Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Shah Rukh Khan Refused to Bow to Underworld Threats
Shah Rukh Khan became a famous actor when criminals sometimes tried to control Bollywood films.
They reportedly threatened him and wanted him to work on certain movies or shows.
Khan refused to let them choose his work.
He is reported to have said that he was a Pathaan and that they could shoot him if they wanted.
Even though he acted bravely, he also had police protection and heavy security for three years.
Khan later said he had been very scared when the threats happened.
Journalist Anupama Chopra wrote that gangster Abu Salem once called and pressured him about a film.
Khan also supported filmmaker Karan Johar when Johar received threats.
These stories illustrate the intimidation and alleged criminal influence Bollywood faced in the 1990s.
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta recalled that Shah Rukh Khan rejected underworld demands to appear in specific films or shows.
Khan reportedly told those threatening him, “I am a Pathaan, just shoot me,” while refusing to cooperate.
Khan later said he received threats on many occasions during the 1990s and had heavy security for three years.
Accounts by Anupama Chopra describe threats involving Abu Salem, including a call related to the film Duplicate in 1997.
Karan Johar also recalled Khan supporting him when Johar faced threats before Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was released.
- Who
- Shah Rukh Khan, filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, journalist Anupama Chopra, gangster Abu Salem and filmmaker Karan Johar are central to the accounts.
- What
- Khan reportedly refused underworld demands about films and shows despite receiving threats, and supported Johar during a similar episode.
- When
- The incidents mainly took place during the 1990s, with Khan’s safety concerns reportedly beginning in 1997; Gupta discussed them in a recent podcast interview.
- Where
- The incidents were connected to Bollywood and Mumbai’s underworld.
- Why
- According to the accounts, criminal figures sought influence over film projects and pressured actors and filmmakers to cooperate.
- Reported response
- Khan refused to work on films or shows demanded by underworld figures.
- Reported quote
- “I am a Pathaan, just shoot me,” according to Sanjay Gupta’s recollection.
- Threat period
- Khan said he received threats on many occasions during the 1990s.
- Security
- He reportedly had heavy security and police protection for three years.
- 1997 incident
- Safety concerns reportedly arose while Khan was working on Mahesh Bhatt’s Duplicate.
- Named gangster
- Anupama Chopra’s account describes a direct call from Abu Salem regarding a film.
- Industry context
- The articles describe alleged underworld financing, interference and intimidation in Bollywood, particularly during the late 1980s and 1990s.
