Kajal Aggarwal has revisited one of the most terrifying experiences of her life, recalling how she narrowly escaped a crane collapse on the sets of Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2 in February 2020. The accident,
which occurred at EVP Film City in Chennai, claimed the lives of three crew members and left several others injured. The actress revealed that she was standing dangerously close to the falling crane and still struggles to comprehend how she survived.
Speaking to Humans of Bombay, Kajal explained that the incident profoundly changed her outlook on life and strengthened her spiritual beliefs. She also recalled how, just days earlier, she had been celebrating the unveiling of her wax statue at Madame Tussauds Singapore, unaware that she would soon experience something that made her question her own survival.
Kajal Aggarwal Recalls Watching A 100-Foot Crane Collapse
The actress revealed that the team was filming an action sequence when the accident occurred. She had been prepared to portray an 80-year-old woman using prosthetic makeup and was seated near the monitors with other members of the production.
As panic erupted, Kajal instinctively began running. However, she collided with a table and fell, bringing her dangerously close to the crane’s path.
“That’s literally when I thought to myself, ‘What am I running away from? Let me just turn around and see once.’ I turned my head back and I saw a 100-foot crane falling down towards me,” she recalled.
Describing her reaction, Kajal added, “All of this happened in a split second. I saw it falling and I was just frozen. I couldn’t fathom what was happening.”
The actress admitted that she could easily have been among those killed in the accident. “I would have been the first one to go,” she said.
‘How Am I Alive?’: Kajal On The Incident That Changed Her Life
Kajal recalled feeling as though an unseen hand had suddenly pulled her away from danger. Moments later, the crane crashed beside her.
“The crane fell right next to me. I was looking at it and shivering,” she said, admitting that the memory continues to give her goosebumps.
The actress described the experience as something that left her questioning, “How am I alive? It’s not possible how I am alive.”
She revealed that the incident subsequently drew her towards spirituality and that she became a devotee of Lord Krishna. For several days afterwards, she remained shaken by the tragedy while feeling grateful to have survived.
Three Crew Members Died In The Indian 2 Accident
The February 2020 accident claimed the lives of three crew members, Krishna, Chandran and Madhu.
Following the tragedy, Kajal expressed her grief on X, writing, “Words cannot describe the heartache I feel at the unexpected, untimely loss of my colleagues from last night.”
She also reflected on her narrow escape, stating, “All it took was a fraction of a second to stay alive and type this tweet. Just that one moment.”
Kamal Haasan, who was also present on the set, subsequently revealed that he had escaped the accident by only a few metres.
Months later, director Shankar, Kamal Haasan and Lyca Productions contributed Rs 1 crore each towards the families of the deceased. Additionally, Rs 90 lakh was allocated to a seriously injured crew member and Rs 10 lakh to those with minor injuries.
Indian 2 eventually released in 2024 but struggled commercially, earning Rs 148.90 crore worldwide, according to Sacnilk.
