Several Bollywood celebrities have found themselves in situations where they received Y-plus category security cover due to potential threats to their safety. This increased security typically includes six personal security officers (PSOs) working in three shifts 24×7 and five armed guards stationed at their residences. Here are some notable instances:
- Shah Rukh Khan: The renowned actor was recently granted Y-plus security due to credible threats against him. Mumbai Police received intelligence suggesting that Shah Rukh had received death threats from unidentified individuals following the successful release of his movies ‘Jawan’ and ‘Pathan.’
- Salman Khan: Salman Khan faced multiple death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, leading to his Y-plus security detail this year. The decision to provide additional security was made after an assessment of the threat perception for Salman Khan. The actor expressed feeling uneasy with so many armed guards around him.
- Kangana Ranaut: In 2020, actress Kangana Ranaut was granted Y-plus security by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, primarily in response to her public dispute with MP Sanjay Raut. Kangana justified her need for heightened security, citing her role not only as a Bollywood star but also as a vocal and concerned citizen who had been the target of political animosity in Maharashtra.
- Vivek Agnihotri: Director Vivek Agnihotri received Y-category security cover last year, mainly due to perceived threats following the release of his film ‘The Kashmir Files.’ He commented on the security provision, expressing the price one had to pay for shedding light on the genocide of Hindus in Kashmir and questioning freedom of expression in a Hindu-majority country.
These instances showcase the challenges and risks that some Bollywood celebrities face, necessitating increased security measures to ensure their safety in the face of potential threats.
