Delna Davis Pens Emotional Tribute to Stuntman Mohan Raj: “Film Industry Needs to Do More for Its Fighters”
Chennai, July 16 – Actress Delna Davis, known for her performances in Kurangu Bommai and several Malayalam films, has penned an emotional note mourning the tragic death of stuntman Mohan Raj, who died while performing a stunt for the upcoming Tamil film Vettuvam.
Mohan Raj’s passing has sent shockwaves through the South Indian film industry, reigniting long-standing concerns over the safety, recognition, and compensation provided to stunt artists in Indian cinema.
A Tragic Loss on Set
The stunt mishap occurred during the filming of Vettuvam, a project produced by Neelam Productions, helmed by director Pa Ranjith. The production house released a condolence message mourning the loss of “Mohan Raj Anna – a husband, a father, an incredible stunt artist, and a graceful human being.”
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Delna Davis reflected not only on her personal grief but also on the systemic neglect faced by stunt performers in the industry.
“It's a tragic loss, and it truly hurts. I've always had huge respect for the stunt team—the fighters in cinema,” she wrote.
“They are the only team on a film set who put their bodies on the line every single day. While we, as actors, act like we are fighting... they actually fight. They fall, they get injured, and most of the time, they are in real pain.”
“They Deserve More”
Delna emphasized the invisible sacrifices made by stunt professionals and expressed disappointment over their continued underappreciation.
“They don't complain. They just give 100% with full dedication. But still, I feel they don't get the recognition or pay they truly deserve.”
“Even if I have to fall or do a risky scene, I know they'll protect me. I always feel safe around them. This loss is not just professional, it's personal. It breaks my heart.”
She concluded with a powerful appeal to the industry:
“The film industry really needs to do more to support and protect our fighters and stunt masters.”
Industry Grieves: Simran and Others Speak Out
Veteran actress Simran also took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express her condolences.
“Behind every intense action scene is a brave soul like S M Raju. His tragic death while performing a stunt is devastating. May we never take these heroes for granted. We honor his courage and mourn his loss. Strength and prayers to his loved ones. Om Shanti.”
Her message reflected a growing consensus among artists and tech
nicians that stunt performers remain some of the most underprotected workers in the entertainment business, despite their vital contribution to the cinematic experience.
A Call for Change: Will the Industry Listen?
The passing of Mohan Raj is a grim reminder of the occupational hazards faced daily by India’s stunt teams, many of whom work without proper insurance, hazard pay, or safety equipment. While several Bollywood and Kollywood stars have called for reforms over the years, tangible improvements in the working conditions of stunt artists remain slow and inconsistent.
As actors like Delna Davis and Simran raise their voices, there's renewed hope that the industry may finally take steps toward institutional change—including better training protocols, fairer wages, on-set safety standards, and health coverage for action teams.
Who Was Mohan Raj?
Mohan Raj was a seasoned stunt artiste known for his fearlessness, professionalism, and quiet dedication. Industry colleagues described him as “the kind of fighter who would never complain but always deliver.” He is survived by his wife and child.
His death, while performing his craft, underscores the urgent need to honor stunt professionals not just in memory—but in policy, pay, and protection.