The death of a crew member during the shooting of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Love & War has sparked fresh concerns over safety standards on film sets. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has now approached Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding strict legal action against the filmmaker, financial support for the deceased’s family and a high-level probe into the incident.
Crew member Chandradhari Singh Yadav lost his life on June 17 while working on the set of Love & War in Mumbai. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles.
AICWA Raises Questions Over Safety Measures
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, AICWA president Suresh Shyamlal Gupta alleged that mandatory safety protocols were not properly followed on the set, leading to the tragic accident.
According to the association, despite Love & War being a big-budget film featuring some of Bollywood’s biggest stars, proper workplace safety measures were allegedly missing. AICWA argued that the tragedy could possibly have been avoided had safety norms been implemented strictly.
Family Left Behind
Chandradhari Singh Yadav is survived by his wife and two young daughters. According to AICWA, he was the sole breadwinner of the family, and his death has left them facing emotional and financial hardship.
Keeping this in mind, the workers’ body has demanded compensation of ₹1 crore for the family. It has also requested that financial support or suitable employment be provided to Yadav’s widow and that long-term assistance be ensured for the upbringing and education of his daughters until they become financially independent.
Previous Accidents Mentioned
In the letter, AICWA also referred to earlier accidents that allegedly took place during Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s previous productions.
The association claimed that worker Dindayal Yadav died during the making of Devdas between 2000 and 2001, while another crew member, Subhash Morkar, also reportedly lost his life during the same period. It further mentioned the death of worker Mukesh Dakiya during the production of Padmaavat.
The association said the latest incident involving Chandradhari Singh Yadav is not an isolated case and called for accountability.
Demand For FIR And Safety Audit
AICWA has urged the Maharashtra government to register an FIR against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the production house and others found responsible after investigation. The association has sought action under provisions related to negligence and other applicable laws.
It has also demanded an independent inquiry into the incident and a comprehensive safety audit of the Love & War set. According to the letter, shooting should remain suspended until authorities certify that all safety requirements are being followed.
In addition, AICWA has called for mandatory safety inspections across film sets in Maharashtra to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Love & War Under Spotlight
The incident has put Love & War, one of the most anticipated Bollywood films, under scrutiny. While neither Sanjay Leela Bhansali nor the makers of the film have publicly responded to the allegations made by AICWA, the incident has reignited the debate over working conditions and safety standards in the film industry.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Chandradhari Singh Yadav and strengthening safety measures for thousands of workers who form the backbone of the Indian film industry.
