Shah Rukh Khan, one of Bollywood’s most adored actors, turned 59 on Tuesday (2). Known for his dedicated fan following, every year on his birthday, thousands of admirers gather outside his Mumbai residence, Mannat, hoping to catch a glimpse of the actor as he traditionally greets fans from his balcony. This year, however, he was notably absent, leaving many initially disappointed—until the news emerged that he had received a death threat.
The Bandra Police in Mumbai received a call demanding $60,000 and threatening Shah Rukh’s life. Following this, fans have rallied in support of the actor, understanding that his decision to skip the annual birthday wave was a security measure. Messages of love and solidarity have since flooded social media, where fans have been urging others to prioritize his safety.
One supporter wrote, “Fans that truly care about @iamsrk must understand that he could not come due to threats against him. He would be a sitting duck on that balcony if he came out,” echoing the sentiment of many who were initially upset but quickly came to terms with the situation. Another fan expressed, “You will never know more than him. So some fans need to chill. He will always try his best for fans.”
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The social media response was overwhelmingly understanding, with supporters encouraging each other to respect his decision. One fan emphasized the wisdom of the decision, posting, “Now it’s striking to SRKians that it was probably the best decision from SRK that he didn’t come out on his balcony on his birthday.”
Many of his admirers expressed concern for his well-being, adding messages such as “Stay safe King Khan” and “Nothing is more important to us than his safety.”
This incident is part of a worrying trend of threats aimed at high-profile figures in Bollywood. Just days before Shah Rukh received the threatening call, Salman Khan, another Bollywood superstar, was reportedly threatened by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which allegedly demanded either a formal apology or a payment of ₹5 crore.
Both threats have raised concerns about the security of Bollywood celebrities, prompting the Mumbai police to take swift action. The police have registered a case against an unknown individual regarding the threat to Shah Rukh and have teamed up with the Cyber Police to investigate further.
Reflecting a broader frustration with the current state of safety in India, one social media user commented, “Law and order is a literal joke in India, criminals are given political protection and they continue to do these types of acts.”
Such responses underline a common sentiment among the public regarding celebrity safety and the measures that law enforcement might need to prioritize.
Shah Rukh Khan’s fans, widely referred to as “SRKians,” have developed a strong connection with the actor over the years. Many have experienced his balcony appearances as part of a tradition that has come to symbolize his bond with them.
Yet, as his supporters made clear, even this ritual must take a backseat in situations of safety. “Stay safe and take care,” read one such comment, underscoring the overriding importance fans place on his well-being above all else.
Despite the tense atmosphere following the incident, the show of love and support from his fans has been a testament to his impact on his audience.
While Shah Rukh may have missed this year’s in-person interaction with his fans, their solidarity stands as a powerful message, emphasizing that they respect his safety and his decisions.
