Latest news with #SouthIndianArtistesAssociation
India Today
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Stuntman Raju insisted on doing deadly car stunt despite warning: Actor Vishal
Actor Vishal discussed the car accident that led to the death of stuntman Raju. During a recent interview, he stated that Raju was advised against performing the stunt by choreographer Dhilip Subbaryayan. However, he didn't listen and insisted on doing an interview with NDTV, Vishal said, "The stunt choreographer actually told Raju not to do it. He said it is a normal stunt. Just do the lead, the rest I'll do with the canon blast. But he wouldn't listen. He wanted to do the stunt."advertisementAs the autopsy report is awaited, he mentioned that Raju had no visible injuries or bleeding after the topple. "He was numb after the topple. No injuries, no bleeding... We are clueless what went wrong," the actor, who is also General Secretary of the South Indian Artistes Association, said. He further highlighted the presence of rigorous safety protocols on sets. "Irrespective of what they are doing - whether it's glass breaking or toppling of car or jumping from a building - they make sure they are safe. Don't risk your life for that one shot. That's what they say," said 47-year-old further shared, "An ambulance, doctor, nurse, and physio are always present on the sets of stunts. Sometimes there would be no hospital nearby and we can't rush. All such cars or vehicles are fitted with rock-solid pipes to prevent collapse of the shell that would harm the driver. They wear a helmet, a special suit, and a seat belt is always mandatory. There is no compromise on safety."However, he expressed concern over the hand-to-mouth attitude of stuntmen. "Many stunt artistes don't report injuries unless we ask them. They fear they won't be called the next day. It's a hand-to-mouth survival attitude. I myself have 116 stitches from past stunts," Vishal noted that his heart is in his mouth till they finish the stunt - an expression to suggest that he's completely restless until the stunt is over. "It's not just a job, it's a life on the line," the actor from the set of the stunt sequence showed the car flipping over in a dangerous died on the set of Pa Ranjith and actor Arya's upcoming film 'Vettuvam' on July 13. He was well-known in the Kollywood industry for his daring stunts and had been a part of numerous films over the years.- Ends
NDTV
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Negligence Case Against Film Director After Stuntman Killed In Car Crash
Chennai: A day after the tragic death of renowned stuntman SM Raju during a car-toppling stunt sequence on a Tamil film set, 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. Raju was performing a high-risk stunt in the Nagapattinam district for a film directed by Mr Ranjith. Videos accessed by NDTV show Raju's vehicle accelerating on a ramp and flipping in mid-air, while another vehicle speeds past on the ground, a sequence meant to create a dramatic near-miss, but one that proved fatal. Though Raju initially showed no external injuries, he collapsed shortly after and was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital. His death has sent shockwaves through the film industry, once again raising questions over the safety of stunt performers. In an emotional interview with NDTV, actor K Vishal, who is also the general secretary of the South Indian Artistes Association, said Raju was like family to him. "I've known Raju for 20 years. This is a deep personal loss. He has two young kids. It's my duty to stand by his family now," Mr Vishal said. Mr Vishal revealed that stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan had explicitly advised Raju not to do the stunt, but Raju insisted on performing it himself, highlighting the dedication and risk stunt artists take on. "Stunt artists often don't reveal their injuries. They fear not being called back to work the next day," he added. "I have 116 stitches from stunts across my career. That's the reality we live with," he added. He defended the industry's commitment to safety, saying all standard protocols were followed. "Ambulance, doctor, nurse, and physio are present on set. The stunt car was modified with rock-solid pipes to avoid the collapse of the shell. Mandatory use of helmets, padded suits, and seat belts is required. " "We never compromise on safety. But till a stunt is completed, my heart is in my mouth," he said. While Vishal insisted that Raju's death was a tragic anomaly, the police case could mark a turning point in how stunt sequences are planned and executed in Indian cinema. Investigators are now probing whether proper risk assessments and approvals were followed - and if any corners were cut. The spotlight is now squarely on accountability, as the Tamil film fraternity mourns one of its most experienced and beloved stunt professionals.
NDTV
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Actor K Vishal To NDTV On Stuntman SM Raju's Death In Car Crash: "He Was Asked To Not Do It, He Wouldn't Listen"
A tragic accident on the sets of the Tamil film Vettuvam, directed by Pa Ranjith, has claimed the life of well-known stunt artist SM Raju, who died while performing a high-risk car toppling stunt in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu. The incident has reignited concerns over safety protocols for stunt professionals in the Tamil film industry. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, actor K Vishal, also the General Secretary of the South Indian Artistes Association, opened up about the accident, safety measures, and his personal loss. "I have known Raju for over 20 years... it's heartbreaking," said an emotional Vishal. "It's my duty to help his family. He has two young children. We will see how best to support them." The stunt sequence, part of a larger action block, involved a car topple -- a manoeuvre requiring precision and absolute safety precautions. Vishal revealed that Raju was advised against performing the stunt by the stunt choreographer Dhilip Subbarayan. Despite the warning, Raju insisted on going ahead. "The stunt choreographer actually told Raju not to do it. He said it is a normal stunt. Just do the lead, the rest I'll do with the canon blast," Vishal said. "But he wouldn't listen. He wanted to do the stunt." Visuals from the set show the car flipping over, a controlled stunt by design, but one that went terribly wrong. Vishal said Raju had no visible injuries but was unresponsive after the stunt. He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead. Stunt driver 'Mohan Raj' passed away during a risky stunt with a car for the movie #Vettuvam starring Arya and directed by 😑 — Cinema Madness 24*7 (@CinemaMadness24) July 14, 2025 An autopsy report is awaited to determine the exact cause of death. "He was numb after the topple. No injuries, no bleeding... We are clueless what went wrong," Vishal explained. For a specific question on the need for a review, the actor highlighted rigorous safety protocols in place on film sets today. "Irrespective of what they are doing -- whether it's glass breaking or toppling of car or jumping from a building -- they make sure they are safe. Don't risk your life for that one shot. That's what they say," said Vishal. He added, "An ambulance, doctor, nurse, and physio are always present on the sets of stunts. Sometimes there would be no hospital nearby and we can't rush." On safety measures put in place for stunt artistes, Vishal explained, "All such cars or vehicles are fitted with rock-solid pipes to prevent collapse of the shell that would harm the driver. They wear a helmet, a special suit, and a seat belt is always mandatory. There is no compromise on safety." Yet, he also pointed to a deeper concern within the stunt community. "Many stunt artistes don't report injuries unless we ask them," Vishal revealed. "They fear they won't be called the next day. It's a hand to mouth survival attitude. I myself have 116 stitches from past stunts." Vishal emphasised that despite all precautions, stunt sequences still carry enormous risk, not just physically but emotionally for everyone involved. "My heart is in my mouth till they finish the stunt," he said. "It's not just a job, it's a life on the line." With the film fraternity mourning the loss of Raju, Vishal pledged full support to the family and called for a renewed discussion on safety, accountability, and the well-being of behind-the-scenes heroes who make on-screen action possible.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Nadigar Sangam building nears completion after years of delay; a new video seizes attention
The South Indian Artistes Association, aka Nadigar Sangam, has officially confirmed that the construction of its long-awaited building has reached its final phase. In a newly released video, the association offered a visual update, proudly showcasing the nearing completion of the project. The announcement has brought fresh hope to members, fans, and well-wishers who have been eagerly waiting to see the vision come to life after several years of setbacks. Foundation laid in 2016 under Nasser 's leadership The project was initiated in 2016 after actor Nasser and his team took charge of the Nadigar Sangam. The new building began construction on 19 grounds of land owned by the association. Funds for the project were initially raised through two grand cultural events. With a budget of ₹30 crore, the building saw 75% of its construction completed. However, the association soon entered a phase of internal elections that slowed progress considerably. Internal rift causes prolonged stagnation. A leadership tussle between Nasser's faction and a rival team led by actor Bhagyaraj caused a complete halt in construction. The project remained stalled for more than three years. Meanwhile, inflation and delay increased the total cost, making it impossible to move forward without additional financial resources. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo When Nasser's team was reselected, they proposed to get a bank loan to resume the work and get approval from executive and general bodies. Construction resumes strongly with new funding. With funds secured through the approved loan, the Nadigar Sangam Building Project is now back up to speed and is close to completion. The newly released video incorporates modern features, which confirms the team's commitment to creating a completely functional and iconic location. The members of the association expressed optimism after seeing the decades-long dream finally turn into reality.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Holding Nadigar Sangam elections now could be catastrophic: actors Nasser, Vishal, and Karthi tell Madras HC
A civil suit has been filed in the Madras High Court against the continuance of actors Nasser, Vishal Krishna, and Karthi as president, general secretary, and treasurer, respectively, of the South Indian Artistes Association, popularly known as Nadigar Sangam, post expiry of their three-year elected term on March 19, 2025. V. Nambirajan, a 79-year-old member of the association, has filed the suit for declaring as illegal a resolution passed at the 68th annual general meeting (AGM) held on September 8, 2024, for extending the tenure of the office-bearers for three more years. He also sought a restraint order against the current office-bearers. Filing a detailed counter affidavit before Justice K. Kumaresh Babu, Mr. Vishal said, the Nadigar Sangam was established by stalwarts of South Indian cinema for the welfare of drama and film artistes. The association got registered under the Societies Registration Act in 1952, and it has 2,900 members as of now. The present team of office-bearers contested the 2015 elections under the banner of 'Pandavar Ani' and emerged victorious. The team began constructing a convention centre on 18 grounds and 2,061 square feet of land belonging to the Nadigar Sangam at Habibullah Road in T. Nagar, Chennai, at a cost of ₹25 crore. However, when its term ended in 2018, only 60% of the construction had been completed. Though elections were conducted in 2019 under the supervision of a retired High Court judge, the results could not be declared till 2022 because the issue was mired in legal disputes. After Pandavar Ani was declared re-elected, it found that substantial repair works had to be carried out to the unfinished building before continuing the construction work. Hence, it obtained a loan of ₹25 crore from State Bank of India and also from a few individuals, besides securing donations. Finally, the construction work of the convention hall, a dream project of the association, commenced on April 26, 2024, and at present, 85% of the work has been completed, the counter affidavit filed on behalf of Mr. Nasser and Mr. Karthi as well, through the Nadigar Sangam counsel Krishna Ravindran, read. To ensure the present team continues to be in office until the completion of the construction work, one of the members S.R. Sekar moved a resolution at the 68th AGM for extending their tenure by three more years. The August 23, 2024, proposal was signed by 311 other members and was passed unanimously. Stating the litigant had not attended either the 2024 AGM or any other AGM ever since he became a member of the association in 2015, the office bearers said he appeared to have been used as a proxy litigant by some disgruntled elements who want to disrupt the functioning of the association. Mr. Vishal wondered how the plaintiff, Mr. Nambirajan, could have paid over ₹3 lakh towards court fee for insituting the present civil suit when he had sought financial aid and medical assistance from the association citing his indigent condition and was a beneficiary of the association's monthly pension scheme. 'This clearly indicates that the suit is being prosecuted at the behest of others and the applicant/plaintiff is a proxy who had filed the case with the malafide intention of derailing the completion of the valuable convention centre which would also house the office of the association,' the counter added.
