Anupamaa Set Gutted in Major Fire at Film City: AICWA Demands FIR, Judicial Probe into Safety Violations
Anupamaa set fire,In a devastating incident that has rocked the Indian television industry, the set of the immensely popular serial Anupamaa was completely destroyed by a massive fire that broke out in the early hours of Friday morning at Film City, Mumbai. The blaze erupted around 5:00 AM — just two hours before the day’s shoot was scheduled to begin — raising serious concerns over safety standards and accountability within the entertainment industry.
Fire Erupts at Dawn: A Narrow Escape
Sources confirm that Anupamaa set fire and several crew members and workers were already present on set when the fire ignited. While, fortunately, no casualties have been reported, the timing of the incident has raised alarm bells across the industry. Had the shoot begun on schedule, the situation could have escalated into a far more tragic event, potentially leading to serious injuries or loss of life.
The fire is believed to have started within the central area of the Anupamaa set and spread rapidly. Emergency services were quick to respond, but the intensity of the flames left little room for salvage. Nearby sets reportedly escaped destruction by a narrow margin, avoiding what could have been a widespread disaster across Film City.
A Pattern of Negligence: Repeated Fire Incidents in Mumbai Film Studios
This is not an isolated case. Over the past few years, Mumbai’s film studios have witnessed several such incidents — each more alarming than the last. These recurring fires highlight a deeply troubling pattern of negligence, particularly when it comes to implementing and enforcing basic fire safety protocols. Industry insiders point out that fire safety audits are frequently ignored or skipped altogether, often in the interest of saving costs or speeding up production schedules.
Despite regulations, it is alleged that production houses often manage to find loopholes or rely on “unofficial arrangements” with authorities to bypass mandatory safety norms. The result is a dangerous work environment for thousands of daily wage earners, technicians, artists, and crew members who step onto these sets every single day with no assurance of their safety.
AICWA Demands Accountability: Judicial Inquiry and FIR
In response to the incident, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has come out with a strongly worded statement condemning the lack of safety and calling for strict legal action. The association has written to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding a high-level judicial inquiry into the fire and the conditions that led to it.
AICWA has further called for the immediate suspension of the Managing Director of Film City and the Labour Commissioner of Mumbai, citing gross negligence and failure to enforce safety regulations. According to the association, both officials are culpable for allowing production units to operate without following mandatory fire audits and safety standards.
FIR Against Producers and Officials: An Urgent Call
Perhaps the most serious demand made by AICWA is for the filing of a criminal FIR not just against the production house and television channel behind Anupamaa, but also against Film City’s top management and relevant government departments. The association believes that such stringent legal measures are the only way to ensure accountability and prevent future disasters.
AICWA’s statement has also raised eyebrows with its mention of a chilling possibility — that the fire may have been deliberately orchestrated to claim false insurance money. If this accusation proves true, it would represent an inexcusable level of disregard for human life in favor of financial gain. The association has demanded that this angle be investigated thoroughly by authorities.
Moreover, there are growing fears that there may be undisclosed casualties or injuries that are being suppressed to avoid legal ramifications and media scrutiny. AICWA has urged authorities to verify whether all workers and crew members present at the time have been accounted for.
Industry Under Pressure: Call for Fire Audits Across Maharashtra
In light of the incident, AICWA is now demanding a state-wide fire safety audit across all film studios and sets operating in Maharashtra. The association insists that any production house or channel found flouting fire safety rules must be blacklisted immediately, setting a precedent for zero tolerance.
This demand comes at a critical time when the entertainment industry is already grappling with increasing operational costs and tight production timelines. However, as AICWA rightly points out, human safety must never be compromised for the sake of profit or popularity.
Thousands of workers — including spot boys, light technicians, set designers, makeup artists, and assistant directors — earn their livelihood through the film and TV industry. These workers often operate behind the scenes, far from the limelight, but are integral to the functioning of India’s entertainment ecosystem. Their safety must be treated as a non-negotiable priority.
What Comes Next?
As of now, investigations are ongoing. The local fire department has initiated a probe into the cause of the fire, and preliminary reports are expected in the coming days. However, given the scale of the destruction and the mounting public pressure, more stringent measures are expected from both the state government and industry bodies.
Whether AICWA’s demands for FIRs and suspensions will be acted upon remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that the incident has sparked a crucial conversation about safety, accountability, and transparency in the entertainment industry.
Final Thoughts: Entertainment Must Not Come at the Cost of Human Lives
The Anupamaa fire incident is not just a wake-up call — it is a loud, urgent alarm. The incident could have turned into a catastrophic tragedy, and the only silver lining is that it happened before the shoot began.
But we cannot rely on luck every time. There must be strict enforcement of fire safety laws, regular audits, and a culture of accountability in place. The lives of those who entertain millions every day must not be left at the mercy of negligence, corruption, or cost-cutting.
As AICWA continues to raise its voice for the rights and safety of cine workers, the ball is now in the court of the government and industry regulators. The real question is — will this be the tipping point for real change?