Bollywood Underworld: Horror of the 90s

After the case related to Tiger Shroff, alleged videos and messages claiming responsibility for the attack are being discussed on social media. In these messages, the names of Anil Pandit and Harman Sandhu, who claimed to be associated with Lawrence Bishnoi gang, have also appeared. It is also being said in the alleged messages that people working with Salman Khan have been threatened.

Meanwhile, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan has released a video and raised questions on the security of Bollywood and the action of Mumbai Police. He compared the current events to the era of the 1990s, when the influence of the Mumbai underworld had become a major challenge for the film industry. He demanded the police to increase vigilance and stop such incidents. But the question is, how did the underworld’s influence on Bollywood increase in the 90s? Why did the name of Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company get associated with the film world and the attacks on Gulshan Kumar to Rakesh Roshan during that period?

How was the string shaken?

How did the fear of the underworld fall on Bollywood in the 90s?

In the 1990s, the discussion about the relationship between Mumbai underworld and Bollywood intensified. At that time, formal financial options for film production were not as developed as they are today. Filmmakers often had to raise money from private financiers. In this environment, some gangs of the crime world tried to increase their influence by investing money in the film business as well as through alleged extortion and threats. Names like Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company, Chhota Shakeel and Abu Salem came into discussion again and again during this period. In old reports related to the film industry, there are cases of extortion from producers, pressure on distribution rights of films and threats to artists. However, it would not be right to link every film, artist or financial deal with the underworld.

1. Threat over phone and demand for protection money

During that period, film producers and businessmen were allegedly threatened by phone calls from abroad. They were asked to pay a large amount of money or agree to a particular condition. They were warned of serious consequences if these demands were not met. This method of recovery was not limited to film stars only. Manufacturers, distributors and other businessmen were also targeted. In August 1997, India Today had published a detailed report on the increasing interference of the underworld in Bollywood and its efforts to extort money from film personalities.

2. Allegations of pressure from funding to casting of films

There was no discussion only about threats in the relations between the underworld and the film industry. In some cases, people associated with the crime world were also accused of investing money in films and influencing the decisions of the film business. Reports also surfaced of the crime world’s interest in foreign distribution rights of films and music rights. Acquiring the rights of big budget films was considered a path to financial gain. News of pressure being put on some producers and directors to accept desired conditions were also published during that period. However, to say that the underworld decided the casting of entire Bollywood or every film is not proved by the available facts. It is important to understand different incidents and allegations in their context.

Gulshan Kumar’s murder shook the entire Bollywood.

On August 12, 1997, T-Series founder and music businessman Gulshan Kumar was shot dead in Mumbai. This incident created deep concern about security in the film and music world. In the murder case, the names of Abu Salem and people associated with the underworld came into discussion. Judicial action was taken regarding Abdul Rauf Merchant’s role in the case and the Bombay High Court upheld his conviction in 2021. The murder of Gulshan Kumar is counted among the most talked about criminal incidents in the history of Bollywood. This incident raised the question whether the safety of film businessmen who refuse to bow down to financial pressure and threats can be ensured.

Rakesh Roshan was also fatally attacked

On January 21, 2000, film producer and director Rakesh Roshan was shot at outside his office. He survived the attack. This incident happened after the success of his film Kaho Na… Pyaar Hai. Later, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, while referring to this incident, claimed that people associated with the underworld were interested in making a film by taking Hrithik Roshan’s dates and after Rakesh Roshan’s refusal, he was attacked. This is the incident narrated by Verma; The reason for the attack should not be limited to this claim. Incidents like the murder of Gulshan Kumar and the attack on Rakesh Roshan had highlighted the danger facing the film industry at that time. Along with the safety of the stars and producers, there were also concerns that criminals might try to influence decisions in the film business.

Is that era returning again today?

• In recent years, some incidents related to Bollywood have again started discussion on the threat of underworld and organized crime. Firing outside Salman Khan’s house: In April 2024, there was firing outside the house of actor Salman Khan in Mumbai. In this case, police investigation took place and legal action was taken against the accused.
• Murder of Baba Siddiqui: In October 2024, Baba Siddiqui, former Maharashtra minister and considered close to Salman Khan, was shot dead in Mumbai.
• Firing at Rohit Shetty’s house: In 2026, an incident of firing came to light at the residence of director Rohit Shetty.
• Latest issue related to Tiger Shroff: After the news of firing in Juhu, the alleged video and messages taking responsibility are being discussed. The authenticity of these messages and the identity of the people behind the attack can be confirmed only after investigation.