Following Sunday mishap, Marathi theatre actors resolve to shun night travel

MUMBAI: Shocked by the death of actors Anand Abhyankar and Akshay Pendse in a mishap on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Sunday, several actors from the Marathi theatre industry including those who have had a close shave on state highways, have now pledged to avoid travelling beyond Mumbai at night or early in the morning.
Producers and actors said though it isn't always feasible to choose their travel time, they would try to adopt more safety measures.
Actor Ramesh Bhatkar of TV serial Commander fame, who had a near fatal accident near Nagpur in 2010, said, "I was on my way to Nagpur airport after a late-night drama show when my car met with an accident on the Chandrapur highway. I have stopped travelling at night outside Mumbai following that mishap. Sunday's accident which claimed the lives of Abhyankar and Pendse has strengthened my resolve."Nirmiti Sawant of Aiyya fame and her troupe had a close shave while travelling to Karad a few years ago when a loaded multi-axle truck rammed into their bus on the highway in the early hours.
Veteran actor Ashok Saraf, who had met with an accident when his speeding driver tried to overtake another vehicle on a busy Pune highway some years ago, said. "I never travel late at night and do not allow my driver to speed."
Industry players said it is not always possible to avoid travel at night, especially when there are shows in far-flung places like Nagpur and Goa. The least one can do is ensure safety, the said. "We employ two drivers when travelling long distances and take occasional breaks," said Jadhav. while on his way out of Mumbai for a show.
Actor Madhura Velankar said she will start advocating safe driving in the industry. "Such incidents are unexpected. Even if you are driving consciously, you cannot say the same about the other person. We need heightened patrolling on major highways," she said. adding that the industry must unite and ensure the authorities wake up to this situation.
"Cases involving celebrities get publicized but what about the thousands who die a silent death on our killer roads. Human life has to be valued," added an irate Bhatkar.