Image Source: India Today
In a powerful and compassionate move, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has personally insured the lives of 650 stunt professionals across India, offering health and accident coverage to those who risk their lives behind the scenes. This initiative comes in the wake of the tragic death of veteran stuntman SM Raju, who lost his life during a high-risk car stunt on the set of director Pa Ranjith’s upcoming Tamil film Vettuvam.
What the Insurance Covers
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Cashless medical treatment up to ₹5–₹5.5 lakh
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Coverage for injuries sustained on or off set
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Includes health and accident insurance for both stuntmen and action crew members
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Funded and advocated by Akshay Kumar since 2017, now expanded to cover hundreds more
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Veteran stunt coordinator Vikram Singh Dahiya praised the initiative, calling it a “benchmark for how influential figures can bring real change.”
The Tragedy That Sparked Action
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On July 13, 2025, SM Raju was performing a car-toppling stunt when the vehicle lost control and flipped violently.
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Despite immediate response from the crew, Raju succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
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The incident reignited concerns about safety standards and lack of insurance for stunt professionals in Indian cinema.
Industry Response
“Akshay sir knows firsthand what stuntmen go through. His gesture gives us not just protection, but recognition,” said Dahiya.
“This is a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize safety and dignity for its action heroes.”
The initiative is being hailed as a landmark moment for Bollywood’s behind-the-scenes workforce, many of whom operate without formal safety nets.
Sources: MSN, News18, Moneycontrol
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