Digital News Guru Mumbai Desk:
Fire on Anupamaa set – No Injuries
In the early hours of June 23, 2025, around 5 AM, a major fire erupted at the set of the hit Hindi television show Anupamaa, located in Goregaon Film City, Mumbai. The inferno broke out just two hours before shooting was scheduled to begin and swiftly destroyed the entire set.
Fortunately, despite a few crew members and security staff being on-site preparing for the day, no injuries or casualties were reported. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) responded rapidly, dispatching four fire tenders that soon brought the blaze under control.
Digital videos circulating on social media captured the horrifying reds and grays as flames consumed wooden structures. The episode triggered renewed scrutiny of safety—or lack thereof—on bustling Film City sets.
Fire Safety Protocols Under the Scanner
Initial reports suggest a short circuit may have sparked the blaze—a common hazard in makeshift production environments. Investigators from the fire department have launched a probe to assess technical lapses and ascertain whether safety measures were in place .
Shahi Productions, the show’s producer, issued an early statement stressing that no cast or crew were on set, and only minimal security personnel remained. All were reported to be safe . They urged the public not to believe rumours, noting that the main power and lighting systems were turned off at the time.
Currently, Fire Department officers and authorities are combing through evidence to confirm the cause and evaluate compliance with electrical and fire-safety standards.
AICWA: Demands Accountability & Reform
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) strongly condemned the incident as gross negligence. President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta appealed directly to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, calling for:
- A judicial inquiry into the incident,
- Suspension of the Film City MD and Mumbai Labour Commissioner,
- A criminal FIR against the show’s producers, channel, and officials,
- An investigation into potential insurance fraud.
Gupta suggested that fires like these might be orchestrated for fraudulent insurance claims, citing a pattern of similar mishaps in recent years.
Production Halted — Rebuilding on Hold
Following the blaze, production has come to an immediate halt. The burned-down set must undergo extensive rebuilding, requiring new designs, structural approvals, and safety certifications before filming can restart. These formalities could delay the shooting schedule by several weeks.
No comments have been made yet regarding insurance coverage or estimated financial losses due to set reconstruction.
A Tragic History of Safety Lapses
The Anupamaa set fire is sadly not an isolated event. In November 2024, camera attendant Vineet Kumar Mandal (32) was electrocuted while working on the same set. AICWA labeled that accident “institutionalised murder,” citing systemic failure in safety maintenance.
In addition, major fire incidents—like the March 2023 fire at the Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin set—have plagued Goregaon Film City. While none resulted in casualties, they painted a troubling trend of inadequate technical safeguards.
An Industry Crossroads: Time for Change?
The Anupamaa fire may serve as a catalyst for long-overdue reforms. Here’s what could unfold:
- Judicial Oversight: AICWA’s demanded inquiry might initiate legal scrutiny, potentially leading to charges and accountability.
- Safety Compliance Push: Civil authorities might begin enforcing mandatory fire drills, audits, and licensed electricians on all Mumbai sets.
- Systemic Insurance Reform: Films reliant on quick-fire insurance payouts may face new audits and increased scrutiny.
- Empowerment of Crew Voices: Crew unions like AICWA could gain legitimacy and leverage, representing workers’ safety demands more forcibly.
If effectively implemented, these shifts could redefine TV-film production, ensuring set safety becomes mandatory—not optional.
Final Takeaways
- A fire early June 23 destroyed the Anupamaa set in Film City, Mumbai.
- Thankfully, no one was hurt, with only security and setup staff on location.
- Cause likely a short circuit, per officials; probe is happening.
- A production halt and expensive rebuild are currently in motion.
- AICWA demands legal action and systemic safety reforms, spotlighting an ongoing failure trend.
- Previous incidents, including a fatal electrocution in November 2024, reinforce the urgency for structural change
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