Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee has expressed serious concern over the growing security threats faced by celebrities in the film industry following the recent shooting incident involving actor Tiger Shroff. Reflecting on the changing nature of crime targeting film personalities, Bajpayee said the situation is different from the underworld-related threats Bollywood experienced in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, he believes the current circumstances are equally concerning, particularly because even people who are not the intended targets can suddenly find themselves in danger.
In an interview with Hindustan Times published on November 10, 2026, Manoj Bajpayee spoke about the recent attack on Tiger Shroff and the heightened security arrangements being adopted by several Bollywood celebrities. He also reacted to visuals of veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan greeting fans outside his Mumbai residence from behind protective glass, describing the situation as concerning.
When asked whether Bollywood was witnessing a return of the atmosphere of fear that existed during the underworld’s influence over the film industry, Bajpayee explained that the situation had changed significantly. According to him, the film industry was once directly targeted, whereas criminal activities today appear to involve different methods and patterns. He observed that people operating from distant locations can arrange attacks through shooters, and sometimes the person who gets attacked may not even be the actual target.
His remarks have drawn attention to the wider security concerns surrounding Bollywood, particularly after the shooting incident involving Tiger Shroff in Mumbai.
Why Tiger Shroff’s Shooting Incident Has Raised Security Concerns
The shooting incident involving Tiger Shroff took place in Mumbai’s Juhu area in October 2026. Gunmen opened fire during an incident involving the actor’s vehicle as the security situation surrounding Bollywood personalities once again came under scrutiny. According to reports published at the time, Tiger escaped unhurt, while his driver and another driver were injured.
The incident attracted considerable attention because it came amid reports of threats against prominent film personalities, including actor Salman Khan and filmmaker Rohit Shetty. It also prompted fresh questions about the safety of actors, their families and the people who work closely with them.
During his interview, Bajpayee referred to information that had emerged from the Tiger Shroff shooting investigation. According to reports citing statements made by the accused, Salman Khan was allegedly the intended target, while reconnaissance had also been conducted around the residences of actors Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan.
Bajpayee pointed out that Tiger Shroff had apparently become a victim despite not being the intended target. His observation highlighted how unpredictable such incidents can be. When criminal activity involves multiple potential targets and attacks are allegedly organised from a distance, individuals can face unexpected risks even when they are not directly involved in the original dispute.
It is important to note that the claims about the intended target and the alleged reconnaissance are based on information attributed to the accused in media reports. The investigation and the verification of these claims remain matters for law enforcement agencies.
Police and Security Arrangements Under Greater Attention
The incident has also brought the role of law enforcement agencies and private security teams into focus. According to a Reuters report published on November 10, Mumbai Police had advised prominent Bollywood actors to avoid large gatherings, public places and crowded interactions with fans following the shooting incident. The advisory was reported as a precautionary measure amid renewed security concerns.
Reuters also reported that suspected shooters had been arrested within days of the incident, while other individuals allegedly connected to the conspiracy were subsequently detained, according to local media reports citing police. Investigators were examining whether the attack was linked to a criminal gang associated with previous attacks targeting Bollywood personalities.
Several celebrities have reportedly reviewed or strengthened their personal security arrangements. Amitabh Bachchan’s recent appearance behind protective glass while greeting fans outside his residence has become one of the most visible examples of the increased precautions being discussed in the industry.
Bollywood has faced threats, extortion demands and attacks linked to organised crime over several decades. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, several prominent actors and filmmakers faced intimidation and security concerns. The industry gradually adopted stronger personal security arrangements, with many leading celebrities employing private security personnel and, depending on their individual threat assessments, receiving police protection.
However, the current situation has renewed discussions about how security arrangements need to evolve as criminal methods and the nature of threats change.
Manoj Bajpayee Says Threats Affect Everyone in the Film Industry
Bajpayee has also spoken about the psychological impact of security threats on people working in Bollywood. In an earlier interaction with PTI on October 22, 2026, following the Tiger Shroff shooting incident, he described the film industry as a soft target and said he was relieved that Tiger was safe and recovering from the incident’s aftermath.
He acknowledged that a continuous atmosphere of threats can affect everyone in the industry. Speaking about the feeling of helplessness that such situations create, the actor indicated that people cannot simply ignore the risks when incidents involving celebrities and their associates continue to raise concerns.
At the same time, Bajpayee expressed confidence in the efforts being made by law enforcement agencies. In his November 10 interview, he said the state government was monitoring the situation and taking necessary precautions. He expressed hope that conditions would improve and that the film industry would become a safer environment for everyone.
His comments reflect a broader concern that celebrity security is no longer limited to protecting a particular actor at public appearances. It also involves assessing potential threats, protecting family members and employees, monitoring suspicious activity and coordinating with police agencies when credible risks emerge.
For Bollywood, the recent incidents have once again highlighted the importance of effective security planning. While Manoj Bajpayee does not believe that the present situation is an exact repeat of the underworld era, his comments make it clear that the changing nature of crime and the possibility of unintended victims remain serious concerns for the industry.
As investigations into the recent incidents continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of actors and everyone associated with the film fraternity. Bajpayee’s message is one of caution and hope: stronger preventive measures, effective policing and better coordination are essential to making the entertainment industry safer.
