A fire broke out on the sets of Tenali Rama in Film City on Sunday, causing panic among the cast and crew. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the fire was brought under control in time. The incident is said to have been caused by an electrical issue in a generator located outside the set.
Confirming the news, BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), expressed concerns over the safety measures followed on film and television sets. He stated, “There was some kind of electric issue in the generator that was outside the set when the fire broke out. A fire brigade was called to douse the fire, but safety precautions on TV and film sets are a cause of concern even now. The Film City authorities and producers are not paying heed to it.” Tiwari also pointed out that such incidents are not uncommon, with many going unreported. “Fire and safety drills on film and TV sets are definitely needed. God forbid, if a major fire happens, there’s a chance of fatalities on set,” he warned.
The fire created temporary chaos on the set, disrupting the shooting schedule. Tenali Rama, a popular historical comedy-drama, features actors like Krishna Bharadwaj in the titular role, Pankaj Berry as Tathacharya, and Aditya Redij as King Krishnadevaraya, Priyamvada Kant and others. The show, known for its witty storytelling and humor, has a dedicated fan following.
Though no significant damage has been reported, the incident has once again raised questions about fire safety in the industry. The cast and crew have resumed shooting, but concerns remain about whether proper safety measures will be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future.
