Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has set a new precedent in the Indian film industry by providing health and accident insurance coverage to over 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen working in Bollywood. According to Hindustan Times, his initiative comes on the heels of the tragic accident that claimed the life of veteran stuntman SM Raju, who died performing a dangerous car stunt for director Pa Ranjith’s film “Vettuvam.” The incident has once again highlighted the tremendous risks involved in the profession of stunt work and the urgent need to improve the safety net for those who put their lives on the line for cinematic thrills.
Akshay Kumar’s insurance scheme represents a significant leap forward in the welfare of Bollywood’s action community. For decades, stunt performers have been among the least protected members of a film crew, often facing precarious working conditions without adequate medical coverage. Now, under this new initiative, around 650 to 700 stunt professionals from across the industry will receive the security of a comprehensive insurance plan.
The details of the insurance plan offer real, practical assistance to the beneficiaries. The scheme covers both accidental injury and general health issues, with insurance limits providing cashless medical treatment up to approximately ₹5 to 5.5 lakh. Importantly, the scope of the policy is not limited to injuries suffered on set; stunt professionals will have coverage whether an accident occurs during work, training, or elsewhere. This ensures that the coverage acts as a real safety net rather than just a formality. Veteran action director Vikram Singh Dahiya, who has been a vocal advocate for stunt workers, expressed gratitude for Akshay Kumar’s commitment, acknowledging that the move would bring much-needed peace of mind to stunt professionals and their families.
It was the tragic death of SM Raju on July 13, 2025 that served as the catalyst for this sweeping reform. During the filming of a high-risk car toppling scene for “Vettuvam,” SM Raju was fatally injured when his car lost control after striking a ramp, ultimately flipping over and landing headfirst. Despite immediate efforts from the film crew, Raju succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His death shook the industry and provoked widespread calls for more robust safety standards and comprehensive protection for stunt professionals who regularly risk life and limb for their craft.
Akshay Kumar has long been admired as one of Bollywood’s best action stars, performing many of his own stunts and championing the cause of India’s stunt community. With this insurance initiative, he is not only honoring the legacy and sacrifice of professionals like SM Raju but also setting a new industry standard for responsibility and compassion. In his statement, Kumar underscored the vital contributions made by stunt artists to the magic of cinema, adding that their safety and dignity must be a top priority for the industry.
The insurance scheme is being hailed as a transformative milestone for Bollywood’s action teams. It doesn’t just provide substantial financial protection but is also a gesture of genuine respect for the essential, and often invisible, role that stunt workers play on every film set. With medical and accident coverage now becoming a reality for so many in the profession, there is widespread hope that other production houses and artists will follow Kumar’s example and ensure that no stunt worker is left vulnerable.
This move also comes at a time when there is an increased demand for accountability in the film industry. Calls are growing for stricter safety standards, routine checks, and more comprehensive training for action sequences, ensuring that tragedies like the one that befell SM Raju are never repeated. For the hundreds of families who rely on the courage and skill of Bollywood’s stunt artists, Akshay Kumar’s intervention represents a new era of recognition, security, and respect.
By offering meaningful insurance coverage, Akshay Kumar has opened the door for industry-wide change, transforming the way Bollywood views and values its action heroes. His proactive response to the loss of SM Raju will not only benefit those currently working in the action arena but will also create a safer, more equitable future for generations of stunt performers to come.
Photo Credit: HT
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