A heartbreaking event has unfolded on the set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s new film, Love & War, raising serious concerns about safety in the film industry. Chandradhari Yadav, a 42-year-old carpenter, tragically lost his life early on June 17 while working at the Royal Pump Studio in Goregaon East, Mumbai.
Reports from the Film Studio Setting and Allied Mazdoor Union (FSSAMU) indicate that Yadav suffered an electric shock, possibly due to a short circuit, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Authorities are awaiting a post-mortem report for further details.
Yadav leaves behind his wife and two daughters. Following the incident, representatives from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and FSSAMU reached out to the producers of Love & War for financial support for the family. In response, the production company has offered Rs 40 lakhs as compensation. However, union leaders are calling for additional assistance to ensure the security of Yadav’s family, including his children’s education.
FWICE president B.N. Tiwari emphasized the need for more than just financial aid. “We need the producer to ensure the children’s education,” he said. He also highlighted the troubling practice of workers being pushed to exceed their limits, working beyond the standard hours, which endangers their lives.
Yadav had reportedly been on set for several days, working from 7 am to 3 am on the night of the accident. Ashok Dubey, honorary general secretary of FWICE, noted that Yadav’s collapse came after he suffered an electric shock and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
The federation has also requested job opportunities for Yadav’s wife within the production company. Ashoke Pandit, president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), called for stricter inspections of film sets. He stated, “Regular audits of sets, electrical wiring, and safety protocols are crucial, considering the number of crew members present.”
With lives at stake and significant investments involved, there is a pressing need for compliance with safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
