Concerns Rise Over Safety After Tragic Death on Love And War Set

Tragic Incident Raises Safety Concerns

The film industry is in mourning following the unfortunate passing of a crew member during the production of Love And War. Technician Chandradhari Singh Yadav's death has ignited serious discussions about the safety of workers, the excessive hours they endure, and the compensation provided to families affected by such tragedies. Although the production team led by Sanjay Leela Bhansali has offered financial aid to Yadav's family, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) insists that more support is necessary.

FWICE Advocates for Increased Compensation

FWICE Seeks Enhanced Support for Yadav's Family

N. Tiwari, the president of FWICE, has publicly addressed the situation, stating that the federation has urged Bhansali and his production company to increase the compensation for Yadav's family. Currently, the family has received Rs 40 lakh following the tragic electrical accident on set. Tiwari highlighted that Yadav, who was only 42 years old, had significant familial responsibilities. While the initial support is appreciated, FWICE believes that raising the compensation to Rs 50 lakh would provide better financial stability for the grieving family.

Industry-Wide Safety Concerns

FWICE Raises Alarm on Working Conditions

Tiwari also pointed out that the issue of excessively long working hours is prevalent across the film, television, and web series sectors. He noted that many workers are often required to work between 16 to 20 hours, despite regulations limiting shifts to 12 hours. This problem is not isolated to one production but is indicative of a broader industry concern that needs urgent attention. The federation plans to implement stricter health and safety inspections on various sets to address these issues. Tiwari emphasized, "Our primary concern is that our workers, technicians, and artists should not be treated like slaves."

Legal Action Considerations

Regarding potential legal actions, Tiwari mentioned that FWICE typically refrains from filing FIRs against producers, preferring to resolve matters through dialogue and negotiation. He stated, "The federation has never filed an FIR against anyone. Our organization is dedicated to protecting our workers and advocating for their rights and safety." For context, the incident occurred on June 17 in Mumbai, where Yadav, a carpenter, tragically lost his life, and several other crew members sustained injuries.