Camera assistant dies on Anupamaa set, TV body slams production house for silence

admin August 29, 2023

The television industry is no stranger to the pressures of long hours, high-stress environments, and the risks that come with working in front of the camera. However, the tragic death of a camera assistant on the set of Anupamaa, one of the most popular television shows on Indian television, has raised serious concerns about safety standards, working conditions, and the overall treatment of crew members within the industry. The untimely passing of 33-year-old Rupesh Soni, a camera assistant on the show, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding his death and the silence maintained by the production house involved. Rupesh, who had been working on the set of Anupamaa, reportedly died under tragic circumstances after an incident on the set that resulted in a fatal accident. While the exact details of his death remain unclear, various reports indicate that the incident took place during a hectic shooting schedule, where the crew was reportedly working under pressure to meet tight deadlines. As the news of his death began to circulate, the television industry was thrown into turmoil, with not only fans of the show but also colleagues and fellow professionals demanding accountability. The lack of any immediate official statement from the production house, Rajan Shahi’s Director’s Kut Productions, added fuel to the fire, leading to widespread criticism from various quarters. According to reports, the incident that led to Rupesh Soni’s death occurred during the filming of a scene on the set of Anupamaa, the daily soap that airs on Star Plus. While the exact cause of death is still being investigated, it is believed that Soni was part of a team of camera crew members working on the set at the time of the tragedy. Various industry sources suggest that Rupesh may have been accidentally injured during the shoot, which was a physically demanding scene that required intense focus and quick setup. In high-pressure situations such as this, where schedules are often delayed and actors are waiting for their cues, there is little room for error, which can sometimes lead to dangerous outcomes. There are conflicting reports about whether Soni was subjected to exhaustion, overwork, or whether there was a failure in ensuring proper safety measures during the shoot. His colleagues have mentioned that the set was known to be particularly taxing, with long working hours that left crew members fatigued and stressed. Some reports suggest that this may have contributed to the fatal accident, although an official cause of death is yet to be confirmed. Regardless of the specifics, it is clear that Rupesh Soni’s death has ignited an important conversation about the working conditions faced by crew members in the entertainment industry, particularly those working behind the scenes. In the wake of Soni’s death, the production house, Rajan Shahi’s Director’s Kut Productions, came under intense scrutiny for its silence on the matter. As news of the tragedy spread, many in the television industry expected a statement of condolence or at least some acknowledgment from the production team. However, the lack of an immediate public response from the production house only fueled growing outrage, with several television bodies and union representatives expressing their dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation. In the absence of an official comment or statement, several members of the TV fraternity began to voice their concerns. Some pointed out that such incidents should be treated with respect, transparency, and accountability, especially when a worker’s life has been lost on set. The absence of any meaningful acknowledgment from the production house led to accusations of negligence, and there were growing calls for the industry to take more responsibility for the safety and well-being of its crew members.

The silence from Rajan Shahi’s production house was met with sharp criticism from the Television Producers Guild, industry unions, and workers’ bodies who have repeatedly raised concerns about the working conditions of television crew members. The Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) expressed their displeasure over the incident, calling out the production house for its failure to respond publicly and promptly to the tragic death of the crew member. The TV body and union members were particularly vocal about the fact that the production house did not issue any public condolences or release an official statement after Rupesh Soni’s death. According to the FWICE, this lack of communication highlighted a systemic issue within the industry: the underappreciation and disregard for the safety and well-being of crew members who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The unfortunate reality is that while stars of the show are often in the limelight, crew members like Rupesh, who work in the shadows to ensure the show goes on, remain largely invisible. Members of the television industry expressed their concerns about the hazardous working conditions that many crew members face. Long working hours, insufficient breaks, and inadequate safety measures during shoots have been a consistent issue, despite repeated calls for reforms. The tragic loss of Rupesh Soni only underscored the vulnerability of technicians and crew members who work under immense pressure, often at great personal risk. Many in the industry were quick to point out that despite the growing success of Indian television and its reach, the working conditions for many technicians have remained largely unchanged, and the tragic death of Rupesh was a stark reminder of these harsh realities. The incident has once again highlighted the need for a stronger focus on the safety standards within the television and film industry. While certain film sets have adopted more stringent measures, including medical personnel on standby, proper equipment safety protocols, and reduced working hours, television sets often operate under a different set of rules. Television shows like Anupamaa are known for their high volume of shooting, with episodes filmed daily to keep up with the demands of a daily soap. This often leads to rushed schedules and strained working conditions for the crew, who are expected to work long hours.

The post Camera assistant dies on Anupamaa set, TV body slams production house for silence first appeared on InfluencersPro.