"That was a narrow escape."
Kannada star Shiva Rajkumar had a frightening close call during the promotional tour for his film Bail in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
Videos from the event show the veteran actor narrowly missing being struck by firecrackers that went off unexpectedly inside a crowded theatre.
The Bail team had been visiting the Basweshwara Theatre in Chitradurga as part of their ongoing promotional activities.
Earlier footage from the visit shows Shiva receiving a warm welcome from the theatre management.
He was greeted with a large garland amid enthusiastic cheers.
Fans had crowded eagerly around the star to catch a glimpse.
He obliged them by climbing out of his car’s sunroof and waving to the waiting crowd.
However, the mood changed dramatically once the team moved inside the theatre.
A video from inside shows Shiva walking through the crowded space when a firecracker suddenly went off right next to him.
People around him screamed in alarm as the actor instinctively covered his face and head to protect himself from the sparks.
His team immediately moved to shield him from the unexpected danger.
Those surrounding the actor expressed visible worry and concern for his safety.
Shiva was seen brushing his face and head in the aftermath as people around him urgently asked if he was alright.
Despite the unsettling incident, the actor continued with the promotional event.
Once the videos began circulating online, fans immediately flooded social media with messages of concern and relief.
One comment read: “God! That was a narrow escape. Hopeless arrangements.”
Another wrote: “Worst arrangements! Risking lives almost.”
A fan remarked: “Shiva Rajkumar narrowly escaped a cracker accident. Luckily he is safe now!”
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Many fans also took the moment to reflect on the remarkable dedication Shiva shows at 64.
One X user wrote: “Mad, mad respect for Shiva.”
Another added: “Age is just a stat on paper for Century Star Shiva Rajkumar.
“The way he travels, meets fans, and promotes every film like his very first is a massive wake-up call to the industry.”
Shiva Rajkumar’s dedication to his craft carries an even deeper significance given the personal health battle he has recently navigated.
The actor had taken a break from acting to travel to the United States for treatment following a bladder cancer diagnosis.
He has since returned to work with renewed energy, starring in Bail in Kannada and Peddi in Telugu in the same year.
Shiva Rajkumar’s upcoming slate is equally packed, with Jailer 2, Picasso and Gummadi Narsaiah among his confirmed projects.
