On November 5, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan received a chilling death threat along with a demand for Rs 50 lakh, delivered via a call to the Bandra Police Station. The incident has sparked a wave of concern and drawn attention to the security of one of India’s most beloved actors. The police investigation quickly traced the phone number used in the call to advocate Faizan Khan, a lawyer based in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, who has previously filed complaints against Shah Rukh Khan. Faizan Khan, however, insisted that he was not involved, claiming that his phone had been stolen on November 2 and had already reported the theft to local authorities. He expressed his belief that the death threat call could have been made by someone intending to frame him, particularly given his ongoing legal issues with Shah Rukh Khan.
Faizan Khan’s past legal action against Shah Rukh Khan revolves around a scene in the 1994 film *Anjaam*, where the actor’s character makes a remark about a dead deer in his car. Khan alleges that this scene disrespects the Bishnoi community, which reveres deer and has strict principles prohibiting the killing of animals. According to Khan, such a statement made by a Muslim character could foster communal discord, as the Bishnoi community would be deeply offended. He filed a formal complaint seeking a ban on *Anjaam* and requested that an FIR be registered against Shah Rukh Khan, holding the actor accountable for promoting enmity between groups. This controversy over a nearly three-decade-old film illustrates how sensitive and long-standing issues can resurface, particularly when they touch on inter-community sentiments or perceived religious implications.
When police reached out to Faizan Khan regarding the threatening call, he maintained his innocence, explaining that he had been in court when the call was made, thus providing an alibi. He elaborated on his cooperation with the police, sharing that his stolen phone’s SIM card was used to make the call, while his WhatsApp account had been accessed on a different device. “I am an advocate,” he told *India Today*, “and my phone was lost. I had already filed a complaint. Who made the call, I don’t know.” He emphasized that he had informed police to track the stolen phone’s activity to determine the true identity of the caller and reiterated his willingness to help clear his name, as he believes he is the target of a deliberate attempt to frame him.
The timing of this incident adds another layer to the story, as it comes shortly after similar threats were made against Salman Khan by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which had previously raised objections to Salman’s alleged involvement in a black buck poaching case. The blackbuck holds a special place in the Bishnoi community, whose values are rooted in wildlife conservation, especially for deer species. This longstanding controversy has not only impacted Salman Khan’s public image but has also led to an ongoing legal battle and threats from groups allied with the Bishnoi. The death threat against Shah Rukh Khan, though stemming from a different issue, echoes the broader tensions that can arise when Bollywood stars find themselves entangled in complex cultural, legal, and religious issues that resonate beyond the screen.
As the investigation progresses, Mumbai police have noted the need to examine all angles, including the possibility of Faizan Khan’s allegations that he is being set up. They are working to track the location of his stolen phone to verify his claims and potentially identify the actual caller. Given the high profile of the case, law enforcement is likely to pursue this lead rigorously, aiming to secure evidence that could either support or disprove Faizan Khan’s assertions. The police’s response underscores the seriousness with which they are treating any threats to high-profile figures in the entertainment industry, recognizing the broader implications for public safety and the need for heightened security measures.
This incident adds to a series of recent threats against Bollywood actors, highlighting the challenging and sometimes volatile intersection of film, religion, and community sentiments in India. In a climate where movies are seen as powerful cultural tools, they often ignite strong reactions and become focal points of communal sensitivities. Shah Rukh Khan, one of India’s most influential and iconic actors, has frequently used his platform to address issues of unity and tolerance. The current situation not only underscores the risks that come with being a high-profile figure in India but also reflects the complex realities facing public figures whose work reaches and resonates across diverse communities with varied values.
As the controversy unfolds, it brings to light the pressures on Bollywood stars who, due to their wide-reaching influence, often become symbolic figures in political and cultural debates. While Shah Rukh Khan and other prominent actors continue to capture the public’s imagination, these incidents reveal the challenges they face beyond the limelight and on-screen success. The outcome of the police investigation will likely be closely watched by the public, both in India and internationally, as it may reveal deeper insights into the ongoing tensions surrounding Bollywood, communal values, and public discourse in India. In a country where entertainment often intersects with matters of identity, tradition, and public sentiment, this case is a stark reminder of the fine line that celebrities must navigate between fame and controversy.
