Since the 1960s, the Mumbai underworld has had a complicated relationship with the film industry. (Photo: X)
Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have been receiving death and extortion threats, raising fears that the Bollywood industry is once again under the influence of the underworld.
Gang violence and extortion are not new to Bollywood, but security measures have been stepped up following threats to major stars in recent days, reports the Times of India.
The glamor and success of the Bollywood world has long hidden the dark side of the industry (death threats, extortion and organized crime).
However, the threats received by the megastar have now provided an opportunity to examine this side of the Bollywood industry more closely.
In recent years, several Bollywood megastars have faced situations that seem to blur the line between fact and fiction. Since lives and immense wealth are at stake, it has forced the authorities to take these threats very seriously.
Soft target
Gang attacks and underworld involvement are not new in Bollywood and these cases are linked to organized crime networks.
In the past, these networks have influenced filmmakers, producers and actors in the industry.
Because celebrities have a great influence on society due to their temperament and the nature of their work, they become easy targets.
Since the 1960s, the Mumbai underworld has had a complicated relationship with the film industry.
In recent times, showbiz stars have been targeted by gangsters and pranksters, and there has been concern over this new trend.
Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, Kangana Ranaut and others have received death and extortion threats.
On November 5, the Bandra police station received a call threatening to kill Shah Rukh Khan and demanding a ransom of Rs 50 lakh.
After the initial investigation, the police arrested a lawyer, Faizan Khan, after which the police obtained his physical remand from the court till November 15.
In a message sent on the WhatsApp group of the Mumbai Traffic Police, Salman Khan was asked for Rs 5 crore as extortion and alleged threats to his life.
This message was the fifth threat Salman received. In the police investigation, it came to light that a musician wanted to get a song written by him to be popularized by Salman Khan and for that he used this false threat.
These threats have not only been received by superstars but Vikrant Massey and other artists have also received them.
