Efforts on to trace the bodies of Uday and Anil, who jumped into a reservoir from a helicopter without life jackets.

Efforts are still on to trace the bodies of Kannada actors Uday and Anil who drowned in the waters of Thippagondahalli reservoir on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Monday during the filming of the climax of a movie.

Duniya Viji, lead actor of Maasti Gudi, too made the jump from a helicopter but he escaped as he was wearing a life jacket.

According to the police, the crew did not have permission to shoot inside the reservoir.

The Taverekere police, along with fire and emergency service personnel, were making efforts to trace the bodies.

Ironically, Uday, who was also acting as villain in the movie, spoke to the media minutes before the incident. He had said he was flying in the helicopter for the first time. The duo were not wearing any life jacket nor there was any security measure.

While the production unit had taken permission for shooting at the reservoir, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) said the unit had violated the approval by going into the waters.

"They had asked for permission to shoot on the banks of the reservoir and the gardens. Our officials also had been posted to oversee. After an hour, they said they were done with their shooting and the officials returned to their chambers. During this time, the unit has illegally performed a stunt over the reservoir waters," said a BWSSB official.

A BWSSB official at T.G. Halli said they rushed back to the filming site on being informed of the incident. "There was no safety at all. The engine of the boat they had brought there, did not even switch on," he said.