Akshay Kumar provides insurance and support to '650' stuntmen after SM Raju's demise
has taken a step forward towards protecting the lives and rights of the stuntmen who provide us with action-packed scenes from our beloved films. After stuntman SM Raju's untimely and tragic demise while shooting on set, Kumar stepped up and provided insurance and other benefits to approximately 650 stuntmen across the country.
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Akshay Kumar provides insurance to stuntmen
In a recent report from India Today, veteran action director Vikram Singh Dahiya talked about the dangers of being a stuntman. He also revealed that the 'OMG 2' actor has taken a major step to help the stuntmen of the Bollywood industry, and has insured 650 of them from across the nation.
He shared that Akshay Kumar knew 'firsthand' what stuntmen go through, and shared how he wanted to take action for them. The director revealed that, 'Thanks to Akshay sir, around 650–700 stuntmen and action crew members in Bollywood are now covered under insurance.
It includes both health and accident insurance. If a stuntman is injured on or off set, he can avail of cashless treatment up to Rs 5–5.5 lakh'.
Not only that, but Dahiya also revealed that a clause was added in the insurance that the 'Kesari' actor personally advocated for. 'This insurance wasn't there before. Akshay Kumar not only advocated for it but also helped fund it. He knows first-hand what stuntmen go through'.
Aejaz Khan, the General Secretary of the Movie Stunt Artists Association, also praised Kumar for his initiative, saying, 'This entire policy, which has helped many members, has been funded from Akshay Kumar's own pocket for the last eight years. It has truly benefited our community'.
The insurance was provided to the association back in 2017, and since then has helped many stuntmen whenever they have gotten injured or have passed away during or outside of work.
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