In a concerning turn of events, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly received a death threat, sparking fears for his safety and raising concerns within his fanbase. This incident follows previous threats made to actor Salman Khan, intensifying the need for security within the Bollywood film industry.
On Thursday, Mumbai’s Bandra Police Station received a call warning of a threat to Shah Rukh Khan’s life. During their investigation, the police tracked the call back to Raipur, and it was discovered that the call was made from a number registered to a man named Faizan Khan. When contacted, Faizan claimed his phone had been stolen on November 2nd, adding a surprising twist to the investigation.
Faizan Khan later provided a statement to the media, asserting that he was being falsely implicated. He claimed he had previously filed a complaint against Shah Rukh Khan, which, in his opinion, had led to him being blamed in this situation.
Faizan stated that he filed a complaint alleging that Shah Rukh’s 1994 film *Anjaam* had portrayed content that could incite hatred between communities. In the film, Shah Rukh’s character is shown hunting a deer and instructing his staff to cook its meat—a scene Faizan argues could provoke religious tension between communities that hold the blackbuck deer in high regard.
This accusation by Faizan draws attention to a wider issue in Bollywood surrounding the portrayal of animals and religious symbols in films, which can sometimes lead to public backlash and legal complications. Faizan even went so far as to link Shah Rukh Khan to alleged terrorist connections, though no evidence has been provided to substantiate such claims.
This threat brings to mind the longstanding controversy surrounding Salman Khan, who was accused in 1998 of hunting blackbuck deer during the filming of *Hum Saath Saath Hain* in Rajasthan.
The blackbuck is considered sacred by the Bishnoi community, who have since been vocal about seeking justice in the case. Over the years, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has publicly expressed animosity toward Salman, citing the blackbuck hunting case as a primary reason for his resentment. Bishnoi’s involvement in the blackbuck controversy has led him to openly threaten Salman multiple times, with instances of alleged shooters even appearing outside the actor’s residence, Galaxy Apartments, and attempting to harm him.
In 2018, when Salman attended a court hearing in Jodhpur for the blackbuck case, Lawrence Bishnoi issued a threat to Salman’s life. Earlier this year, the situation escalated as gunshots were fired outside Salman’s home by two shooters, who were later apprehended by police. Lawrence Bishnoi took full responsibility for this event, marking one of the most severe escalations in his threats against Salman.
Beyond the world of Bollywood, Bishnoi has also claimed responsibility for other incidents, such as the recent attack on politician Baba Siddique. With Bishnoi’s history of targeting high-profile figures, fans and the public are questioning whether Shah Rukh Khan’s latest threat might also be linked to Bishnoi’s network, though no direct connection has been confirmed.
This recent threat has put law enforcement agencies on high alert, as they work to identify the actual source and motive behind the call. The Mumbai Police have reportedly heightened Shah Rukh Khan’s security to ensure his safety, recognizing the increased risks faced by prominent figures in India’s film industry. Shah Rukh, like many other celebrities, has received security protection before but now faces additional scrutiny following this incident.
The issue of threats against celebrities raises deeper questions about the safety of public figures in India, as well as the impact that fame and public opinion can have on their lives. While some dismiss the threats as attempts to gain media attention, others emphasize the serious security challenges these threats create. The intense public interest in Bollywood stars’ personal and professional lives often draws them into controversies that can take on dangerous forms.
For now, Shah Rukh Khan has not publicly commented on the threat. His fans, however, are voicing their concerns on social media, urging authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that the beloved actor is safe. They are also calling on the film industry to consider ways to protect its stars from escalating security risks in the wake of controversies that can sometimes spiral out of control.
As Bollywood continues to attract massive attention and its stars remain influential public figures, threats like this one remind us of the potential dangers that come with fame. Fans and well-wishers hope that Shah Rukh Khan and others facing similar threats remain safe, while security measures adapt to meet the complex challenges of public life.