A major fire has struck the set of the popular television show "Anupamaa," starring Rupali Ganguly, igniting concerns about safety protocols and prompting demands for accountability. The incident occurred early Monday morning, June 23, 2025, at Mumbai's Film City, engulfing the set in flames just hours before the scheduled shoot. While thankfully no casualties were reported, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has taken a strong stand, demanding a First Information Report (FIR) against the producers, production house, television channel, and Film City officials, alleging negligence and a failure to adhere to basic fire safety measures.
The fire broke out around 5:00 AM, completely destroying the set of the show. Crew members were already present, preparing for the day's filming, which was slated to begin at 7:00 AM. The rapid spread of the blaze has raised serious questions about fire safety compliance within the studio. Had the fire erupted later, during active filming, the consequences could have been catastrophic.
Following the incident, visuals of the set in ruins circulated widely on social media, underscoring the extent of the damage. According to initial reports, an electrical short circuit is suspected to be the cause of the fire, which affected a significant portion of the studio space, including decorative elements, cameras, costumes, and lighting systems. The makers of "Anupamaa" have issued a statement confirming the incident, expressing gratitude that there were no casualties, and stating that the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
The AICWA has released a strongly worded statement condemning the incident, calling for a high-level judicial inquiry into the matter. Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, President of the AICWA, has urged the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, to intervene and ensure a thorough investigation. The association is also demanding the immediate suspension of the Managing Director of Film City and the Labour Commissioner of Mumbai, holding them accountable for their alleged failure to enforce safety regulations.
In its statement, the AICWA highlighted a recurring pattern of fire outbreaks in Mumbai's film studios, attributing these incidents to the "blatant negligence" of producers, production houses, and television channels who "consistently fail to implement even the most basic fire safety measures." The association alleges that this apathy places the lives of thousands of workers at risk every day. Furthermore, the AICWA has raised concerns about the potential for insurance fraud, suggesting that the fire might have been intentionally triggered to make false claims. They have also voiced fears that any actual casualties could be concealed to avoid legal repercussions, urging authorities to conduct an in-depth investigation to ascertain the facts.
The incident has reignited the debate about safety standards within the entertainment industry, with many insiders claiming that film studios often avoid conducting compulsory fire safety inspections to cut costs, thus endangering the lives of workers. The AICWA is calling for a complete fire safety check-up in all film studios across Maharashtra, demanding that any organization found to be in violation of safety standards be blacklisted.
This is not the first time that "Anupamaa" has faced a safety-related crisis. Last year, a crew member was electrocuted on the sets of the show, prompting questions about safety protocols and working conditions. The latest fire incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of the production and raise concerns about the well-being of those working in the television and film industry. The AICWA's demand for an FIR and a high-level inquiry underscores the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for greater accountability and stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
