Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has taken a major step to support the action community by insuring the lives of approximately 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen across India. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of stuntman Raju, who lost his life while performing a stunt for a Tamil film directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Arya. His unfortunate demise has once again brought attention to the dire need for safety in stunt work.
Stunt coordinator Vikram Singh Dahiya, known for his work in films like Dhadak 2, Jigra, Gunjan Saxena, Antim, and OMG 2, shared the details of this initiative. He said, "Thanks to Akshay sir, around 650 to 700 stuntmen and action crew members in Bollywood are now covered under insurance. The policy includes both health and accident coverage. If a stunt performer is injured, whether on or off set, they can avail of cashless medical treatment up to Rs 5 to Rs 5.5 lakh."
This move provides some much-needed relief to stunt professionals, many of whom have been working in hazardous conditions with little to no safety nets. However, it also underscores the larger, ongoing need for structured guidelines, uniform safety protocols, and increased accountability on film sets across India.
Raju's death occurred on July 13 during the shoot of PA Ranjith's upcoming film. A video of the incident showed him attempting a car-toppling stunt that went terribly wrong. As the vehicle hit the ramp, it flipped several times in the air before landing on its front. It took a few minutes for the crew to realise the severity of the crash. Raju was severely injured and tragically succumbed to his injuries.
This incident has reignited a crucial conversation around stunt safety, and Akshay Kumar's gesture is a step in the right direction.
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