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News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Akshay Kumar Opens Up About Decision To Insure 650 Lives: ‘I'm A Stuntman First And...'
Last Updated: Akshay Kumar insured 650 stuntmen, calling himself 'a stuntman first.' He launched the initiative in 2017 to ensure health and accident coverage for action crew members. In a heartfelt gesture, Akshay Kumar insured 650 stuntmen following the shocking news of the tragic death of stuntman SM Raju on the set of Pa Ranjith and Arya's upcoming Tamil film. This gesture by the actor was received with open arms, with fans and industry people praising him. Now, Akshay Kumar has opened up about his decision to insure the stuntmen. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the actor said, 'I'm a stuntman first and an actor next," and recounted how in 2017 he started financing the stuntmen quietly. The actor recalled that there was no such system of insurance for stuntmen, despite the incredibly dangerous nature of their job, which bothered him. Later, in collaboration with heart specialist Dr. Panda, Akshay—with permission from the stuntmen association—took the initiative and kickstarted an insurance scheme dedicated to stuntmen. After Akshay insured the lives of about 650 to 700 stuntmen, veteran stunt professional Vikram Singh Dahiya, known for his work in films like Dhadak 2, Jigra, Gunjan Saxena, Antim, and OMG 2, expressed his appreciation for Akshay's gesture. 'Thanks to Akshay sir, around 650 to 700 stuntmen and action crew members in Bollywood are now covered under insurance," he said. '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 ₹5 to ₹5.5 lakh." On the professional front, Akshay Kumar was last seen in Housefull 5. He is also reuniting with longtime collaborator Saif Ali Khan in Priyadarshan's newly announced film Haiwaan. The director recently shared a photo of the two actors watching the India vs England Test match at Lord's Cricket Stadium in London. Akshay and Saif have previously worked together in hits like Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Yeh Dillagi, Aarzoo, Tu Chor Main Sipahi, and Keemat. They were last seen together in the 2008 action-comedy Tashan, also starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Anil Kapoor. Akshay Kumar is also working on two more projects with Priyadarshan: Bhoot Bangla, a horror comedy, and the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3. First Published: July 26, 2025, 19:04 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Akshay Kumar steps up for stunt performers after tragic death on ‘Vettuvam' set
The untimely death of veteran stuntman SM Raju during a high-risk action sequence on the sets of director Pa Ranjith's upcoming film Vettuvam has sent shockwaves across the Indian film industry. The 52-year-old died in Nagapattinam on July 13 while driving an SUV for a stunt, drawing attention once again to the dangers stunt professionals face on a daily basis. The tragic incident has reignited discussions on social media about the lack of safety protocols and the urgent need for better protection for stunt choreographers and performers. Amidst the growing concern, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has stepped in with a commendable initiative — offering health insurance coverage to nearly 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen across India. This insurance plan provides cashless medical treatment ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh, regardless of whether the injury happens on a film set or elsewhere. It's a meaningful step toward acknowledging the contribution and vulnerability of these unsung heroes of Indian cinema. Senior stunt coordinator Vikram Singh Dahiya, known for his work in OMG 2, Jigra, Antim, and Gunjan Saxena, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Akshay Kumar for this generous gesture. 'This kind of support goes a long way in reassuring those who put their lives on the line every day for the sake of cinema,' he said. Social media users have praised Akshay's move, calling it timely and necessary. Many echoed the sentiment that while this should have happened long ago, the actor's initiative marks a positive beginning. Fans and industry insiders alike are now urging more stars to step up and support the welfare of stunt performers and behind-the-scenes technicians who often work in hazardous conditions. As the film fraternity mourns the loss of SM Raju, Akshay Kumar's contribution offers a ray of hope and a crucial reminder: heroes don't just perform on screen — they protect off-screen too.
Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Akshay Kumar provides insurance to over 650 stunt workers after SM Raju's death
The death of stuntman SM Raju on the sets of Pa Ranjith's Vettuvam has shocked the industry. The 52-year-old stuntman died while driving an SUV in a high-octane stunt scene for the film in Nagapattinam on July 13. It has sparked debate around the safety of stuntmen on set. Amid the controversy, actor Akshay Kumar has stepped forward to provide insurance to about 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen in the country. On July 17, reports of the actor providing health and accident coverage for stuntmen surfaced online. The news was confirmed after a veteran stunt professional thanked the Sooryavanshi star for his generosity. Stuntman Vikram Singh Dahiya, who has worked in films like Gunjan Saxena, Antim, OMG 2, and Jigra, told Hindustan Times, 'Thanks to Akshay sir, around 650 to 700 stuntmen and action crew members in Bollywood are now covered under insurance. The policy includes cashless medical treatment up to Rs 5 to Rs 5.5 lakh, whether the injury occurs on or off set.' While his kind gesture is being appreciated, many are questioning the ethics of Hindi film industry. A user shared the Akshay Kumar news on Reddit, prompting many responses. A user wrote, 'While a great gesture from Akshay, why the heck is an illustrious industry as Bollywood not already providing them insurance is the bigger question! ' Other comment read, 'Wonderful gesture. Every person working on the film set should be insured – not just stunt crew.' ALSO READ | Baahubali stunt coordinator Lee Whittaker opens up on death of stuntman on Pa Ranjith's film set: 'If there's not enough funds with production…' Earlier, speaking to SCREEN, American action choreographer Lee Wittaker expressed his disappointment in the lack of safety on film sets. He stated, 'No one should die doing a stunt. Safety precautions have to meet high standards for the safety of the performer and the crew. If there isn't then the stunt should never happen. If there's not enough funds with production, the stunt should never happen.' Whittaker has also worked in several Indian projects like Vishwaroopam, Linga, Kaadu, Baahubali and Thugs of Hindostan, among others. Soon after SM Raj's death, Pa Ranjith took to his X handle and said, 'A day that started out with detailed planning, caution, clarity in execution, prayers and all our goodwill, as it does on every film set that stages crash sequences, ended up in his unexpected death. This has sent us all into shock and heartbreak.' He claimed to have followed every protocol on set to maintain safety. He shared, 'We relied on the expertise of our stunt director Dilip Subbarayan and followed every protocol, every detail that was needed to make this safe. That in spite of all of our preparations and precautions, we ended up losing a man who had unparalleled experience and achievements, who made his family, colleagues and directors proud with the quality of his work that has affected us deeply. He will have our respect, love and adoration always.' In another development, the filmmaker has been booked for SM Raj's death. Along with Pa Ranjith, Neelam Productions executive Rajkamal, stunt artiste Vinoth, and the owner of the car Prabhakar have also been booked for the incident. They are booked under three sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 106(1), Section 289, and Section 125. Just last year, around the same time, another stuntman named Eluumalai died on the sets of Karthi and director PS Mithran's Sardar 2. The incident took place on July 16, 2024. According to India Today, the stuntman fell from a rostrum of 20 feet high while shooting an action sequence for the film. However, it went unnoticed with not much changing over the year.
Hindustan Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Akshay Kumar insures 650 stunt workers after SM Raju's death on film set, offers health and accident coverage
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has taken a significant step to address long-standing safety concerns in the film industry by insuring the lives of approximately 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen across India. This initiative follows the recent tragic death of stuntman SM Raju on the set of a Tamil film, Vettuvam, directed by Pa Ranjith and featuring actor Arya. (Also read: 'Followed every protocol to make this safe': Pa Ranjith breaks silence on stuntman SM Raju's death on his film set) Following the death of stuntman SM Raju, Akshay Kumar launches insurance for 650 stunt crew members, providing crucial health coverage.(PTI) Akshay's scheme provides health, accident coverage The tragic incident spotlighted the safety standards in the entertainment industry. Recognising this gap, Akshay's new insurance scheme provides health and accident coverage for hundreds of action crew members. Veteran stunt professional Vikram Singh Dahiya, known for his work in films like Gunjan Saxena, Antim, OMG 2, and the upcoming Dhadak 2 and Jigra, said, "Thanks to Akshay sir, around 650 to 700 stuntmen and action crew members in Bollywood are now covered under insurance. The policy includes cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 to ₹5.5 lakh, whether the injury occurs on or off set.' Shocking death of stuntman Raju In a tragic turn of events, veteran stunt artist SM Raju lost his life after a stunt went horribly wrong on the sets of director Pa Ranjith's upcoming film. The incident occurred on 13 July, and a disturbing video from the shoot has since surfaced online, sparking shock and concern across the industry. The video shows Raju attempting a high-risk car-toppling stunt. As the vehicle hit the ramp, it lost control, flipped multiple times mid-air, and landed headfirst. It took a few moments for the crew to fully grasp the severity of the crash. When they rushed to the car, they found Raju critically injured. Despite immediate efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
News18
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Akshay Kumar Insures 650 Stunt Workers After SM Raju's Death On Set, Offers Accident Cover
Last Updated: Akshay Kumar insures 650 stunt professionals in India, offering health and accident coverage after Raju's tragic on-set death sparked industry concern. In a heartfelt and impactful initiative, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has insured 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen across India, offering them much-needed health and accident coverage. This move comes in the wake of stuntman SM Raju's tragic death on the set of Pa Ranjith and Arya's upcoming Tamil film, sparking renewed conversation around the safety of stunt professionals in the entertainment industry. Stunt workers have long operated under perilous conditions, often without proper safety gear or access to healthcare. For many, a single injury can mean financial ruin, as most do not have access to medical insurance or job security. With this initiative, Akshay Kumar is not only addressing these systemic gaps but also acknowledging the invaluable contribution of the action crew in filmmaking. Veteran stunt professional Vikram Singh Dahiya, known for his work in films like Dhadak 2, Jigra, Gunjan Saxena, Antim, and OMG 2, expressed his appreciation for Akshay's gesture. 'Thanks to Akshay sir, around 650 to 700 stuntmen and action crew members in Bollywood are now covered under insurance," he revealed. '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 ₹5 to ₹5.5 lakh." The initiative is being praised across the industry, setting a benchmark for how influential figures can leverage their platforms for meaningful change. It also sheds light on the often-ignored struggles of behind-the-scenes talent who risk their lives to make high-octane sequences come alive on screen. On the professional front, Akshay Kumar was last seen in Housefull 5. He is also reuniting with longtime collaborator Saif Ali Khan in Priyadarshan's newly announced film Haiwaan. The director recently shared a photo of the two actors watching the India vs England Test match at Lord's Cricket Stadium in London. Akshay and Saif have previously worked together in hits like Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Yeh Dillagi, Aarzoo, Tu Chor Main Sipahi, and Keemat. They were last seen together in the 2008 action-comedy Tashan, also starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Anil Kapoor. Akshay Kumar is also working on two more projects with Priyadarshan: Bhoot Bangla, a horror comedy, and the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3. First Published: July 17, 2025, 22:12 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
