Stunt goes wrong: 2 actors jump from copter, drown

Two stuntmen who were inexperienced swimmers, alleged violation of permission sought to shoot a film in the restricted areas of Thippagondanahalli reservoir and minimal safety measures during an aerial shooting of a stunt sequ-ence led to the death of two budding actors — Raghav Uday and Anil — in the city on Monday afternoon.

The two actors were declared dead by the police, even as the fire and emergency department officials continued the search for the bodies of the actors till late Monday evening. Duniya Vijay, the lead actor of the movie Maasthi Gudi, who was also part of the action sequence, however, survived the tragedy.

The incident occurred during the shooting for the film, directed by Nagash-ekar. Around 2.30 pm, the three actors — Duniya Vijay, Anil and Uday — were shooting in a helicopter that was hovering just above the lake waters. After Nagashekar and stunt choreographer Raviverma signalled the shoot, the two actors jumped into the water followed by Vijay.

A boat had been stationed a little distance away to pull all the three out of the water after the shot was over. But the boat’s engine failed, and by the time a fisherman’s barge nearby arrived at the spot, the two stuntmen were missing. Vijay, who was reportedly the only one to have strapped on a lifejacket, was pulled into safety by the fishermen.

Just before jumping from the helicopter for the shoot, the two actors told a TV channel that they were not good swimmers, but they had confidence that the film crew would react quickly in case of an emergency.

Uday even said that he suffered from the fear of heights and had just started learning to swim, while Anil said that he had never attempted such a risky shot in his career.

Meanwhile, the permission given by BWSSB officials clearly states that the film team was not allowed to go for aerial shots, and that the restricted areas were off limits. Senor police officials have directed their subordinates to registering a criminal complaint against the director, producers and others in the incident. Mr Jagadish said that he has sought a report from the local engineers. He said, “Only after receiving the report I will know the violations by the film crew. Suitable action will be taken against BWSSB engineers if they are found guilt and for letting the crew shoot in prohibited areas”. The actors Raghava Uday, who was an auto driver, shot to fame as an actor with the film Jayammana Maga starring Duniya Vijay in the lead. A close friend of Vijay ever since, he had a rapid rise in popularity and was seen in most of the recent big films, including Nagarahavu, Santu Straighforward and Dodmane Hudga.

Anil is Duniya Vijay’s childhood friend and was his right-hand man. He has acted in almost all films of Duniya Vijay and is also the president of the Duniya Vijay’s Fan Club. He s now survived by his wife and two children.