Kolkata: The Bengali film and television industry is set to grind to a halt from April 7, as artists and technicians launch an indefinite strike demanding stricter on-set safety measures.
The move follows the tragic death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, who drowned on March 29 while shooting for the serial Bhole Baba Paar Karega.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the West Bengal Motion Pictures Artists' Forum on April 5 at Technicians' Studio in Kolkata. Prominent figures including Prosenjit Chatterjee, directors, producers, and channel representatives attended.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the Forum said: "From April 7, starting at 7 am, we the artists and technicians will observe an indefinite strike until specific steps are taken to ensure proper safety and security during shoots."
Members have been asked to assemble at Technicians' Studio at 10 am on April 7, with exceptions for those working outside Kolkata or West Bengal. The announcement comes after a massive protest march in Kolkata, where the fraternity demanded accountability and justice for Banerjee's death.
The strike underscores growing concerns about safety standards in the industry, with artists insisting that Banerjee's tragic demise must serve as a wake-up call for systemic change.