Mumbai: Massive fire guts part of RK Studio

A massive fire gutted a part of the iconic RK Studio at Chembur on Saturday. here were no casualties. However, property to the tune of several lakhs was damaged in the fire.

The fire took place at the sets of kids’ dance reality show, Super Dancer Season 2, aired on Sony.  However, there was no crew as no shooting was scheduled on Saturday.

RK Studio premises that also houses RK Films, the production company of the Kapoor-khandaan located off the VN Purav Marg, is one of the most prominent addresses of Bollywood. The studio and the film company was founded in 1948 by late Raj Kapoor, the legendary showman. The first film under the banner and that was shot here was Aag, in which Raj Kapoor played the lead role besides directing and producing it.

“Sad. A major fire broke out at RK Studio. We have lost the iconic Stage 1. Thankfully, no casualties. All your concerns appreciated,” veteran actor Rishi Kapoor tweeted on behalf of the family.

Immediately after the fire was reported, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) immediately swung into action and moved in six fire tenders and four tankers.

The fire was reported around 1422 hrs and could be controlled only post 1700 hrs.

As the fire spread from all the sides, red flames and smoke billowed out. The smoke could be seen from several kilometers away. The fire also led to a traffic jam in the Chembur area and the vehicular traffic between Mumbai to Navi Mumbai was hampered.

The cause of the fire was not yet known, but short-circuit seems to have led to the inferno. “Electric wiring, electric installation, decoration equipment were damaged in the fire,” MFB officials said.

Meanwhile, Bollywood actor Anupam Kher tweeted: “Feeling terrible about the #RKStudio fire. Have unbelievable memories and life lessons about the legendary studio.”