Stuntmen and women have always been underappreciated contributors to showbusiness, putting their safety and even lives on the line in each action scene they film. This is especially true in India, where they have never received life and accident insurance… until now, thanks to a stuntman-turned-actor’s efforts.
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, has spearheaded the creation of an insurance scheme for stunt artists in cooperation with noted surgeon Dr Ramakanta Panda.
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The
Hindustan Times reports that the insurance scheme will cover 380 stunt artists between the ages of 18 and 55 and will provide INR600,000 (US$9,300) in medical insurance coverage, recognized by a network of 4,000 hospitals all over the country through a cashless transaction system. In case of accidental death, there will also be a benefit of INR1 million (US$15,500) to the deceased’s specified beneficiary.
Ejaz Gulab, the general secretary of Movie Stunt Artist Association, was very happy with the development.
“Over the years, we had approached a number of producers and insurance companies, but they didn’t agree to provide insurance to us,” Gulab told the
Hindustan Times. “It was very demoralising, but we don’t know what magic wand Akshayji has used. We can’t thank him enough, as it has come as great news for us.”
The 49-year-old Kumar has a black belt in taekwondo and is also a Muay Thai practitioner. He started his movie career as a stuntman before gaining mainstream recognition as an actor. He received his 2017 National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in the crime-thriller film Rustom.
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