Following the tragic death of stuntman SM Raju on the set of an upcoming Tamil film, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has taken a significant step to address safety concerns within the Indian film industry by insuring approximately 650 stunt professionals across India. This initiative provides crucial health and accident coverage for stuntmen and stuntwomen, an often-overlooked community in the entertainment world.
The unfortunate incident involving SM Raju occurred on July 13 during the filming of director Pa Ranjith's film, which stars Arya. A disturbing video surfaced showing Raju attempting a high-risk car stunt. The vehicle lost control upon hitting a ramp, flipping multiple times mid-air before landing headfirst. The accident highlighted the potential dangers faced by stunt performers and reignited concerns about safety protocols on film sets. Actor Vishal confirmed Raju's death, expressing his sorrow and acknowledging Raju's bravery in performing risky stunts in his films over the years.
Akshay Kumar's decision to insure 650 stunt workers is a proactive response to these concerns. Veteran stunt professional Vikram Singh Dahiya, who has worked in films such as "Gunjan Saxena," "Antim," "OMG 2," "Dhadak 2," and "Jigra," expressed his gratitude for the initiative. Dahiya stated that around 650 to 700 stuntmen and action crew members in Bollywood are now covered under the insurance policy.
The insurance policy includes both health and accident coverage, providing cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 to ₹5.5 lakh (approximately $6,250 to $6,875 USD) for injuries sustained on or off set. This brings the total sum of the insurance coverage to ₹35 crore (approximately $4.4 million USD) or more. This coverage offers a safety net for stunt performers who often work in high-risk environments with minimal safety measures and little financial protection. Many stunt performers lack access to health or accident insurance, making them and their families vulnerable in case of injury or death.
For years, stunt performers have risked their lives to create action scenes, often without proper safety equipment or medical support. Recognizing this vulnerability, Akshay Kumar's initiative aims to provide a sense of security and value to these unsung heroes of the film industry. By providing them with health and accident coverage, he is not only offering financial assistance but also acknowledging their contribution to the entertainment world.
While Akshay Kumar's insurance scheme offers immediate relief, it also emphasizes the need for more structured guidelines, standardized safety protocols, and greater accountability on film sets across the country. The incident involving SM Raju and the subsequent insurance initiative have sparked conversations about improving safety standards and providing better support for stunt performers in the Indian film industry.
