The recent shooting incident involving actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai has once again raised concerns about the safety of Bollywood celebrities. The incident, which took place in the Juhu area on October 18, 2026, has brought renewed attention to a troubling history of shootings, extortion threats and attacks targeting prominent personalities in the Hindi film industry.
Over the decades, Bollywood has witnessed several incidents involving organised crime groups and threats against actors, filmmakers and music industry figures. From the killing of music mogul Gulshan Kumar in 1997 to the shooting outside Salman Khan’s residence in 2024, these cases have highlighted the security challenges faced by high-profile figures in the entertainment industry.
Tiger Shroff Shooting Raises Fresh Security Concerns
Actor Tiger Shroff reportedly escaped unharmed after gunmen opened fire at his vehicle in Mumbai’s Juhu area on Sunday, October 18. The incident triggered a police investigation and renewed concerns about the safety of celebrities, particularly amid threats reportedly linked to organised crime networks.
According to reports, three rounds were fired during the incident. Investigators subsequently examined CCTV footage and the suspects’ movements before the shooting. Three men were arrested in Kota, Rajasthan, in connection with the case, as police continued investigating the circumstances and possible motive behind the attack.
The incident also prompted Mumbai Police to strengthen security around other prominent personalities, including Salman Khan and filmmaker Rohit Shetty, while increasing patrolling near actor Aamir Khan’s residence.
Gulshan Kumar: The 1997 Murder That Shocked Bollywood
One of the most shocking crimes in the history of the Indian music industry was the murder of T-Series founder Gulshan Kumar in August 1997.
Kumar, who built T-Series into one of India’s leading music companies, was shot dead outside the Jiteshwar Mahadev Temple in Mumbai’s Andheri area. Reports stated that he was shot 16 times by his attackers.
His murder sent shockwaves through Bollywood and raised serious questions about the influence of organised crime in the entertainment industry. During the 1990s, criminal networks were widely reported to have attempted to influence film financing, music rights and distribution through threats and extortion.
Rakesh Roshan: Shooting in 2000
Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan survived an assassination attempt on January 21, 2000, shortly after the successful release of Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, which marked his son Hrithik Roshan’s debut as a lead actor.
Two gunmen opened fire on Roshan outside his office in Mumbai’s Santacruz area. He sustained bullet injuries to his arm and chest but survived the attack.
The incident was reportedly linked to extortion demands, although the circumstances surrounding the attack formed part of the subsequent investigation. It became another reminder of the dangers faced by prominent filmmakers during a period when organised crime had a reported presence in Bollywood’s business dealings.
Rajiv Rai: An Attack in 1997
Filmmaker Rajiv Rai, known for movies such as Gupt and Mohra, also faced a violent attack in 1997.
Reports stated that five assailants attacked Rai as he was leaving his office in Mumbai. His police-provided bodyguards intervened, helping him survive the incident. The attack was reportedly associated with the Abu Salem gang.
The incident reflected the security risks faced by filmmakers during the 1990s, when criminal groups were accused of using intimidation and violence to exert influence over the film industry.
Salman Khan: Repeated Threats and Gunfire
Salman Khan has faced repeated threats to his life, including threats reportedly associated with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and members of his network.
On April 14, 2024, two motorcycle-borne men opened fire outside Khan’s Galaxy Apartments residence in Mumbai’s Bandra area. The incident led to arrests and a criminal investigation, with the trial against several accused reported to be underway in October 2026.
The attack intensified concerns about celebrity security, particularly because it occurred outside the actor’s home. Security arrangements around Khan have since remained a significant concern, with police taking additional precautions following subsequent incidents involving other Bollywood personalities.
The latest shooting involving Tiger Shroff has once again drawn attention to the potential risks faced by actors who receive threats from organised criminal networks.
Rohit Shetty: Firing Outside the Filmmaker’s Home in 2026
Filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Mumbai’s Juhu area was targeted in a shooting incident in February 2026. According to reports, five rounds were fired outside the property.
The incident prompted an investigation, and authorities arrested several suspects in connection with the case. Reports linked the attack to a criminal network, with investigators examining allegations of extortion and intimidation.
Following the shooting involving Tiger Shroff in October 2026, police increased security measures around Shetty’s residence. The decision highlighted how a fresh incident involving one celebrity can lead authorities to reassess protection for other potentially vulnerable public figures.
Kapil Sharma: Repeated Attacks on His Canadian Café
Comedian and television host Kapil Sharma also came into the spotlight after his café in Canada’s British Columbia province was targeted in multiple shooting incidents.
Reports stated that Kap’s Café faced three separate shootings between July and October 2025. The incidents raised concerns about threats and violence extending beyond India, particularly when celebrities or their businesses become targets of alleged criminal intimidation.
The attacks also demonstrated that security concerns involving entertainment personalities can extend to their commercial ventures and establishments associated with them.
Organised Crime and Bollywood: A Long-Standing Concern
The relationship between organised crime and Bollywood has evolved over several decades. During the 1990s and early 2000s, criminal networks were frequently linked in media reports to extortion demands, film financing disputes and threats against industry figures.
While the circumstances differ from case to case, the attacks on Gulshan Kumar, Rajiv Rai and Rakesh Roshan illustrated the severity of the threats faced by some members of the entertainment industry during that period.
More recent incidents involving Salman Khan, Rohit Shetty and Tiger Shroff have brought the issue back into public discussion. Investigators continue to examine the connections, motives and individuals involved in these cases, and allegations against specific criminal groups must be distinguished from facts established through legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The shooting involving Tiger Shroff is the latest incident to raise questions about the safety of Bollywood celebrities. From Gulshan Kumar’s murder in 1997 to attacks on filmmakers and shootings outside actors’ residences, the industry’s history reflects recurring concerns about threats, extortion and organised crime.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying those responsible, establishing the motives behind the attacks and ensuring adequate protection for people in the entertainment industry. The incidents underline the importance of effective law enforcement and security measures to prevent further violence against public figures.
