The shocking murder of NCP leader and former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddiki has sent tremors throughout the nation, particularly within Bollywood circles. The circumstances surrounding Siddiki’s death have drawn attention not only due to his political stature but also because of his alleged connections with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Reports indicate that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang may have targeted Siddiki due to his proximity to Khan, linking this tragic event to a series of threats that Salman has faced in recent years.

The origins of these threats can be traced back to 2018 when Lawrence Bishnoi, while in police custody, explicitly threatened Salman Khan’s life, claiming he would be killed in Jodhpur over his involvement in a blackbuck poaching case. At the time, these threats were largely dismissed, but they resurfaced with alarming intensity. Fast forward to 2022, when Salman’s father, Salim Khan, received a chilling letter during his morning walk, stating that both he and Salman would meet a fate similar to that of the late singer Sidhu Moosewala.

The situation escalated in 2023 when Salman’s team received an email containing death threats, culminating in a terrifying incident where multiple gunshots were fired outside his residence. These developments highlighted the very real danger facing the actor and confirmed that the threats were far more serious than previously believed.

Salman Khan is not alone in facing such threats. His close friend, Shah Rukh Khan, has also been the target of intimidation throughout his illustrious career. In the 1990s, notorious gangster Abu Salem expressed a desire to kill Shah Rukh, angered by what he perceived as SRK’s rejection of individuals from Salem’s community after the success of “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.” Although the situation was eventually defused, it marked a concerning trend. Following the success of Shah Rukh’s films “Pathaan” and “Jawan” in the past year, he received further death threats, prompting an increase in his security to Y-plus status.

The threats against Bollywood figures are not limited to these two icons. Actress Kangana Ranaut has also found herself in peril. Recently, a viral video surfaced showing two men openly threatening her regarding her film “Emergency,” with one claiming that she would be harmed if the film was released. Similar threats have plagued the industry, with renowned producer Ashok Pandit receiving multiple threats requiring police protection for his film “Bharat.” The climate of fear is palpable, with producers like Sandeep Singh also reporting threats, including one through social media in 2013.

The situation has escalated to the point where even legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan have not been exempt from threats. In a notable incident, a police officer in Mumbai received intelligence about a potential bomb threat to Bachchan’s residence, prompting an immediate security response that thankfully turned out to be a hoax.

One of the most egregious acts of violence in the industry occurred in January 2001, when actor Rakesh Roshan was shot twice shortly after the release of his film “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai.” This high-profile case underscores the very real threats that Bollywood celebrities face, illustrating that the intersection of fame, politics, and crime can lead to dangerous and often deadly consequences.

As these incidents reveal, the dangers faced by Bollywood figures are not mere rumors but tangible threats that affect their lives and careers. The ongoing scrutiny surrounding the connections between politics and the film industry raises important questions about safety, freedom of expression, and the culture of intimidation that can permeate even the most glamorous spheres of public life. As developments continue to unfold, the industry and its stars remain on high alert, navigating a landscape fraught with peril.