A film's success depends on more than the actors audiences see on screen.
Behind every performance are stunt performers, body doubles and technicians whose contributions often go unnoticed.
Stuntwoman Geeta Tandon recently shared an experience from the sets of Anil Kapoor's show India Ke Top 1% that has drawn attention to the treatment of behind-the-scenes professionals.
Her account prompted responses from Kapoor and filmmaker Farah Khan.
But what exactly happened on the sets? And why has the incident raised questions about how the people working behind the camera are treated?
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What Happened On The Sets Of India Ke Top 1%?
According to Tandon's Instagram post, the production team had repeatedly invited her to appear on the show with her son. Although the appearance was unpaid, she agreed, hoping it would give them some visibility.
She gave up a day's work and called her son back from Goa for the shoot.
The two reached the sets around 12:30 pm and were told their segment would be filmed within a few hours. However, Tandon alleged that they were made to wait in a tent without proper refreshments or clear updates from the production team.
When she questioned the delay, a production manager named Jaydeep allegedly told them, "If they want to leave, let them leave. But they can't leave without signing," as reported by The Indian Express.
Tandon questioned why they could not leave after waiting for so long. She eventually left with her son at around 9:15 pm, after spending nearly nine hours at the venue.
Who Is Geeta Tandon? The Stuntwoman Behind Bollywood's Action Scenes
Geeta Tandon is a stunt professional, director and body double with over 20 years of experience. She has doubled for Deepika Padukone in Chennai Express, Kareena Kapoor Khan in Udta Punjab, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Jazbaa and Samantha Ruth Prabhu in Citadel: Honey Bunny.
She has also performed stunts for Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra, Bipasha Basu and Malaika Arora.
Tandon clarified that she was not blaming Anil Kapoor or Farah Khan personally. Instead, she wanted to highlight how industry workers are treated differently based on their position and visibility. She stressed that appearing without payment did not mean her time and dignity could be taken for granted.
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Anil Kapoor And Farah Khan Respond
Following Tandon's post, India Ke Top 1% host Anil Kapoor apologised in the comments. He wrote, "It genuinely saddens me to hear this." He added that he wanted everyone on the show to feel welcome and respected, saying, "I would never want anyone to feel that they were treated with anything less."
Kapoor also acknowledged that Tandon and her son had come as guests and said he took her feedback seriously.
Farah Khan also apologised, explaining that she was shooting the second episode that evening and was unaware that Tandon and her son were waiting.
She wrote, "Otherwise would have made you sit in my van," adding that she and Kapoor had "tremendous respect" for Tandon and her hard work.
Tandon thanked both for responding, expressing hope that nobody else would have to face a similar experience.
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Tillotama Shome, Bhagyashree And Others Show Support
The incident also received responses from other members of the film industry.
Actor Tillotama Shome praised Tandon's dedication and recalled the physical risks she had taken while performing stunts for actresses. She highlighted how stunt professionals put their bodies on the line to help others perform on screen.
Bhagyashree also supported Tandon, stressing that filmmaking involves equal contributions from people working both in front of and behind the camera. She acknowledged that delays can happen during shoots but said better communication could have helped avoid the situation.
Actor Shriya Pilgaonkar also called the alleged treatment unacceptable.
Other industry members, including Ayesha Shroff, expressed support for Tandon's concerns.
The Bigger Question: Who Gets Respect On A Film Set?
Tandon's experience has raised questions about the treatment of stunt performers, body doubles, junior artists, technicians and other behind-the-scenes workers who contribute to productions but receive little visibility.
Her point was that respect should not depend on celebrity status. While clarifying that she was not blaming Kapoor or Khan personally, she questioned the production team's alleged behaviour.
Despite the apologies, the incident highlights the need for basic courtesy, clear communication and respect for everyone's time, regardless of their position in the industry.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
Who is Geeta Tandon?
Geeta Tandon is a stunt professional, stunt director and body double who has worked in the film and television industry for over two decades.
What happened on the sets of India Ke Top 1%?
Tandon alleged that she and her son waited for nearly nine hours after being invited as unpaid guests on the show.
What did Geeta Tandon say?
She alleged that they received no proper updates or basic hospitality and questioned the way the production team treated them.
How did Anil Kapoor and Farah Khan respond?
Both apologised to Tandon. Kapoor expressed regret, while Khan said she had been unaware that Tandon was waiting.
Which celebrities supported Geeta Tandon?
Tillotama Shome, Bhagyashree, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Ayesha Shroff were among those who expressed support.
What is the larger issue?
The incident has raised questions about the treatment of behind-the-scenes professionals and whether they receive the same respect as people in front of the camera.
