The attack on Tiger Shroff outside Juhu’s Pushpa Narsee Park on Sunday evening has sent a chill through Mumbai’s film industry, and for many, it has brought back memories of the 1990s that nobody wanted to revisit.
Three bike-borne men fired seven rounds from a semi-automatic Zigana handgun at Shroff’s car, injuring his driver and a bystander.
The attackers were unmasked and, by all accounts, completely unbothered about being identified.
According to Hindustan Timesa leading actor who plays football at the same venue said, “They were also watching him. How else did they know that he routinely went to Pushpa Narsee Park to play football every Sunday?”
What has rattled people most is the audacity. Juhu at 7 PM during Navratri is packed. There was no attempt to hide. “The attack on Tiger has taken us back to the 90s,” said a well-known action star of that era, adding that he was now looking to expand his security detail.
Another industry figure admitted, “This attack has left me really frightened. I already have three guards. But are they enough?”
Tiger is not the only one who has been in the crosshairs. Salman Khan has lived under threat for years and drastically cut down public appearances.
Director Rohit Shetty had shots fired at his Juhu home in February this year. Ranveer Singh reportedly received extortion demands following Dhurandhar’s success.
Politician Baba Siddiqui, close to several Bollywood A-listers, was killed in October 2024. The Bishnoi gang has previously threatened Munawar Faruqui and, earlier this year, warned Aamir Khan following his marriage to Gauri Spratt.
A senior producer summed up the mood grimly. “We thought the worst was behind us but it seems to be changing already. Our high profile makes us soft targets, and we have little assurance from the administration or the police.”