Jharkhand has registered its first COVID-19 case of the year, with prominent filmmaker Lal Vijay Shahdeo confirming he has tested positive. Shahdeo, known for his work in both regional “Jhollywood” and national “Bollywood” cinema, announced his diagnosis through a social media post.
He described a sudden decline in health on 22 May while flying back to Ranchi from Mumbai, during which he lost consciousness. Upon landing, he was immediately hospitalised and later tested positive for the virus.
“There are 257 confirmed COVID-19 cases in India so far, and I am one of them,” Shahdeo wrote, adding that he is recovering at Ranchi’s Santevita Hospital under the care of Dr Mohit Narayan and is feeling “much better.”
“On 22 May, while travelling from Mumbai to Ranchi, I lost consciousness during the flight,” he stated.
Shahdeo urged anyone who recently interacted with him to remain alert for symptoms such as headache, body aches, fever, cough, or cold, and to get tested promptly, stressing that “your safety ensures the safety of your loved ones.”
He added that due to his illness, he would be unable to carry out his responsibilities previewing films for the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited.
Nationally, India is seeing a slight rise in COVID-19 cases. As of 25 May 2025, the Union Health Ministry reported 275 active infections across the country, though most remain mild and are being managed at home.
While no major outbreaks have been recorded, authorities continue to advise caution. Kerala has reported the highest number of new active cases (95), followed by Tamil Nadu (66) and Maharashtra (56), based on a gradual increase observed between 12 and 19 May.
The Union Health Ministry recommends basic precautions such as wearing masks in crowded places, practising regular hand hygiene, and avoiding non-essential travel when symptomatic.
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