Bollywood
Akshay Kumar Insures 650 Stunt Workers After SM Raju’s Tragic On‑Set Death
Mumbai, July 18, 2025 — In the wake of veteran stuntman SM Raju’s tragic death on July 13 while filming a high-risk car stunt for director Pa Ranjith’s upcoming Tamil film Vettuvam, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has taken a powerful step to protect the stunt community. Recognizing the dire lack of safety nets for action professionals, he has arranged health and accident insurance coverage for around 650 stuntmen and stuntwomen across India.

What the Insurance Covers
- Cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 to ₹5.5 lakh, whether injuries occur on set or off set.
- Accidental death benefit: in fatal cases, families receive a payout of approximately ₹20–25 lakh.
- The policy is administered in coordination with the Movie Stunt Artists Association, overseen by General Secretary Aejaz Khan.
History of the Initiative
Though drawing renewed attention now, Akshay Kumar’s support for the stunt community isn’t new:
- The actor has been funding this insurance initiative since around 2017, drawing from his own pocket.
- The scheme has previously provided ₹20 lakh payouts to bereaved families in at least four fatal incidents involving stunt professionals during travel.

The Incident That Sparked This Action
SM Raju—a seasoned stunt driver—was performing a high-speed car-toppling stunt in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, on July 13, 2025, when the vehicle crashed after going over a ramp and flipped onto its front. He suffered catastrophic internal injuries and did not survive.
The accident occurred despite the involvement of experienced stunt crew and purported safety protocols. Director Pa Ranjith stated that all required safety steps were followed.
Authorities have filed negligence charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Pa Ranjith, his assistant, the vehicle owner, and the shoot manager, following preliminary post-mortem findings.

Industry Reactions & Calls for Reform
- Indian actors including Vishal and Prithviraj Sukumaran publicly mourned Raju’s death, with Vishal pledging lifelong support for his family.
- Veteran stunt coordinator Lee Whittaker, known for Baahubali, condemned the accident, stressing that “the stunt should never happen if” safety is insufficient.
- The incident has reignited urgent conversations about systematic safety standards, enforceable set protocols, and structural welfare for stunt professionals in India.
Why This Matters
- Stunt professionals often work freelance, earning modest wages without formal contracts or workplace protections.
- Many pay steep fees (₹3–4 lakhs) merely for association membership, yet receive no medical insurance or death benefits.
- Akshay’s intervention highlights the discrepancy: individual goodwill fills gaps left by industry-wide neglect.
In Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Trigger event | SM Raju’s on-set death on July 13, 2025 |
| Actor’s action | Insured ~650 stunt professionals nationwide |
| Coverage | ₹5–5.5 lakh health/accident; ₹20–25 lakh death |
| Origin | Initiative funded personally by Akshay Kumar since 2017 |
| Broader impact | Highlights urgent need for industry reforms and mandated safety provisions |
A Silver Lining Amid Tragedy
Akshay Kumar’s initiative is both a compassionate response and a call to action. While his personal efforts provide much-needed relief, the tragic circumstances of SM Raju’s death underscore the necessity of:
- Mandatory insurance coverage for production crew
- Standardized safety protocols for high-risk action sequences
- Collective industry responsibility, not just reliance on individual philanthropy
His move isn’t merely symbolic—it could serve as a blueprint for better working conditions and lasting structural change in Indian cinema.

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Bollywood
Box Office Report [October 23, 2025]: Ayushmann Khurrana’s Thamma Crosses ₹55 Crore; Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Holds Steady at ₹22.75 Crore
The box office this week witnessed strong performances from Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, while Kantara Chapter 1 continues to dominate nationally. Despite Thursday’s minor dips, overall collections across languages indicate a robust pre-Diwali turnout.
🌟 Thamma Box Office Collection Day 3: Crosses ₹55 Crore Mark
Ayushmann Khurrana’s horror-comedy thriller Thamma continues its impressive run, crossing the ₹55 crore mark in just three days. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the film — co-starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rashmika Mandanna, and Paresh Rawal — earned ₹12.50 crore on Day 3 (Thursday).
This marks a noticeable dip compared to its Day 2 collection of ₹18.60 crore, likely due to midweek slowdown before the Diwali weekend. Still, Thamma’s total domestic collection stands at ₹55.10 crore, a strong showing given its moderate budget of around ₹45 crore.
The film has been praised for its blend of humour, supernatural intrigue, and emotional storytelling — hallmarks of Khurrana’s genre versatility. Early estimates suggest Thamma may touch ₹75–80 crore by Sunday, solidifying its position as a festive-season winner.
🎥 Highlights:
- Thamma collected ₹12.50 crore on Thursday (Day 3)
- Total India collection: ₹55.10 crore
- Occupancy: ~32% nationally
- Strong family turnout expected over Diwali weekend

💞 Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Box Office Day 3: Romantic Drama Holds Ground
Sonam Bajwa and Harshvardhan Rane’s romantic drama Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, directed by Milap Milan Zaveri, continued its steady performance on Day 3. The film earned ₹6 crore on Thursday, taking its total to ₹22.75 crore in India.
Produced by Play DMF, the film benefited from positive word-of-mouth in Tier-2 cities and among younger audiences. According to Sacnilk, its Hindi occupancy was 25.14% on Thursday, October 23.
While not a blockbuster, the movie’s stability over weekdays suggests sustained interest. The upcoming Diwali weekend could push it past the ₹30 crore mark, ensuring a profitable theatrical run before its OTT release in November.
🎥 Highlights:
- Day 3 collection: ₹6 crore
- Total: ₹22.75 crore (India)
- Moderate budget: ₹20 crore
- Positive trend in northern circuits
🐘 Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Day 22: Still Roaring Strong
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1, a prequel to the 2022 cult hit Kantara, continues its exceptional run. Despite entering its fourth week, the film managed to earn ₹6 crore on Thursday (Day 22), taking its total domestic collection to ₹563.50 crore.
The Kannada-language epic, also featuring Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram, has become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2025.
Trade analysts predict that Kantara Chapter 1 could surpass ₹600 crore by the end of its theatrical run, cementing its place among India’s all-time top 10 earners.
🎥 Highlights:
- Day 22 collection: ₹6 crore
- Total collection: ₹563.50 crore
- IMDb rating: 9.0
- Overseas gross: ₹142 crore

👊 Dude Box Office Day 7: Solid Tamil Performer
Director Keerthiswaran’s Tamil-language comedy-drama Dude, starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Mamitha Baiju, has been a pleasant surprise at the box office. On its first Thursday, the film collected ₹2.25 crore, bringing its total domestic tally to ₹56.55 crore.
The youth-centric entertainer, with its mix of humour and romance, has found strong traction in Tamil Nadu’s urban multiplexes. Industry tracker Sacnilk reported occupancy levels of 28–30%, a solid hold considering heavy competition.
🎥 Highlights:
- Day 7 collection: ₹2.25 crore
- Total: ₹56.55 crore
- Audience: Youth and family crowds
- Streaming rights sold to Netflix (unconfirmed)
🐂 Bison: Kaalamaadan Box Office Day 7: Sports Drama Shows Stability
Mari Selvaraj’s sports drama Bison: Kaalamaadan starring Dhruv Vikram and Anupama Parameswaran saw a minor dip on Thursday but continues to perform steadily. The film collected ₹1.50 crore on Day 7, taking its total to ₹17.15 crore domestically.
The film’s critical acclaim, coupled with its strong IMDb rating of 8.1, is driving word-of-mouth momentum. Despite a niche subject, Bison is expected to maintain collections over its second weekend, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala circuits.
🎥 Highlights:
- Day 7 collection: ₹1.50 crore
- Total: ₹17.15 crore
- Genre: Sports/Inspirational
- Strong word-of-mouth among youth audiences

💰 Overall Box Office Snapshot (October 23, 2025)
| Film | Day’s Collection | Total Collection | Verdict/Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thamma | ₹12.50 cr | ₹55.10 cr | Hit |
| Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat | ₹6.00 cr | ₹22.75 cr | Steady |
| Kantara Chapter 1 | ₹6.00 cr | ₹563.50 cr | Blockbuster |
| Dude | ₹2.25 cr | ₹56.55 cr | Super Hit (Regional) |
| Bison: Kaalamaadan | ₹1.50 cr | ₹17.15 cr | Moderate Hit |
🔮 Weekend Outlook: Diwali Boost Expected
With the Diwali weekend approaching, box office footfalls are expected to surge.
- Thamma could enter the ₹75 crore club by Sunday.
- Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat might touch ₹30 crore with weekend push.
- Kantara Chapter 1 is likely to sustain its mammoth run with repeat audiences.
Overall, the festive period could contribute a combined ₹100 crore+ weekend haul across all major titles.
📰 Summary
- Top performer: Thamma (₹55.10 crore total)
- Consistent player: Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat (₹22.75 crore)
- Box office king: Kantara Chapter 1 (₹563.50 crore)
- Regional winners: Dude and Bison maintaining strong word-of-mouth traction.
Bollywood
Shah Rukh Khan’s Co-Star Who Belongs to Kolhapur’s Royal Family — Now Married to Former Indian Cricketer Zaheer Khan
Sagarika Ghatge, who made her impressive Bollywood debut alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Chak De! India, hails from the royal family of Kolhapur and is now married to former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan. Despite her royal lineage and acting potential, Sagarika chose a quieter life away from the limelight after marriage.
A Royal Legacy and a Bollywood Debut with King Khan
Born into the royal family of Kagal, Kolhapur, Sagarika comes from a lineage deeply rooted in Indian history. Her father, Vijayendra Singh Ghatge, is the descendant of the Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, and her grandmother was the daughter of the Maharaja of Indore.
Carrying this regal heritage, Sagarika ventured into Bollywood in 2007 with Shah Rukh Khan’s sports drama Chak De! India, portraying Preeti Sabharwal, an ambitious hockey player. Interestingly, Sagarika was already a national-level hockey player in real life, which added authenticity to her role and helped her win hearts across India. Her strong screen presence and natural athleticism made her one of the standout faces of the film.
Love Story That Captured Hearts: Sagarika and Zaheer Khan
After her debut, Sagarika appeared in a few films such as Fox, Rush, and Mile Na Mile Hum, but none matched the success of Chak De! India. Around this time, she found love off-screen with one of India’s leading cricketers — Zaheer Khan.
Their relationship remained private until they made a memorable public appearance together at Yuvraj Singh and Hazel Keech’s wedding, sparking widespread media attention. The couple got engaged soon after and tied the knot in 2017, in a simple yet elegant ceremony that reflected their grounded personalities despite their star status.
Post-marriage, Sagarika gracefully stepped back from films, prioritising family life and supporting Zaheer’s professional commitments.
A New Chapter: Motherhood and Life Beyond Films
In 2025, Sagarika and Zaheer welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Fatehsen Khan. The couple kept the news private, sparking curiosity among fans and followers. While speculation arose that the baby was born via surrogacy, neither Sagarika nor Zaheer has confirmed the reports — preferring to maintain privacy regarding their personal life.
Though she has stayed away from the big screen for a while, Sagarika made a brief return to acting in the 2020 OTT series “Footfairy”, marking her digital debut. However, her focus continues to remain on family and selective work.
From Screen to Reality: A Story of Grace and Balance
Sagarika Ghatge’s journey stands as an inspiring example of how one can balance fame, heritage, and personal happiness. From her breakout role with Shah Rukh Khan to her royal lineage and fulfilling family life, she continues to exude elegance and authenticity both on and off-screen.
While her film appearances may have slowed down, her poise, charm, and dignified choices ensure that Sagarika Ghatge remains unforgettable — the royal beauty who chose peace over the spotlight.
Bollywood
🎬 Box Office Collection [September 21, 2025]: Jolly LLB 3, Nishaanchi, Mirai, Lokah and More
The Indian box office witnessed a busy weekend (September 19–21, 2025) with multiple big releases and ongoing hits competing for audience attention. Among the fresh releases, Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi’s much-awaited Jolly LLB 3 stole the show with an impressive start, while other films like Nishaanchi and Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi struggled to make a mark. On the other hand, pan-India spectacles such as Mirai and Lokah: Chapter 1 continued their strong run, alongside the Japanese anime blockbuster Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.

⭐ Jolly LLB 3 – A Box Office Winner
The courtroom drama starring Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, and Saurabh Shukla delivered the kind of response fans had been waiting for.
- Friday (Day 1): ₹12 crore
- Saturday (Day 2): ₹20 crore
- Sunday (Day 3): ₹21.5 crore
👉 Total Weekend Collection: ₹53.50 crore
With powerful performances and engaging storytelling, Jolly LLB 3 emerged as the highest opener of the week.
🎥 Nishaanchi – A Disappointment
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Nishaanchi was expected to surprise audiences with Aaishvary Thackeray’s debut. However, poor word-of-mouth led to a weak performance.
- Total Weekend Collection: ₹85 lakh
The film has failed to attract audiences despite its gritty storyline.

🎞️ Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi – Struggling for Attention
This biographical film on CM Yogi Adityanath generated curiosity but failed to convert it into box office numbers.
- Friday: ₹25 lakh
- Saturday: ₹32.76 lakh
- Sunday: ₹60 lakh approx.
👉 Total Weekend Collection: ₹1.18 crore
🌟 Mirai – Strong Hold in Week 2
The fantasy-action spectacle starring Teja Sajja continues to impress audiences with its grand visuals and powerful storytelling.
- Saturday: ₹5.15 crore
- Sunday: ₹5.75 crore
👉 Total Collection so far: ₹78.75 crore
With strong occupancy in metros and Tier-2 cities, Mirai is set for a long run.

🍿 Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Anime Craze Continues
The Japanese anime film has become a milestone for anime cinema in India, with extraordinary collections.
- Saturday: ₹3.25 crore
- Sunday: ₹4 crore
👉 Total Collection so far: ₹62.46 crore
This makes it the biggest anime box office hit ever in India.
🌍 Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra – Pan-India Blockbuster
The Malayalam magnum opus featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan has been unstoppable at the box office.
- Saturday: ₹3.15 crore
- Sunday: ₹4 crore
👉 Total Collection so far: ₹137.75 crore
Lokah continues to dominate, thanks to strong word-of-mouth and nationwide appeal.

📊 Weekend Box Office Wrap-Up
- Winner: Jolly LLB 3 (₹53.5 crore opening weekend)
- Ongoing Blockbusters: Lokah (₹137.75 crore), Mirai (₹78.75 crore), Demon Slayer (₹62.46 crore)
- Underperformers: Nishaanchi, Ajey
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