AKSHAY’S OPEN LETTER TO STUNT CO-ORDINATORS

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In my eyes, you should also be acknowledged globally for saving our lives and the credibility of our films

Akshay Kumar, actor

o all the stuntmen and women out there, I just heard another great international stuntman, who has actually worked in my own industry, and was going to come and train with me, has sadly passed away. I not only believe you all should be winning Oscars or Indian awards for your incredible work, in my eyes, you should also be acknowledged globally for saving our lives and the credibility of our films. It pains me, because I know the one expert that an actor/actress can’t live without, during their shoot, is their stuntbuddy. Hadn’t it been for your unbelievable hard work and amazing talent that make our movies look good and help us earn so much, we would be mourning the death of so many actors/actresses.

Instead, the stunt community is quietly mourning the ones they’ve lost, be it by accident, injury or fatality on the sets of award-winning films over the years. I know winning an award still isn’t enough for what you all painfully go through for these million-dollar projects, but it would be a small start. Sadly, the fraternity is barely even honouring you with that. I just want you to know, coming from a stuntman/actor like myself, I admire, respect, honour and am eternally grateful for everything that you all do. My children still have their father in one piece because there is always someone prepared to take the fall that I may not be able to. To all the stuntmen and women I have ever worked alongside, around the world, you are always in my and my family’s prayers. You deserve so much more than just a wage packet, and I hope I live long enough to see a change in that. I know that in my 25-yearlong career nothing much has changed! But it will, and I will try and make sure of that... Till then Thank You and take great care. Good luck with the fight for your rights... RIP to all those who have lost their lives.