Akshay Kumar has stepped in to provide health and accident insurance for over 650 stunt workers in India following the tragic death of stuntman SM Raju.
A Tragic Loss Spurs Action
The film industry was recently shaken by the death of 52-year-old stuntman SM Raju. He tragically passed away on July 13 while performing a high-octane SUV stunt for Pa Ranjith’s film, *Vettuvam*, in Nagapattinam.
His death ignited a crucial debate about the safety and working conditions of stunt professionals on film sets, bringing long-standing concerns to the forefront.
Akshay Kumar Steps Up
Amidst the rising concerns, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has taken a significant step. He has reportedly provided comprehensive health and accident insurance coverage for around 650 to 700 stuntmen and stuntwomen across the country.
This news was confirmed by veteran stunt professional Vikram Singh Dahiya, who praised Kumar’s generosity. Dahiya shared that the policy offers cashless medical treatment up to Rs 5 to Rs 5.5 lakh, covering injuries sustained both on and off set.
Industry Under Scrutiny
While Akshay Kumar’s gesture is widely appreciated, it has also brought the larger issue of safety standards in the film industry into sharp focus. Many netizens are questioning why such essential insurance isn’t already a standard provision from the industry itself.
Comments online highlight a demand for all film set workers, not just stunt crews, to be adequately insured. This points to a broader systemic issue within Bollywood and other Indian film industries.
Expert Voices Call for Change
Hollywood action choreographer Lee Whittaker, who has worked on several Indian films, strongly condemned the inadequate safety measures. He asserted that no one should die while performing a stunt, emphasizing that stunts should only proceed if safety precautions meet the highest standards and sufficient funds are available.
Whittaker’s comments underscore the global standard for stunt work, highlighting a gap that needs to be addressed in India.
Director’s Account and Legal Fallout
Director Pa Ranjith expressed profound shock and heartbreak over SM Raju’s death, stating that all safety protocols were followed on the *Vettuvam* set. He detailed that they relied on expert stunt direction and adhered to every necessary precaution.
Despite his assurances, Ranjith, along with Neelam Productions executive Rajkamal, stunt artiste Vinoth, and car owner Prabhakar, have been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with Raju’s death.
A Recurring Tragedy
Sadly, Raju’s death is not an isolated incident. Just last year, in July 2023, stuntman Eluumalai died on the set of *Sardar 2* after falling from a 20-foot rostrum during an action sequence. These repeated tragedies underscore the urgent need for systemic changes and stricter safety regulations within the film industry.
Key Takeaways
- Akshay Kumar personally funded health and accident insurance for over 650 stunt workers.
- The death of stuntman SM Raju has sparked a critical debate about safety in the film industry.
- Many are questioning why the industry itself doesn’t provide standard insurance for all crew members.
- The director of *Vettuvam*, Pa Ranjith, and others have been booked in connection with Raju’s death.
- This is the second reported death of a stuntman on a film set in a year, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.
The focus remains on ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved in filmmaking, especially those performing high-risk stunts, to prevent further avoidable tragedies.
