Is Tiger Paying Price for His Salman Bond

In an attack that has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, gunmen reportedly opened fire at Tiger’s car on Sunday evening, October 18, as he was leaving a football venue in Juhu, Mumbai. Soon after, a social media post and audio clip, allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility. The gang claimed Tiger was targeted for ignoring its warnings and continuing to work with Salman Khan, the superstar who has been on its hit-list for years.

The threat reportedly extended beyond Tiger, with the gang warning that anyone working with Salman would face the same fate.

The attack has raised fresh fears of a wider campaign to intimidate and extort Bollywood, evoking memories of the firing outside Salman’s Galaxy Apartments in 2024 and the murder of Baba Siddique.

‘Why was my son targeted?’

Speaking exclusively to this writer, a shaken Jackie Shroff said, “My son has absolutely no enmity with anyone. We don’t know why anyone would want to harm him. Tiger wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Meanwhile, an emotional Ayesha Shroff confirmed that Tiger was safe and under heavy protection at home. “Only God saved him,” she said, grateful that her son had escaped unharmed.

‘Today it’s tiger, who is next?’

Tiger is not the only celebrity whose security has come under scrutiny. Protection has reportedly been stepped up for several prominent names in Juhu, including Rohit Shetty, who has faced Bishnoi gang threats in the past.

The alleged Salman connection has become a source of concern. From Baba Siddique, who was murdered, to singers AP Dhillon and Gippy Grewal, comedian Kapil Sharma and singer Guru Randhawa, several personalities associated with Salman or perceived to be close to him have featured in reports of threats linked to the gang.

The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has strongly condemned the attack on Tiger. In a sharply worded statement, its president asked, “Today it’s Tiger Shroff. Who is next?” The association warned that Bollywood was living in fear and declared, “Mumbai will not be allowed to go back to the underworld days of the 1990s!”

AICWA also directed five demands at Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis: decisive action against gangsters, the arrest of the shooters and their alleged masterminds, comprehensive security for film stars and their families, accountability for any police lapses, and the restoration of law and order in Mumbai.

PAPARAZZI SPOTTERS OR GANGSTERS’ ROADMAP?

Mumbai Police have reportedly mounted a massive security operation following the attack. Tiger was taken home under heavy police protection after receiving treatment, while the Mumbai Police and Crime Branch launched multiple teams to track down the assailants. The city was put on alert, with nakabandis across Mumbai and the Juhu crime scene cordoned off for forensic examination. The attack has reignited a troubling question: how much do criminals know about celebrities’ movements? They know when a star leaves home, which ground he visits to play football, where he works out, where he stops for coffee and even his car number. And social media can make such information readily accessible. In the race for the next viral spotting, paparazzi updates can reveal celebrities’ routines in real time. In a city once again gripped by fears of organised crime, such seemingly harmless exclusives could become a ready-made roadmap for those with sinister intentions.

BOLLYWOOD REACTS WITH ANGER AND FEAR

Actor Karanveer Mehra, whose car was reportedly right behind Tiger’s, has also recounted the frightening experience. Karanveer, who plays football with Tiger every weekend, said he reached the spot to find blood everywhere. “There were kids celebrating a birthday party right there. Everyone just ran helter-skelter!”

Writer-director Manish Gupta points out, “Due to social media, everyone’s home and office addresses, are well-known.”

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has offered a chilling interpretation of the attack. “This is a never-before-seen phenomenon,” he says, suggesting that the motive appears to go beyond the usual violence associated with extortion, contract killings or settlements. “For the first time ever, they seem to be wanting to kill for vanity and pride!”

Hours after firing, Disha rushed to Tiger’s home. In a video circulating online, the visibly distressed actor is seen ignoring the paps. Disha and Tiger were rumoured to have dated for years. Her visit has prompted fresh speculation about the bond they continue to share.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has questioned whether criminal networks can operate from behind bars without assistance. “A man from prison cannot operate without help from authorities,” he says. Questioning whether the alleged claim of responsibility should invite tougher action against the gang leader already in prison, he asks, “Isn’t claiming the attack proof enough for a harsher punishment for the gang leader who is already in prison? They don’t even have to look for him.” He argues that authorities have power to prevent such attacks.

Filmmaker Hansal believes B’wood needs to address security crisis more seriously than simply hiring bouncers. “The industry can’t protect itself with more bouncers. That’s a private answer to a public problem,” he says, stressing that ensuring security is the state’s responsibility and must be done without fear or favour, regardless of who is targeted.

Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu took to X to condemn the attack, saying no one should have to fear for their safety while simply going about their life. Such incidents, he said, shake not just the victim but the entire family and film fraternity. “Being in the public eye should never mean living in fear. I hope there is some kind of respite.”

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reportedly visited Tiger following the attack. Assuring him of full support, Shinde issued a stern warning: “Kisi ki bhi dadagiri Mumbai mein nahi chalegi.”