Mumbai: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan greeted fans gathered outside his Juhu residence, Jalsa, on Sunday, November 1, from behind a protective bulletproof glass screen. The unusual security arrangement came amid heightened concerns following a recent shooting incident involving actor Tiger Shroff and an email threatening an attack on Bachchan’s home.
The veteran actor has maintained a decades-long tradition of stepping outside Jalsa on Sunday evenings to wave at fans who gather near the bungalow’s entrance. However, his latest appearance featured an additional layer of protection, with bulletproof glass placed around three sides of the wheeled pedestal he usually uses during the weekly greeting.
The arrangement was noticeable during the November 1 appearance, as fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the actor. It was not immediately clear whether the protective screen had been installed as part of a security measure directed by the authorities or was a personal decision taken by Bachchan.
The development has drawn attention because of two recent security-related incidents in Mumbai, including a threat email that reportedly mentioned Bachchan’s residence and the shooting outside Tiger Shroff’s Juhu home.
Bulletproof glass surrounds Bachchan during Sunday appearance
Bachchan’s Sunday meetings with fans outside Jalsa are among the most recognisable traditions associated with the actor. For several decades, he has stepped out of his residence to acknowledge admirers who assemble outside the bungalow, often waving to them and exchanging greetings.
The actor usually stands on a wheeled pedestal during these appearances, allowing people gathered outside to see him more clearly. He has also frequently worn loose-fitting jackets, prompting speculation among fans about whether he uses additional protective clothing. However, such speculation about his attire has not been officially confirmed.
During the November 1 appearance, the arrangement was different. A protective glass screen was visible on three sides of the pedestal, creating a barrier between the actor and the crowd.
The timing of the change has attracted attention, particularly because Bachchan’s residence was reportedly mentioned in a threatening email received by a Mumbai civic official in October.
However, there has been no official confirmation that the new protective arrangement was directly linked to that threat or that it was mandated by the police.
Threat email mentioned Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa bungalow
On October 23, security agencies and the Mumbai Police were placed on high alert after an email containing threats was sent to Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.
According to an official, the email threatened bomb blasts at the mayor’s office, Bachchan’s residence and the venue of singer Diljit Dosanjh’s concert.
The communication was also marked to Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi. Police said the email specifically mentioned Jalsa and threatened an attack between October 31 and November 27.
It also reportedly warned of a grenade attack on a school on October 31 and threatened an incident during Dosanjh’s November 27 concert at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse area.
Following the communication, security and surveillance were stepped up at the locations mentioned in the email. An investigation was also launched to trace the origin of the message and identify the person responsible for sending it.
The threats prompted authorities to take precautionary measures at the locations named in the communication. However, the investigation into the email and the identity of its sender remained important aspects of the security response.
Tiger Shroff shooting incident raised security concerns
The latest security development comes less than two weeks after actor Tiger Shroff was targeted in a shooting incident in Juhu.
The incident took place on the evening of October 18 when Shroff was returning from a football game. Two men allegedly fired multiple rounds at his BMW as the vehicle passed fans waiting near the gate of the compound.
According to the reported details of the incident, one of the attackers pointed a gun directly at the actor, but the weapon jammed. Shroff escaped without injuries.
His driver and a bystander were injured during the shooting.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack. The gang reportedly cited Shroff’s proximity to actor Salman Khan, who has faced threats from the group in connection with the blackbuck poaching case.
The incident triggered a major investigation, with police examining the suspected shooters, their movements and the possible motive behind the attack.
Investigators examine alleged surveillance of Bollywood stars
According to sources cited in reports about the investigation, the accused allegedly conducted reconnaissance around the residences of several prominent Bollywood actors before the shooting.
The names reportedly included Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan.
The accused allegedly visited these locations under the pretext of sightseeing to avoid attracting suspicion. Investigators were examining the possibility that the visits were part of a wider plan, although the reported surveillance was not necessarily evidence that every actor named was an intended target.
Sources suggested that the suspected motive was to create fear within the film industry.
The investigation also focused on the alleged links between the shooters and other individuals suspected of assisting them.
Multiple arrests made in the shooting investigation
Police arrested several people in connection with the shooting outside Shroff’s residence.
The reported details identified the suspected shooters as Hrithik alias Roshan, 22, from Bihar, and Rehan, 18, and Phool Singh, 18, from Haryana. They were arrested in Kota, Rajasthan.
Two other accused, identified as Radha and Babita, were arrested at New Delhi Railway Station. Kunal, 21, and Sumit, 19, were arrested in Sonipat, Haryana.
According to the information available at the time of the report, a total of 12 arrests had been made in connection with the case.
Investigators were continuing to examine the alleged roles of those arrested, the planning behind the attack and the possible connections between the accused.
The arrests marked significant progress in the investigation, although the allegations against the accused remain subject to the legal process.
Security around celebrity residences under scrutiny
Bachchan’s appearance behind protective glass has once again brought attention to security arrangements around prominent film personalities in Mumbai.
The shooting outside Shroff’s residence and the threat email mentioning Jalsa have raised concerns about the safety of celebrities and the protection of their homes and public appearances.
Bachchan’s Sunday fan meetings attract crowds, making security arrangements particularly important during the weekly gatherings. The addition of a protective screen represents a visible change to a tradition that has continued for decades.
Whether the arrangement will remain in place during future appearances, or whether it was introduced specifically in response to recent threats, has not been officially clarified.
For now, the actor’s latest appearance has highlighted the security concerns surrounding Bollywood personalities, even as police continue investigating the shooting incident and the threatening email.