We understand that drama and film sets are made to be functional and utilize every resource and time to the best of their ability but what if the same starts posting health hazards for the people present on the location? While we’re making high quality content, it is high time we focus on utilizing the best equipment to create that content as well.
Recently actress Saba Qamar contracted a serious lung infection due to diesel inhalation on the sets of her upcoming project. The diesel was used to make the smog machine work to create haze for scenes on television.
What Happened to Saba Qamar?
The Baaghi actresses shared a picture of herself with a cannula inserted in her hand from the hospital, on her Instagram. Saba shared how she had been suffering a lung infection and had been hospitalized because of it. “It’s been a few days I’m suffering with lungs infection because of the diesel being used very commonly on the sets to create the smog effect,” wrote Saba on her Instagram Story. “I urge everyone to stop using diesel fuel because it really is injurious to health. No one knows better than I do, and it is the worst feeling ever,” shared the actress.
Sarmad Khoosat Agrees
Saba’s post attracted a lot of attention and her fellow actor and film Kamli director, Sarmad Khoosat also talked about safety hazards on production sets. Supporting Saba, Sarmad stated how he also couldn’t understand the obsession with creating haze on sets adding a rolling eye emoji. Adding further, the Manto actor also said, “If it’s so inevitable, then we need to find better solutions for this.” Sarmad ended the message with prayers for Saba, writing, “Get well soon.”
Ayesha Omar Narrates Similar Incident
Alongside Sarmad Khoosat, Ayesha Omar also shed light on the health concerns that smog machines working with diesels posed for actors on the sets. Sending love and prayers for Saba, Ayesha wrote, “I’m so sorry you’re going through this and so grateful you’ve spoken up about this. I’ve also developed lung infection twice on film and drama sets due to the same reason but was silenced when I let the producer/director know saying it can’t be helped and it’s necessary to create the mood/ tone of the project.
Ayesha too ended her message wishing Saba a speedy recovery and praying producers would start respecting the health and safety for their actors on set, “I hope we can collectively respect each other’s health and safety and find alternatives for toxic/dangerous chemicals/ situations. Wishing you a speedy recovery,” stated Ayesha.
Our Verdict
Saba Qamar and Ayesha Omar’s revelations bring health hazards for actors on the sets of their projects to the forefront. If precautionary measures are overlooked in favor of the mood/tone of the scenes, the results could be drastic and disastrous in the near future.
Prioritizing aesthetics over safety and health of those working on sets is a big concern for everyone. Saba Qamar’s post has opened eyes and we, urge producers and directors to re-evaluate their approach to health and safety hazards on their sets/locations to avoid mishaps or serious accidents in the future.
