From Mannat’s missing midnight wave to Jalsa’s bulletproof shield, security is changing how Bollywood’s biggest stars engage with the public
For decades, Mannat and Jalsa have been pilgrimage points for fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols. Today, the familiar wave from a balcony is becoming a security challenge.
On November 1, Amitabh Bachchan greeted fans outside Jalsa from behind a 12-foot protective glass enclosure, with son Abhishek watching the security arrangements. The unusual shield followed a reported bomb threat naming Bachchan’s residence and a recent shooting incident involving actor Tiger Shroff.
Shah Rukh Khan skipped his traditional birthday appearance outside Mannat in 2026 for security reasons, keeping fans waiting for a glimpse of their favourite star.
Salman Khan’s security has been stepped up since gunmen opened fire outside his Galaxy Apartments residence in April 2024. Bulletproof glass was subsequently installed on his balcony, allowing him to greet fans with an added layer of protection.
Now, Akshay Kumar is also reportedly installing a bulletproof glass shield outside his Juhu residence following the recent security scare involving Tiger Shroff.
The shift is more than a change in crowd management. Bollywood’s stars have built their public identities on access, familiarity and the promise of a personal connection. Yet the larger their fame, the more tightly those encounters must be controlled.
Highlight: The crowds may still come. The rituals may continue. But the spontaneous exchange between star and admirer is increasingly giving way to carefully managed appearances, a reminder that in today's celebrity economy, visibility comes at a security cost.
