Akshay Kumar has been lauded for his ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of stuntmen in the Bollywood film industry. Reports confirm that the actor has been paying the health insurance premiums for approximately 650 stunt professionals. This initiative, which he has been supporting since 2016, ensures that these often-overlooked individuals have access to crucial medical care and financial security.
The actor's dedication to stuntmen's welfare was recently highlighted during an appearance on "The Great Indian Kapil Show". Kumar acknowledged the pivotal role stunt professionals have played in his career. He emphasized that he considers himself a stuntman first and foremost, giving credit to stuntmen for his success in action films.
Akshay Kumar's support for stuntmen gained even greater significance following the tragic death of stuntman SM Raju on the set of a Tamil film in July 2025. The incident, which involved a car stunt gone wrong, sparked widespread concern about safety standards within the Indian film industry.
In response to this tragedy, Akshay Kumar reaffirmed his commitment to providing health and accident coverage to stunt workers. Veteran stunt professional Vikram Singh Dahiya, who has worked in numerous Bollywood films, expressed his gratitude for Kumar's efforts. Dahiya noted that the insurance policy provides cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 to ₹5.5 lakh for injuries sustained on or off set.
Aejaz Khan, the General Secretary of the Movie Stunt Artists Association, has also praised Akshay Kumar for his personal contribution to the welfare of stunt artists. He revealed that the insurance policy, which has greatly benefited the community, has been funded from Akshay Kumar's own pocket for the last eight years. Khan also recounted instances where the policy provided ₹20 lakh to the families of stuntmen who tragically died in road accidents while traveling to or from work.
Akshay Kumar's initiative has brought much-needed attention to the risks and challenges faced by stunt performers in Bollywood. By providing them with health insurance and financial support, he is not only ensuring their safety but also acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the film industry.
