overcrowded emergency ward. Police stepped in to maintain order and prevent panic. Fortunately, most patients stabilized quickly and were discharged after treatment.
Health authorities confirmed that nearly 600 people had consumed the same meals on set, prompting officials to collect food samples immediately for investigation to identify the contamination source.
A representative of SNM Hospital stated, “Doctors were called in for the emergency as the patient rush was very high … by the end of the day, we had about 120 admissions. We managed the situation effectively.”
While the lead cast, including Ranveer Singh and other stars, remained unaffected, the incident cast a spotlight on the challenges of filming in remote landscapes. Experts call this a sobering reminder of the critical need for stringent safety and hygiene protocols, particularly when working in zones where medical infrastructure is sparse.
Production has since been temporarily halted, and the set now awaits a green light to resume once safety assurances are redoubled. Meanwhile, food safety authorities continue their probe, hoping to identify the exact cause and prevent any recurrence.
