09 July,2026 05:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Junior artist Sanjib Singh, 51, died after allegedly suffering a heart attack while returning home from a television shoot in the early hours of Sunday. According to a report by News9, the tragic incident has once again raised concerns about the health and safety of workers in the film and television industry.
It was reported that, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) General Secretary Ashok Dubey said Singh had been shooting for the television show Aarambhi at SJ Studio in Mumbai's Sakinaka. His shift reportedly began at 2 pm and concluded around 3 am after the day's shoot wrapped up.
Dubey revealed that Singh had complained of feeling unwell during the shoot and had taken a few short breaks to rest. After work, he left for home on a motorcycle. During the journey, the rider stopped at a petrol pump to refuel, where Singh allegedly collapsed. He is suspected to have suffered a heart attack.
According to News9, Singh was unmarried and is survived by his sister and brother in Kolkata. Dubey shared that his sister is divorced, while his brother is seriously ill. Following the incident, a post-mortem examination was conducted at Cooper Hospital. FWICE also extended financial assistance to the bereaved family, and arrangements are being made to transport Singh's body to Kolkata by air cargo for his final rites.
Dubey further told that he had reached out to representatives of the show's producer, Malhar Creations, requesting financial support for Singh's family. He stressed that production houses have a responsibility towards workers during the course of their work-related travel. Junior artists' supplier Ravindra Suri also assured the federation that all possible assistance would be provided.
The incident has renewed discussions around the demanding schedules faced by television and film workers. Dubey noted that FWICE, in collaboration with Sony and the NGO Doctor For You, has been conducting health screening camps on shooting sets over the past six weeks. The initiative includes ambulances stationed at filming locations to monitor workers' blood pressure, provide basic medication and offer medical advice, with plans to expand the programme to include additional routine health tests.
Dubey also revealed that Singh had recently been elected to the junior artists' committee after winning the union elections around a month ago.
As reported by News9, the official cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem report is released. Meanwhile, FWICE plans to write to the production house seeking compensation for Singh's family.
