The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has intensified its demand for strict action against acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. This comes in the wake of a tragic incident where a worker reportedly died on the sets of Bhansali's upcoming film, 'Love & War,' highlighting critical concerns about safety standards in the Indian film industry.
Tragedy Strikes on 'Love & War' Set Carpenter Chandradhari Singh Yadav, 42, allegedly died after suffering an electric shock during the filming of 'Love & War' in the early hours of June 17, 2026. Yadav is survived by his wife and two young daughters, making the incident even more poignant. AICWA President Suresh Gupta has unequivocally stated that the death resulted from a clear failure to maintain adequate safety measures on the film set.
AICWA's Immediate Demands
Following the incident, Suresh Gupta reportedly sent a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, outlining several key demands:
• FIR Against Bhansali: Seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Sanjay Leela Bhansali for alleged negligence.
• Compensation: Demanding a compensation of Rs. 1 crore for the family of the deceased worker.
• High-Level Inquiry: Pushing for a comprehensive, high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the worker's death.
Gupta asserted, "Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a big producer and filmmaker. And that worker died because of him. Because of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his production, he lost his life. If he had followed all safety norms on the set that day, the worker would have been among us.”
A Pattern of Alleged Negligence?
Significantly, Gupta claimed that this is not the first such incident linked to Bhansali's productions. He cited alleged fatalities during previous films:• Devdas (2002): Gupta alleged two lives were lost on set due to a disregard for safety norms.
• Padmaavat (2016): Another worker reportedly died during the production of this film.
• Love & War (2026): The latest incident, raising serious questions about recurring safety lapses.
Call for Criminal Action and Industry-Wide Safety Reforms The AICWA is advocating for a "murder case" to be filed against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, arguing that repeated worker deaths due to lack of safety protocols amount to criminal culpability. Gupta critically highlighted the industry's double standards, where workers consistently face life-threatening risks due to cost-cutting on safety measures, while prominent figures remain largely unaffected. He passionately urged for stronger safety standards to protect the most vulnerable members of the film industry.
As of the time of publishing, there has been no official response from Sanjay Leela Bhansali or his production team regarding the allegations and demands made by AICWA President Suresh Gupta. The incident continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny, underscoring an urgent need for accountability and improved safety protocols within the Indian film industry.
