The All Indian Cine Workers Association has again demanded action against filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali after the reported death of a worker on the set of his upcoming film Love & War.
According to reports, AICWA president Suresh Gupta has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking registration of an FIR against Bhansali. The association has also asked for Rs. 1 crore compensation for the family of the deceased worker and a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Worker reportedly died after electric shock
The worker has been identified in reports as Chandradhari Singh Yadav, a 42-year-old carpenter. He allegedly died after suffering an electric shock during the shoot in the early hours of June 17, 2026.
Yadav is survived by his wife and two young daughters. Gupta has claimed that the death was linked to inadequate safety arrangements on the film set.
Speaking about the incident, Gupta said that it took place around 1.30 am or 2 am on June 17. He alleged that the worker lost his life because safety norms were not followed on the set. Referring to Bhansali and his production, Gupta said the worker would have been alive if proper precautions had been in place that night.
Gupta alleges repeated safety lapses
Gupta also referred to earlier incidents that he claimed had taken place on sets linked to Bhansali’s films. He alleged that two workers had died during the making of Devdas and another worker had died during the production of Padmaavat in 2016.
He said that, including the latest reported death on Love & War, four workers had lost their lives on Bhansali’s sets over the years. These claims have been made by the AICWA president in connection with the association’s demand for criminal action.
Gupta used strong language while explaining the association’s stand. He said AICWA had asked for a murder case to be filed against Sanjay Leela Bhansali and alleged, “He was murdering them.” He further argued that repeated deaths of workers on film sets should not be treated lightly.
The association’s statement focuses on the safety of workers who are employed behind the scenes in film production. Gupta said that news of deaths on sets usually involves workers, not producers or actors. He alleged that workers are put at risk when safety measures are ignored to save money.
AICWA seeks compensation and inquiry
Along with an FIR, AICWA has sought Rs. 1 crore compensation for Yadav’s family. Reports also said the association has asked for a high-level inquiry into the circumstances that led to the reported electric shock.
The demand comes after earlier reports said Bhansali Productions had offered Rs. 40 lakh as compensation following the tragedy. AICWA, however, has pressed for a higher amount and formal legal action.
The matter remains under scrutiny after the incident on the Love & War set. At the time of publishing, there has been no official response from Sanjay Leela Bhansali or his production team to Gupta’s latest remarks.
Love & War is one of Bhansali’s upcoming films. The current controversy, however, is centered on the reported workplace death and the film workers’ association’s allegations about safety lapses.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.