The connection between Mumbai’s underworld and Bollywood is as old as the film industry itself. Issues like politics, money laundering, illegal financial dealings, and threats of violence have kept the underworld close to the film world for decades. This dark side of Bollywood came into the spotlight in August 1997, when the murder of Indian music icon Gulshan Kumar shocked the nation.

Since then, the Mumbai underworld has continued to threaten and attack Bollywood stars, both directly and indirectly. Recently, the murder of an NCP leader, who was killed on a Saturday night, has raised speculations about underworld connections. Rumours suggest that NCP leader Baba Siddique’s death may have been linked to his relationship with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.

Celebrities who have faced underworld threats

Several Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Preity Zinta, have faced threats from the underworld.

Salman Khan and 1998 Black Buck Case

Salman Khan has been a target of underworld attacks for many years. The 1998 Black Buck case still haunts him. Just a few months ago, the gang of underworld leader Lawrence Bishnoi reportedly fired at Salman’s house. The tension between Salman and the underworld has been ongoing, with threats continuing to loom over him.

Preity Zinta’s courageous stand

In 2001, the superhit film 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke' was released, starring Salman Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji. The movie, directed by Abbas-Mustan, was openly known that it was allegedly financed by the underworld. When the case came to court, Preity Zinta was the only actor who openly spoke the truth.

As a result, Preity began receiving threatening phone calls from the underworld. She later shared how she was afraid to answer calls after seeing the country code +92, fearing more threats.

“I don’t know what others said in court, but those who were supposed to protect me didn’t. Everything I said in court was on TV within 10 minutes,” Preity recalled.

Shah Rukh Khan’s ordeal with the underworld

Even Bollywood's "King Khan," Shah Rukh Khan, has shared his experiences with the underworld. He revealed that he was sometimes forced to comply with underworld demands to make films.

“If you don’t obey, they will shoot you. Wouldn’t it be better to act in the film they want? I spent three years under heavy security. Abu Salem would call and say he was watching me. It felt like living under a telescope,” Shah Rukh explained.

In Anupama Chopra’s book, 'King of Bollywood: Shah Rukh Khan and the Seductive World of Indian Cinema', Shah Rukh discusses the threats he faced from the underworld.

Karan Johar and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'

Renowned director Karan Johar also faced underworld threats during the release of his blockbuster film 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' in 1998. Underworld leader Abu Salem had demanded that the film’s release be postponed from that 'particular' Friday. Karan revealed in his autobiography, 'An Unsuitable Boy', how this incident caused his mother to collapse from fear after hearing the threats.

On the day of the movie's release, Karan Johar was forced to hide in a hotel room due to fear of retaliation from the underworld.

Rakesh Roshan's near-death experience

Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, after the success of 'Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai', which starred his son, Hrithik Roshan, was shot by underworld members. A bullet pierced Rakesh’s body, but the incident turned out to be a blessing in disguise. During surgery to remove the bullet, doctors discovered that Rakesh had severely blocked arteries, which would have otherwise gone unnoticed and could have been life-threatening.

Hrithik Roshan later shared that if his father hadn’t been shot, they would not have known about the heart issue, and it could have cost Rakesh his life in the future.