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Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Akshay Kumar snatched my phone, said ‘sorry beta…': Fan shares real story behind the actor's angry viral video. Watch
Recently, Akshay Kumar was holidaying in London when his angry video of stopping a fan for recording him without permission went viral on social media. He even posed with the fan for a selfie later. Now, the person has posted a clarification video, sharing the story behind the incident. He claimed that the actor snatched his phone and told him not to record him because he was busy. After that, the issue was resolved quickly, they talked and clicked a picture together. In the video, the fan can be heard saying, 'I was standing at the signal on Oxford Street when I saw someone who I thought was Akshay Kumar. To verify, I decided to follow him. First, I took a video from behind. Then, when I tried to record from the front, he saw me, came closer, and directly snatched my phone. Maybe he was busy at the time. He pulled the phone from my hand and also grabbed my hand.' ALSO READ | Akshay Kumar provides insurance to over 650 stunt workers after SM Raju's death 'He (Akshay Kumar) said, 'Sorry beta, I'm busy right now, please don't disturb me and don't take my photo or video.' I told him, 'You could've said that politely. Now please give me my phone back.' After that, Akshay Kumar returned my phone and asked me where I'm from and what I'm doing here. In the end, he even agreed to take a picture with me. There wasn't any major issue between us. He was actually a really nice guy. He looked like he was only 35-40 years old,' he added. Check out the video: A post shared by 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙮𝙮🚀✨ (@iamharryy24) When the initial video of Akshay Kumar snapping at the fan went viral on the internet, several users called him out for his agitated reaction. Some people also defended his actions, slamming the fan for invading the actor's privacy. Recently, a clip of veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan losing his cool at a paparazzi also did rounds on social media. In the video, he was asking the cameraman to stop recording him without his permission outside his Mumbai home. On the professional front, Akshay Kumar has several films in his kitty – Bhooth Bangla, Hera Pheri 3, Welcome To The Jungle, Jolly LLB 3, and Haiwaan.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Akshay Kumar steps up for stunt performers after tragic death on ‘Vettuvam' set
The untimely death of veteran stuntman SM Raju during a high-risk action sequence on the sets of director Pa Ranjith's upcoming film Vettuvam has sent shockwaves across the Indian film industry. The 52-year-old died in Nagapattinam on July 13 while driving an SUV for a stunt, drawing attention once again to the dangers stunt professionals face on a daily basis. The tragic incident has reignited discussions on social media about the lack of safety protocols and the urgent need for better protection for stunt choreographers and performers. Amidst the growing concern, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has stepped in with a commendable initiative — offering health insurance coverage to nearly 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen across India. This insurance plan provides cashless medical treatment ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh, regardless of whether the injury happens on a film set or elsewhere. It's a meaningful step toward acknowledging the contribution and vulnerability of these unsung heroes of Indian cinema. Senior stunt coordinator Vikram Singh Dahiya, known for his work in OMG 2, Jigra, Antim, and Gunjan Saxena, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Akshay Kumar for this generous gesture. 'This kind of support goes a long way in reassuring those who put their lives on the line every day for the sake of cinema,' he said. Social media users have praised Akshay's move, calling it timely and necessary. Many echoed the sentiment that while this should have happened long ago, the actor's initiative marks a positive beginning. Fans and industry insiders alike are now urging more stars to step up and support the welfare of stunt performers and behind-the-scenes technicians who often work in hazardous conditions. As the film fraternity mourns the loss of SM Raju, Akshay Kumar's contribution offers a ray of hope and a crucial reminder: heroes don't just perform on screen — they protect off-screen too.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Akshay Kumar Provides Health And Accident Coverage To 650 Stunt Workers After Stuntman SM Raju's Death
New Delhi: Akshay Kumar addressed the safety concerns of stuntmen and stuntwomen across the nation, following stuntman SM Raju's tragic death on Pa Ranjith's film set on July 13. Akshay Kumar insured approximately 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen's lives in India. What's Happening Alarmed by SM Raju's tragic death on a film set, Akshay Kumar has provided health and accident coverage for hundreds of crew members. A veteran stunt professional known for his work in OMG 2, Dhadak 2 and Jigra thanked Akshay Kumar for his generous move and told Hindustan Times, "Thanks to Akshay sir, around 650 to 700 stuntmen and action crew members in Bollywood are now covered under insurance. The policy includes cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 to ₹5.5 lakh, whether the injury occurs on or off set." The Background In a viral video shot from the film set, we can see Raju driving an SUV for a scene. The car, moving at a high speed, went over a ramp, lost balance, and toppled, landing hard on its front end. The incident took place on July 13 in Tamil Nadu on the set of film titled Vettuvam, featuring Arya in the lead. The news of Raju's death was confirmed by Tamil actor Vishal on X. He had collaborated with him on many films. A negligence case has been filed against director Pa Ranjith and three others. The development follows the post-mortem report, which revealed that Raju had suffered severe internal injuries, including bleeding inside the head, despite no visible external wounds at the time of the incident. A senior police officer confirmed to NDTV that a case has been registered against director Pa Ranjith, assistant director Raj Kamal, vehicle owner Prakash, and shoot manager Vinodh."The post-mortem clearly points to internal trauma and bleeding in the head. Based on preliminary investigation, we've filed a case of negligence," the Nagapattinam police officer told NDTV. In A Nutshell Akshay Kumar, known for his terrific stunts on screen, has provided health and accident coverage to 650 stuntmen and women across nation following SM Raju's death.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Akshay Kumar insures 650 stunt workers after SM Raju's death on film set, offers health and accident coverage
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has taken a significant step to address long-standing safety concerns in the film industry by insuring the lives of approximately 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen across India. This initiative follows the recent tragic death of stuntman SM Raju on the set of a Tamil film, Vettuvam, directed by Pa Ranjith and featuring actor Arya. (Also read: 'Followed every protocol to make this safe': Pa Ranjith breaks silence on stuntman SM Raju's death on his film set) Following the death of stuntman SM Raju, Akshay Kumar launches insurance for 650 stunt crew members, providing crucial health coverage.(PTI) Akshay's scheme provides health, accident coverage The tragic incident spotlighted the safety standards in the entertainment industry. Recognising this gap, Akshay's new insurance scheme provides health and accident coverage for hundreds of action crew members. Veteran stunt professional Vikram Singh Dahiya, known for his work in films like Gunjan Saxena, Antim, OMG 2, and the upcoming Dhadak 2 and Jigra, said, "Thanks to Akshay sir, around 650 to 700 stuntmen and action crew members in Bollywood are now covered under insurance. The policy includes cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 to ₹5.5 lakh, whether the injury occurs on or off set.' Shocking death of stuntman Raju In a tragic turn of events, veteran stunt artist SM Raju lost his life after a stunt went horribly wrong on the sets of director Pa Ranjith's upcoming film. The incident occurred on 13 July, and a disturbing video from the shoot has since surfaced online, sparking shock and concern across the industry. The video shows Raju attempting a high-risk car-toppling stunt. As the vehicle hit the ramp, it lost control, flipped multiple times mid-air, and landed headfirst. It took a few moments for the crew to fully grasp the severity of the crash. When they rushed to the car, they found Raju critically injured. Despite immediate efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Baahubali stunt coordinator Lee Whittaker reacts to stuntman SM Raju's tragic demise on Pa Ranjith's film set: ‘The stunt should never happen if...'
Kollywood is mourning the tragic passing of stuntman Mohan Raj, widely known as SM Raju , who lost his life while filming a high-risk sequence for director Pa Ranjith's upcoming action drama 'Vettuvam'. The unfortunate incident has cast a dark cloud over the production and raised pressing concerns about on-set safety protocols. Stunt coordinator Lee Whittaker reacts to SM Raju's demise In a recent interaction, stunt coordinator and action expert Lee Whittaker, who is known for working on 'Baahubali', reacted to the incident. In an interview with The Indian Express, Lee Whittaker said, 'No one should die doing a stunt. Safety precautions have to meet high standards for the safety of the performer and the crew. If there isn't, then the stunt should never happen. If there's not enough funds with production, the stunt should never happen. ' Stuntman SM Raju dies on 'Vettuvam' set| FIR filed against Director Pa Ranjith Whittaker further added, 'Corners in the action/stunt department should not take place because people can die — unlike any of the other departments on productions.' SM Raju collapsed on Vettuvam shooting set Raju was behind the wheel of an SUV as part of a daring stunt being shot in Nagapattinam on July 13. According to reports, the experienced stuntman collapsed during the sequence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Crew members acted swiftly to extract him from the vehicle and rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was brought in dead, according to the hospital. Pa Ranjith shared a lengthy note on social media after Raju's demise Director Pa Ranjith expressed his sorrow in a lengthy statement on social media. 'A day that started out with detailed planning, caution, clarity in execution, prayers and all our goodwill, as it does on every film set that stages crash sequences, ended up in his unexpected death. This has sent us all into shock and heartbreak,' he wrote. Ranjith further stated that despite strictly following safety protocols under stunt director Dilip Subbarayan's guidance, they lost a highly experienced and respected stuntman. He added that the loss has deeply affected everyone, and the stuntman will always be remembered with love, respect, and admiration for his exceptional work. Following the tragic incident, local authorities filed a case against the director and other crew members. Whittaker collaborated on major Indian projects such as 'Vishwaroopam', 'Lingaa', 'Arrambam', and SS Rajamouli's 'Baahubali'.
