Trouble for Sanjay Leela Bhansali just refuses to ease. After constant delays in the shoot and post-production of Love & War, starring Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor, along with numerous leaks from the sets and still no teaser or trailer, the film has now landed in fresh controversy.
Just two days ago, carpenter Chandradhari Singh Yadav reportedly died after suffering an electric shock during the shooting of Love & War in the early hours of June 17 at a Mumbai studio. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Confirming the incident, FWICE President B.N. Tiwari said that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has already provided ₹40 lakh as compensation to the deceased worker's family. However, the federation is demanding that the compensation be increased to ₹50 lakh.
Meanwhile, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has demanded that an FIR be registered against filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his production house, Bhansali Productions, following the worker's death.
AICWA has also sought ₹1 crore compensation for Yadav's family and called for strict accountability. The association has demanded a high-level investigation into alleged safety lapses on set, claiming there was negligence and a violation of workplace safety norms.
The association further stated that several workers present at the location were also reportedly injured during the incident, although complete details regarding their condition and the exact circumstances surrounding the accident have not yet been established.
Recalling past incidents
AICWA also pointed out that this is not the first such incident linked to Bhansali's film sets. According to the association, worker Dindayal Yadav lost his life during the production of Devdas (2000-2001), while another worker suffered serious injuries. In 2001, worker Subhash Morkar also reportedly died during the same production. During the making of Padmaavat, worker Mukesh Dakiya, 34, reportedly died in a workplace accident.
The association has repeatedly raised concerns over safety compliance on film sets, alleging that workers are often made to work under highly demanding conditions, with shifts stretching between 16 and 20 hours. According to AICWA, long working hours, weak safety supervision and poor enforcement of safety regulations significantly increase the risk of accidents and fatalities.
As of now, Bhansali Productions has not issued any official statement on the matter.
About Love and War
Love & War marks Bhansali's first collaboration with Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal together. The film is said to revolve around a complex love triangle between two officers, played by Ranbir and Vicky, while Alia's character finds herself caught between love, duty and desire.
The film also marks Ranbir Kapoor's second collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after making his debut with Saawariya.
