Massive Fire Breaks Out on Anupamaa Set in Mumbai’s Film City, Damages Reported

Massive Fire Breaks Out on Anupamaa Set in Mumbai’s Film City, Damages Reported | 2025

The Blaze at Dawn — Unfolding the Fire Emergency at Film City’s ‘Anupamaa’ Set

The Incident That Shocked Indian Television

In a development that has sent shockwaves across India’s television industry, a fire broke out on the set of the highly-rated daily soap Anupamaa in the early hours of Monday morning. The incident occurred in Mumbai’s Film City, Goregaon East — a sprawling hub of creative production that has served as the backdrop for countless iconic serials, movies, and reality shows.

The fire, which was first spotted around 6:00 am on June 24, 2025, originated in a tent positioned behind the Marathi Bigg Boss set but rapidly spread toward the production zone of Anupamaa, one of India’s most-watched family dramas. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) responded with remarkable urgency, dispatching fire engines and jumbo tankers in a race to contain the damage.

Though no casualties or injuries have been reported, the episode has raised significant concerns regarding on-set safety protocols, electrical infrastructure, and emergency response preparedness across Mumbai’s entertainment districts.

Timeline of the Emergency Response

The Mumbai Fire Brigade confirmed that the incident was first officially categorized as a Level-I fire — the least severe classification on the city’s emergency fire response scale — at precisely 6:26 am. Despite the low categorization, authorities treated the matter with utmost seriousness due to the presence of valuable production equipment, flammable studio materials, and the potential for human harm had the fire occurred later during peak working hours.

According to the preliminary incident log shared by fire officials, the sequence of events unfolded as follows:

6:00 AM – Local security personnel near the Marathi Bigg Boss tent detect signs of smoke and flames.
6:10 AM – Internal alarms within the studio area are triggered; production crew begin evacuating adjacent zones.
6:26 AM – Mumbai Fire Brigade officially declares it a Level-I fire and activates emergency protocols.
6:35 AM – Four fire engines and four jumbo tankers are dispatched to the site from the Goregaon East Fire Station.
7:30 AM – Flames intensify due to synthetic materials and electrical installations.
9:15 AM – The fire is partially brought under control, with significant progress in containing outer areas.
10:15 AM – Firefighting efforts successfully subdue the blaze; cooling operations begin.

By 10:30 am, a senior fire official confirmed to the press that the area was safe, though a full inspection and post-incident audit would follow in coordination with BMC and production authorities.

Scale of Damage: Inside the Burned Set

The fire, although categorized as Level-I, inflicted notable damage to the Anupamaa set — both to physical structures and high-value creative equipment.

An official estimate puts the affected area at approximately 5,000 square feet. This includes the main production floor of Anupamaa, backstage storage zones, lighting rigs, and sections used for makeup and costumes. Among the items listed as damaged were:

Electrical wiring and power control panels
Stage lighting systems
Filming equipment, including high-definition cameras and tripods
Decorative props and set furniture
Multiple costume racks used for ongoing episodes
Cables and sound rigging
Ventilation and cooling equipment

While no cast or crew were present during the early morning incident, insiders claim that the destruction of primary equipment and infrastructure may take weeks to repair, severely disrupting the show’s production schedule.

Investigative Teams and Initial Observations

Soon after the blaze was brought under control, a forensic and electrical inspection team was dispatched to the site to begin an initial probe into the origin and cause of the fire. Authorities from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Fire Brigade, and Film City’s internal management are jointly overseeing the preliminary inquiry.

The early assumption, per unnamed sources within the fire department, leans toward an electrical short-circuit in a poorly maintained connection box behind the Bigg Boss tent — a zone that reportedly shared a common power grid with adjacent studio setups.

However, a senior official clarified:

“While electrical faults are suspected, we are not ruling out any possibilities until a full technical audit is completed. Additional departments, including those specializing in flammable materials and studio safety infrastructure, are being roped in.”

Showrunners React: Statement from the Production House

The producers of Anupamaa, who are working under the banner of Director’s Kut Productions led by Rajan Shahi, released an official statement by noon:

“We are deeply grateful that no one was injured in the unfortunate fire incident today at our set in Film City. Our primary concern remains the safety of all personnel. We are cooperating fully with fire and municipal authorities and have temporarily halted production pending a comprehensive safety inspection and repair of damaged areas.”

The statement emphasized that all scheduled shoots for the week have been suspended. Broadcast episodes may also be delayed or replaced by reruns depending on the speed of restoration efforts.

Industry Concerns Mount: A Pattern of Recurring Fires

This incident is not isolated. Over the last five years, Mumbai’s Film City has witnessed over a dozen fire-related emergencies, many of them traced to poor electrical systems, overloaded circuits, or improper waste disposal around high-voltage areas.

Industry veterans and technicians, speaking on condition of anonymity, have voiced their concerns:

“Fire safety drills are almost nonexistent on many serial sets. There’s just not enough regulatory oversight. The focus is on deadlines and TRPs, not safety.”

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) also issued a preliminary appeal to the Maharashtra government, urging stricter implementation of fire safety compliance across all major shooting locations in the city.

Awaiting Answers, Preparing for Recovery

As cooling operations continue and damage assessments intensify, Anupamaa’s temporary production halt leaves a notable void in India’s prime-time television slot. The show, which airs on Star Plus and is widely streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, commands a viewership of millions across the country.

With the production unit working closely with fire inspectors and municipal authorities, all eyes are now on how quickly the studio can restore operations — but more importantly, whether this incident finally catalyzes long-overdue reform in fire safety within India’s media production zones.

After the Smoke Clears: Beginning the Recovery

In the immediate aftermath of the blaze that disrupted the heart of one of Indian television’s most popular shows, Anupamaa, production teams, government officials, and industry stakeholders are now racing against time to assess losses, initiate cleanup, and reestablish operations — all while addressing a growing public discourse on studio safety.

As dawn faded into mid-morning and the fire was finally doused, what remained was a shell of a once-thriving set. Charred costume racks, melted cable trails, scorched set walls, and warped camera tripods stood silent in the wake of an inferno that could have turned far more catastrophic had it occurred during prime filming hours.

For now, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has sealed off the primary site for investigation, while adjacent sets remain under watch for potential electrical hazards.

Financial Impact: Crores Lost Overnight

Early estimates suggest that the production house may have incurred damages ranging from ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore (approx. USD $250,000 to $600,000), with most of the financial blow falling into three key categories:

Destroyed Equipment: Cameras, lighting rigs, sound equipment, monitors, and grip gear — most of which are imported and custom-fitted for indoor studio setups.
Lost Set Infrastructure: Constructed walls, props, and ceiling-mounted track systems that took months to design for Anupamaa’s unique middle-class home look have been reduced to soot.
Content Disruption: With daily soaps relying on tight back-to-back shooting schedules, even a day’s halt means massive costs in cast fees, crew wages, distribution penalties, and reshoot expenses.

Industry insurance experts told Liberty Wire that such incidents are rarely covered in full by traditional studio insurance, especially when fire audits haven’t been updated in the last 6–12 months — a regulatory requirement often overlooked in non-film productions.

“General liability policies for TV sets don’t always factor in high-density electric clusters or hazardous tented environments unless specifically added,” said an executive from an insurance firm managing multiple Bollywood clients.

Eyewitness Accounts: ‘We Saw Smoke Rise from Behind the Set’

On-ground technicians, security guards, and early crew members gave detailed testimonies that paint a picture of confusion, shock, and narrow escape.

Ravi (name changed), a spot boy working in the costume area, shared:

“I usually come by 6:15 am, but that day I was a little early. I saw smoke billowing from the back of the set, where the storage tent is. Within minutes, it started spreading towards the AC duct. Thankfully, no one was inside the main room.”

Another crew member recalled how some wiring had been sparking the previous evening, and a complaint was filed, but no one expected a full-scale fire.

Such testimonies may become crucial if negligence is suspected and FIRs are registered under the Disaster Management Act or the Fire Services Act, both of which regulate commercial property fire compliance in Maharashtra.

Accountability Questions: Who’s Responsible?

As Anupamaa’s production remains halted, attention is shifting toward accountability — not only from the studio’s management but also from Film City authorities and power line contractors.

Key questions being raised include:

Was a recent fire safety audit conducted?
According to municipal protocol, all active studios must submit quarterly safety reports to BMC. Preliminary records suggest Anupamaa’s set audit was last filed in December 2024.
Were electrical complaints ignored?
A technician claimed wires were overloaded due to set extensions and additional lighting added for an upcoming monsoon special sequence.
Was there fire suppression infrastructure in place?
Early responders noted a lack of on-site extinguishers, sprinklers, or heat sensors — violations that may carry criminal liability under Mumbai’s fire code.

The Mumbai Police and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams are now involved in tracing the cause of the ignition point, especially whether it originated from an extension board or an equipment fault. A detailed fire incident report is expected within the next 7 working days.

Show Must Wait: Star Plus and Hotstar Plan Stopgap Programming

With production suspended indefinitely, Star Plus, the broadcaster of Anupamaa, is reportedly in talks to air extended episodes of other prime-time dramas and introduce “Behind the Scenes” compilations, reruns of key episodes, and bonus features on Disney+ Hotstar to retain viewership.

A senior executive from Star TV Network said:

“We have a pipeline of completed episodes until Wednesday, June 25. After that, we’ll either use archival content or transition into a temporary time slot filler. We are committed to supporting the production house through this crisis.”

Insiders indicate that daily viewership metrics, sponsorship schedules, and advertising deals worth crores are at stake if the disruption continues into July.

Industry Wake-Up Call: ‘This Isn’t Just About Anupamaa’

The blaze has reignited a broader industry conversation about the chronic underinvestment in safety infrastructure on Indian television sets. Compared to the meticulous fire protocols on high-budget film productions, daily soaps often operate on squeezed timelines, shared studio zones, and quick rebuilds — factors that increase fire risk.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), one of the largest trade unions in the industry, released a strong statement:

“This incident could have easily become fatal. Every studio should be equipped with mandatory heat sensors, working fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and insulated wiring — not just on paper but in practice.”

They also called for:

Mandatory monthly drills
A centralised studio safety regulator for Film City
Random electrical inspections by BMC

Senior producer Ekta Kapoor and actor Ronit Roy echoed similar sentiments in social media posts, calling the incident a “time bomb that finally went off.”

Towards Reform: Government Promises Action

Following the fire, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reportedly held a high-level meeting with fire department officials, Film City management, and representatives from the entertainment industry.

A senior state official, speaking to Liberty Wire, confirmed:

“We will enforce stricter fire safety audits starting July 1 across all sets. Any studio found without updated records or suppression systems will face immediate shutdown orders.”

The government is also reportedly considering:

A new Fire Safety Certification Framework for TV productions.
Digital tagging of all electric grids in Film City to monitor overloading.
Budget incentives for studios that meet high safety standards.

These measures, if implemented, could change the way Indian television is produced, introducing a layer of safety accountability that has long been absent.

An Incident That Could Reshape the Industry

The fire at Anupamaa’s set is more than a production-level mishap; it is a symbol of an overburdened, under-protected system that powers India’s most-consumed entertainment format — daily television serials.

While fans await the return of their beloved show, industry leaders, workers’ unions, and government officials must come together to ensure that what happened on June 24 never happens again.

In the weeks ahead, as investigations continue and rebuilding begins, this moment may come to define a turning point for Indian television — one where safety finally becomes non-negotiable.

The Emotional Toll: Cast and Crew React to the Set Fire

While no physical injuries were reported during the fire at Anupamaa’s set, the emotional impact on its extended family of cast, crew, and fans has been profound. For many who work on daily soaps, these sets are not just places of employment — they are homes away from home, spaces where long hours, creative passion, and personal relationships fuse into a tight-knit ecosystem.

Speaking to Liberty Wire, several members of the crew shared heartfelt accounts of their connection to the destroyed set:

“I’ve worked here for almost four years. I know every corner — where the lead actors rehearse, where the chai comes from, where we hide the props. It feels like watching your house burn down,” said an assistant director, wiping tears from his eyes.

Lead actress Rupali Ganguly, who plays the titular character Anupamaa, shared a deeply emotional message on her social media handle:

“It breaks my heart to see the place where we told so many stories, where we cried, laughed, and lived as a family… reduced to ashes. But I am grateful no one was hurt. We will rise again.”

Viewer Reactions: Fans Flood Social Media With Support

Anupamaa boasts a massive fan base across demographics, from housewives and college students to senior citizens and overseas viewers. As soon as news of the fire broke, social media platforms were flooded with posts expressing concern, support, and solidarity.

Hashtags like #AnupamaaSetFire, #StayStrongTeamAnupamaa, and #RebuildAnupamaa began trending within hours. Fans shared emotional montages, past episode clips, and fan art with messages of hope.

A user from West Bengal wrote:

“This show helped me get through my postpartum depression. I can’t imagine what the team must be feeling. Sending love.”

Fan clubs even launched online fundraisers, although the production house has not requested any public financial support. The unprecedented response reveals the profound cultural imprint that shows like Anupamaa have made across India’s emotional and social landscape.

Behind the Rebuild: What It Will Take to Resume Shooting

By Tuesday morning, June 25, engineers, art directors, and construction crews had already begun preliminary planning for rebuilding the set. Sources within Director’s Kut Productions confirmed to Liberty Wire that they aim to replicate the original layout using modern, fire-retardant materials while also incorporating improved safety infrastructure.

Key rebuild priorities include:

Fireproof Drywall and Flooring: Replacing flammable set wood with fire-resistant paneling.
Dedicated Power Grids: Installing isolated electric boards to avoid overloading.
Sensor-Linked Extinguishers: Heat-triggered suppression systems across set perimeters.
Emergency Access Lanes: Redesigning studio layout for faster fire exit routes.
Digital Set Monitoring: Cameras and thermal sensors for overnight surveillance.

Art directors have already begun recreating digital blueprints for Anupamaa’s iconic middle-class Gujarati household look, while the costume department is coordinating with wardrobe suppliers to reproduce destroyed outfits.

An estimated ₹1.5 crore to ₹2 crore will be required for rebuilding and resuming full-scale operations — potentially within 20 to 30 days, depending on labor availability and municipal clearances.

Legal Ramifications: Is Anyone Liable?

While emotional narratives dominate public attention, the fire also opens complex legal and regulatory questions. Liberty Wire has confirmed that Mumbai Police, under guidance from the Dindoshi Police Station, has registered a non-cognizable complaint pending the fire department’s final report.

Legal experts outline several possible liability areas:

Negligence in Infrastructure: If proven, could result in fines or action under the Indian Penal Code Section 336 (endangering life or personal safety).
Violation of Municipal Codes: Particularly if expired fire licenses, substandard equipment, or missing exit signage are found.
Contractor Liability: If external electric or tent providers are found to have failed in their duties.

A Film City administrative official, on condition of anonymity, stated:

“We have internal video footage, incident logs, and electric load reports. All of this will be handed to the Fire Officer-in-Charge for investigation.”

The Broader Conversation: Can This Lead to an Industry-Wide Safety Overhaul?

The fire on Anupamaa’s set is becoming a watershed moment in how India’s daily entertainment sector views safety. For decades, sets were designed for speed, spectacle, and savings — often at the expense of structural and human protection.

Experts now believe this incident could catalyze reform similar to how workplace fatalities in garment factories transformed compliance in that sector.

Industry-wide recommendations gaining traction:

Centralised Safety Ratings for TV shows, similar to ISO certifications.
Fire Insurance Mandates for all prime-time productions.
Unified Electric Load Monitoring System across Film City.
Actor & Crew Fire Drills every three months.

Producer’s Guild of India has already initiated a task force to draft safety compliance templates for producers, citing Anupamaa as a case study.

“We are now treating safety not as a checklist but as a creative responsibility,” said a senior Guild member.

The Human Angle: Beyond Lights, Camera, Action

In an industry often driven by ratings, awards, and deadlines, the Anupamaa incident reminds all stakeholders that every studio is also a workplace for thousands of ordinary individuals — from camera operators and costume fitters to junior artists and security guards.

Among them is Ajay Pawar, a 62-year-old studio electrician who narrowly missed the fire after being called in late:

“My grandkids watch this show daily. I’ve been fixing bulbs on this set since Season 1. It’s not just a job. It’s part of my life.”

His words reflect a deeper truth — that Anupamaa is not merely content for consumption, but a reflection of the lives, hopes, and craft of thousands.

What’s Next: Timeline to Recovery

While exact return dates remain uncertain, insiders have hinted at a tentative shooting restart by mid-to-late July, depending on inspection clearances, insurance settlements, and set rebuild completion.

The production house is reportedly exploring temporary outdoor or alternate indoor locations to film certain sequences that do not require the full living-room set replica.

Meanwhile, episodes that were shot before the fire are expected to air through the end of this week, with filler content starting thereafter.

The Show Will Go On — But Wiser

In Indian television, few things are as sacred as continuity. Stories unfold daily. Characters age in real time. Generations of audiences grow up with their favorite stars. And yet, this blaze reminded us all — of fragility, of accountability, and of the importance of prioritizing people before plotlines.

The Anupamaa team will rebuild. The show will return. But what the industry — and indeed, the country — must now decide is whether it wants to go back to business as usual, or build a safer, more responsible future for its storytellers.

The Emotional Core: Exclusive Interviews with the Cast and Crew

In the days following the fire that ravaged the Anupamaa set at Film City, Mumbai, cast members and technicians have begun to share deeply personal accounts of the tragedy — revealing a portrait not just of loss, but of resilience and solidarity.

Rupali Ganguly – Lead Actress

In an exclusive on-camera interview with Liberty Wire, lead star Rupali Ganguly offered a moving reflection:

“When I reached the set and saw what was left, I was numb. This place was like a second home — not just to me, but to the hundreds who work tirelessly behind the camera. We’re shaken, yes. But we will rise — stronger, safer, and more united.”

She also praised the crew’s discipline, recounting how even junior staff had been quick to respond:

“The discipline with which our spot boys, lightmen, and costume teams handled the crisis is a testament to their professionalism. I salute them.”

Sudhanshu Pandey – Actor (Vanraj)

“I walked that set every day for four years. To see it in ashes was heartbreaking. I lost not just scripts and costumes, but memories. Still, the most important thing is that no life was lost.”

Technicians Speak Out

Meena Tiwari, a makeup artist:

“I lost all my brushes, kits, and wigs — materials I had been building for years. But I am thankful we’re alive. Equipment can be replaced. People can’t.”

Ranjit Kumar, lighting supervisor:

“For three nights before the fire, we had voltage fluctuations. We raised concerns. Now we feel ignored.”

These interviews reveal a duality — grief over material losses, and quiet rage over potential negligence.

Global Comparisons: How Other Countries Secure Their Sets

In the wake of the Anupamaa fire, Indian policymakers and industry leaders are now examining how other countries handle fire safety on television and film sets — and where India falls short.

United States (Hollywood)

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates detailed fire safety codes for sets.
Licensed fire marshals must be present on high-risk sets, especially where pyrotechnics or flammable materials are used.
Fire drills and emergency egress plans are mandatory before the first shoot day.

United Kingdom (BBC & ITV Studios)

All studio spaces are audited annually by local fire authorities and must submit a “safe-to-operate” certificate.
On-set firefighters are common for productions involving electrical rigs.

South Korea

South Korea’s drama industry enforces daily electrical load tracking for studio complexes.
Government subsidies are provided to productions that meet zero incident targets over a 12-month period.

India (current status)

Fire audit requirements exist under BMC and state fire laws, but enforcement is patchy.
No permanent fire marshals on most TV sets.
Drills are rare, and electric setups are often outsourced with minimal documentation.

“We have the rules. What we lack is implementation, and the will to prioritize lives over deadlines,” said a former Maharashtra Fire Services officer to Liberty Wire.

Blueprint for Reform: What Must Happen Now

Following the devastating fire, several working groups within the Producers Guild of India, FWICE, and the Maharashtra State Fire Department have proposed a comprehensive Set Safety Reform Bill — tentatively titled the Television Production Safety and Welfare Framework (TPSWF) 2025.

Key proposals include:

Fire Marshals on All Sets:
Mandatory appointment of trained marshals for any production employing more than 30 people.
Digital Compliance Dashboard:
Studios must register and update fire safety status, electric load charts, and emergency response maps via an online portal monitored by BMC.
Training for Actors and Crew:
Certification programs on fire response, equipment handling, and evacuation protocols.
Licensing of Equipment Vendors:
Only certified vendors will be allowed to supply cables, junction boxes, generators, and lighting to sets.
Government-backed Insurance Schemes:
To ease the financial burden on small producers while enforcing minimum compliance coverage.
Graded Penalties:
Fines, blacklisting, or license cancellation for studios flouting safety codes.

A government representative confirmed that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s office is expected to review the draft in July.

How Disney+ Hotstar and Star Plus Are Managing Viewer Expectations

The broadcasting and OTT partners of Anupamaa — Star Plus and Disney+ Hotstar — have taken rapid steps to maintain viewer engagement despite production disruptions.

Short-term programming strategy:

Flashback Specials – Fan-favorite episodes from early seasons aired with cast voiceovers.
“Rebuilding Anupamaa” Documentary – A behind-the-scenes mini-series is under development to show the cleanup, redesign, and emotional recovery of the set.
Interactive Watch-Alongs – Fans are invited to join watch parties with live cast commentary.

A Star Plus spokesperson told Liberty Wire:

“Anupamaa is not just a show. It’s an emotional thread that binds millions. Our job is to keep that thread alive while the team rebuilds.”

Hidden Dangers: Night Shoots, Flammable Props, and Ignored Warnings

One concerning element that investigators have flagged is the tented auxiliary storage unit — constructed with synthetic tarpaulin and PVC, both highly flammable materials. These tents, typically erected for short-term storage, had become semi-permanent structures near the Anupamaa set.

Insiders reveal:

Warnings about overloaded power strips inside the tent were made weeks in advance.
At least five unrelated electrical faults were reported in May alone.
Night shoots frequently involved battery backups, fans, and temporary lamps, many connected through unsafe extensions.

A lighting director who previously worked on the set said:

“Some of the wirings were modified on the fly. Not all were certified installations.”

From Ashes to Legacy: The Rebirth of a Cultural Icon

The Anupamaa set will soon be rebuilt. But the scars it leaves behind will likely fuel long-overdue changes in Indian production safety culture. Showrunner Rajan Shahi, known for his meticulous production methods, has reportedly hired international consultants to oversee the new set’s safety integration — a first for a Hindi daily soap.

In a statement, he noted:

“We owe it to every technician, every viewer, and every lost moment to rebuild this not just bigger, but safer. If our tragedy becomes the reason another set is saved, then perhaps it wasn’t in vain.”

Timeline to Return: Tentative Milestones

Milestone	Estimated Completion Date
Damage Audit & Insurance Filing	June 28, 2025
Full Electrical Inspection	July 1, 2025
Set Clearing & Structural Redesign	July 5–10, 2025
Rebuilding Begins	July 11, 2025
Safety Approval from Fire Department	July 20–22, 2025
Test Shoots and Sound Checks	July 25, 2025
First Post-Fire Episode Shoot	July 27–28, 2025
Broadcast Resumes (Tentative)	August 3, 2025

One Incident, Many Lessons

The fire that razed the Anupamaa set was, in essence, a preventable tragedy. But in its aftermath lies a potential transformation — not just for one show, or one studio, but for an entire industry that entertains, educates, and unites India daily.

As the rubble is cleared, new foundations — both physical and ethical — are being laid. And in doing so, the Indian television industry may finally embrace its duty of care not only to its audience but to the thousands who bring its stories to life.

Insurance Claims: The High-Stakes Battle for Compensation

Following the extensive damage to the Anupamaa set caused by the June 24 fire in Film City, Mumbai, insurance claims have now become central to the recovery process. Sources close to Director’s Kut Productions confirm that multiple insurance policies were activated, covering property damage, production delays, and equipment loss.

Types of policies reportedly invoked:

Property & Fire Insurance: Covers structural damage to the set’s physical layout and studio walls.
Equipment Insurance: Protects against losses of cameras, lighting rigs, and other tech tools.
Production Interruption Insurance: Compensates for loss of filming days and penalties incurred from delay in episode delivery.
Third-Party Vendor Claims: Covers damage to rented material or subleased equipment.

An internal report accessed by Liberty Wire indicates that estimated claim value is over ₹5.6 crore, but final disbursement may take 45–90 days pending validation of invoices, ownership documentation, and police/fire clearance reports.

“Insurance for TV sets in India is complicated. Policies are often customized, and many losses—especially from auxiliary structures like tents—are often excluded unless declared separately,” said Rajiv Somani, a media risk consultant.

Meanwhile, legal teams are reportedly negotiating with insurers over “ambiguity clauses” related to undeclared flammable storage zones and extended electrical wiring not in original blueprints.

Fire Safety Infrastructure in Film City: A System Under Strain

This incident has placed Mumbai’s Film City — formally known as Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari — under intense public and regulatory scrutiny.

Built in 1977, Film City is spread over 520 acres and is home to over 40 active shooting zones. While new studios have installed modern equipment, older sections — including the area where the Anupamaa set stood — rely on outdated electrical grids and ad-hoc tent systems.

Key issues identified during inspections post-fire:

Underground wiring from the 1990s still in use.
Lack of central surge protection infrastructure.
Overcrowded zones, with up to 4–5 shows operating side-by-side using shared transformers.
Minimal fire hydrants and zero automated sprinklers in temporary zones.

BMC and Maharashtra Fire Department have since ordered a full re-inspection of all Film City zones, with instructions to:

Seal any structures lacking fire NOC.
Disconnect power to unauthorized storage tents.
Mandate fire drill documentation for all active sets.

“This tragedy exposed the systemic decay in how we manage the backbone of India’s entertainment industry,” admitted a senior official from Maharashtra’s Urban Development Department.

The Government Responds: A Draft White Paper on TV Production Safety

In what is being seen as a landmark step, the Maharashtra government—under pressure from industry leaders and civic groups—has released a Draft White Paper on Safety, Risk, and Infrastructure Reform in Television Production (SRIRTP) 2025.

Key recommendations include:

Formation of the Maharashtra Studio Safety Authority (MSSA):
A new autonomous body with powers to inspect, rate, and enforce safety standards across television and film studios.
Compulsory Digital Safety Logbooks:
Studios must update safety checklists, maintenance records, and incident reports on a real-time cloud-based dashboard accessible to fire authorities.
State-Subsidized Safety Upgrades:
Producers who upgrade wiring, purchase fire-resistant set materials, or adopt biometric access controls will be eligible for GST rebates and power subsidies.
Mandatory Vendor Auditing:
Electricians, set designers, and construction vendors must register and renew safety licenses annually.
Creation of a Public Fire Violation Registry:
Studios violating safety norms will be listed publicly, akin to food hygiene ratings.

A 60-day public consultation period has been opened, and major stakeholders — including Netflix India, Balaji Telefilms, Star Network, and technical unions — are expected to submit feedback.

Lessons from Other Fires: A Decade of Warnings Ignored

The Anupamaa incident is, tragically, not the first blaze to threaten lives and destroy property in India’s entertainment sector. Liberty Wire reviewed ten major studio fire cases over the past decade, and the pattern is clear:

Year	Set Affected	Cause	Action Taken
2013	Comedy Nights with Kapil	Short circuit	No FIR; minor fine issued
2017	Balaji Telefilms studio	AC compressor fire	Set rebuilt; no safety overhaul
2019	Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2	Faulty lighting equipment	Show halted briefly; no penalties
2022	Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah	Tent fire during monsoon	Fire extinguished; no follow-up
2024	Khatron Ke Khiladi promo set	Generator fire	Insurance paid; no charges filed
2025	Anupamaa	Tent and wiring fault	Active investigation

The overwhelming trend: no long-term structural reform followed any fire — until now.

From Tragedy to Transformation: The Industry Stands United

Following the Anupamaa fire, some of the most influential figures in Indian entertainment have joined forces to demand an overhaul.

Initiatives launched:

United Studios for Safety Coalition (USSC):
A new coalition including more than 60 production houses and digital content creators to jointly invest in compliance tech and training.
FWICE Safety Fund:
₹10 crore corpus created to provide grants for smaller studios to purchase fire suppression equipment and train crew.
#SecureTheSet Movement:
Viral campaign urging actors and fans to sign open letters demanding legal fire marshals on every active set.

Karan Johar, Priyanka Chopra, and Anurag Kashyap have all expressed solidarity, with Chopra stating in a live broadcast:

“If we can’t ensure safety where we tell our stories, what are we even celebrating?”

The Rebirth of Anupamaa: Reconstruction Begins

As of June 27, full-scale reconstruction has begun on the Anupamaa set. Sources confirm:

A new fire-rated steel frame is being installed.
All materials are being treated with flame-retardant chemicals.
The production will use a dual-power line model with independent backup grids.
The redesigned set will include built-in suppression piping, heat sensors, and visible exit signage.

Director’s Kut has brought in international consultants from Singapore and the UK to ensure the new set meets not just Indian codes but also global ISO/IEC safety benchmarks.

In a symbolic gesture, the first day of reconstruction began with a puja ceremony attended by cast, crew, and Film City authorities, signaling a new chapter of hope, memory, and renewal.

Final Reflections: The Fire That Changed an Industry

The fire on the Anupamaa set was not merely a technical accident or production hiccup. It was a mirror — held up to India’s booming, yet dangerously overstretched, television infrastructure. In it, we saw every shortcut, every missed inspection, every silent cost of delay.

But from the ashes of that mistake may emerge a legacy that reshapes how India tells its stories.

A safer set. A stronger industry. And above all, a reminder that the lights, cameras, and action mean nothing if the people behind them aren’t protected.

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