In a significant and widely lauded initiative for the Indian film industry, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has personally funded medical insurance for approximately 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen across the country. In response to the recent tragic death of stuntman S.M. Raju during a film shoot, this vital initiative — offering cashless medical treatment ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh — underscores the dangerous realities faced by stunt professionals.
A Direct Response to Tragedy: Ensuring Stuntmen’s Safety
The decision to renew and publicize this extensive insurance coverage gains heightened relevance following the recent, unfortunate demise of veteran stuntman S.M. Raju. On July 13th, Raju tragically lost his life while performing a dangerous car-toppling stunt on the sets of the Tamil film Vettuvam, helmed by director Pa Ranjith and featuring actor Arya.
While Akshay Kumar has reportedly been funding a similar insurance scheme since 2017, this renewed emphasis and the broader coverage underscore his commitment to the welfare of these unsung heroes.
Comprehensive Coverage: On-Set and Off-Set Injuries Included
Fully sponsored by Akshay Kumar, the insurance scheme provides extensive medical coverage for injuries sustained both during and outside of film shoots. This vital safety net ensures that stunt professionals can avail of cashless medical treatment for a wide range of ailments and injuries, alleviating a significant financial burden.
According to Aejaz Khan, General Secretary of the Movie Stunt Artists Association, the policy has already proven invaluable. He revealed that in tragic cases where stuntmen lost their lives, even in road accidents outside of work, their families received a payout of ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh through this initiative.
Akshay Kumar: A Long-Standing Advocate for Stunt Community
Akshay Kumar, renowned for performing many of his own high-octane stunts, has long been a vocal advocate for the rights, safety, and recognition of stunt professionals. As a former martial artist and someone who understands the risks intimately, he has consistently highlighted the need for better protection and appreciation for those who put their lives on the line to create thrilling cinematic experiences.
Veteran action director Vikram Singh Dahiya, who has worked on numerous Bollywood films, lauded Kumar’s efforts. ” With Akshay sir’s initiative, nearly 650 to 700 Bollywood stunt performers and action crew members are now protected by insurance coverage. It includes both health and accident insurance,” Dahiya stated, emphasizing the critical financial protection this initiative offers.
Akshay Kumar’s philanthropic gesture has been widely appreciated by the entire film fraternity. It is not merely seen as financial aid but as a powerful signal of solidarity and a call for broader, industry-wide reforms. Many industry voices are now urging government bodies and other producers to join hands and implement similar comprehensive safeguards for all crew members, particularly those in high-risk professions.
A Step Towards a Safer Future
Akshay Kumar’s proactive measure sets a commendable precedent for safety and welfare in the Indian film industry. It underscores the critical need to protect the lives of those who contribute tirelessly, often anonymously, to the magic of cinema. This initiative is a vital step towards ensuring that the “behind-the-scenes heroes” receive the protection, respect, and recognition they truly deserve.
