Bhansali pays compensation to artist who died on Padmavati sets, offers job to wife

Tragedy struck last month on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati when a painter lost his life after meeting with an accident. Mukesh Dhakiya was painting the sets at a height when he fell and passed away soon after.  

Following this, the Cine Workers' Union sternly demanded compensation from Bhansali to the family of the deceased. The director-cum-producer has now gone ahead and paid an amount of Rs20.80 lakh to Dhakiya’s family members. The late artist’s co-workers have also contributed a day’s salary to the bereaved family. 

General secretary of Cine Workers' Union, Gangeshwar Shrivastava, said, “Around 70-80 workers, who were on set during the incident, decided to donate a day's salary to the Dhakhiyas. The amount comes to around Rs2.2 lakh.” 

Sunil Dhakiya, Mukesh’s brother, is thankful to Bhansali and the union. He said, “Nothing can compensate my brother's loss, but we are glad that Bhansaliji kept his promise. At least, the future of his two sons has been secured. We are thankful to the union for pursuing this with the production house.”

Mukesh’s wife is four months pregnant. Bhansali has promised her a job at his production house. 

Padmavati stars Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.