An accident on the set of Love & War at Royal Pump Studio in Goregaon (East) claimed the life of 42-year-old Chandradhari Yadav, a carpenter and member of the Film Studio Setting and Allied Mazdoor Union (FSSAMU), at around 3 am on June 17. According to union representatives, the incident prima facie appears to have resulted from a short circuit, although the exact cause of death will be determined only after the post-mortem report is released. Chandradhari is survived by his wife and two daughters.

FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) and FSSAMU jointly approached the producers of the film seeking financial assistance and support for the bereaved family, following which Bhansali’s production house offered Rs. 40 lakh to Chandradhari’s family.

However, FWICE president Birendra Nath Tiwari believes the tragedy raises larger concerns about working conditions on film sets.

He says, “Apart from monetary compensation, we have requested the producer to take responsibility for the children’s education. Workers are often made to work far beyond the prescribed eight to ten hours, and there is a limit to how much a person can physically stretch themselves at work. Once the post-mortem report comes, we will decide our next course of action. No matter how big the producer is or how big a film is being made, workers’ lives cannot be put at risk.”

Ashok Dubey, honorary general secretary of FWICE, says, “Chandradhari had been working continuously on the set for the past three days and had been on duty from 7 am until 3 am on the day of the incident. According to those present, he suffered an electric shock and was rushed to hospital, where he passed away. We have also written to Mr Bhansali requesting employment for his wife in his production house.”

The incident has prompted industry bodies to once again call for mandatory safety protocols, defined working hours and government oversight on film sets.

Ashoke Pandit, president of IFTDA and chief advisor to FWICE, says, “We have repeatedly urged producer bodies, studios and government authorities to conduct regular audits of sets, electrical wiring and cabling, considering that 150 to 200 workers are often present on a set. There are lives at stake and significant investments involved in building these sets. Mandatory compliance with fire, electrical and structural safety norms and comprehensive SOPs is the need of the hour. Unfortunately, our appeals have not received any response from the authorities.”