The death of a crew member on the set of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Love and War has triggered serious concerns about workplace safety in the film industry.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has now urged the Maharashtra government to register an FIR against Bhansali and provide ₹1 crore compensation to the deceased worker’s family.
Crew Member Dies During Love and War Shoot
The incident involved crew member Chandradhari Singh Yadav, who reportedly lost his life while working on the set of Love and War in Mumbai. Following the tragedy, AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding strict action and a thorough investigation.
According to the association, the accident raises important questions about whether adequate safety measures were in place during the film’s production.
AICWA Alleges Safety Norms Were Ignored
In its letter, AICWA stated that mandatory workplace safety protocols were allegedly not followed on the film set. The organization argued that proper implementation of safety measures could have prevented the fatal incident.
The association highlighted that Love and War is a major production featuring leading actors Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt. Given the scale of the project, AICWA said strict safety compliance should have been ensured at every stage of production.
Demand for ₹1 Crore Compensation
AICWA has requested financial assistance of ₹1 crore for the family of Chandradhari Singh Yadav. According to the association, the deceased was the sole earning member of his family and is survived by his wife and two young daughters.
The organization also called for:
- Long-term financial support for the family
- Educational and welfare assistance for the children
- Employment or financial aid for the widow
- Measures to secure the family’s future
Previous Accidents on Bhansali Film Sets Raised
In its appeal, AICWA referred to several past incidents that allegedly occurred on film sets associated with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
The association claimed that workers lost their lives during the production of Devdas and Padmaavat. It argued that the latest tragedy highlights the need for stronger safety enforcement across the entertainment industry.
AICWA Seeks Criminal Investigation
The workers’ body has demanded that authorities register an FIR against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the production house, and any individuals found responsible after investigation.
AICWA has requested legal action under relevant provisions dealing with negligence, culpable homicide, or other applicable offences, depending on the findings of the inquiry.
The association also called for:
- An independent high-level investigation
- A comprehensive safety audit of the set
- Suspension of shooting activities until compliance is verified
- Mandatory safety inspections across film productions in Maharashtra
Growing Focus on Workplace Safety in Film Industry
The incident has renewed discussions about workplace safety standards in India’s film industry. Industry observers and worker organizations have repeatedly stressed the importance of stricter safety regulations, regular inspections, and accountability mechanisms to protect crew members working behind the scenes.
As investigations continue, all eyes remain on the authorities’ response and whether new measures will be introduced to improve safety conditions across film sets.
