Police in India have arrested Mohammad Faizan Khan, a lawyer, on charges of extortion and issuing death threats to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Khan, aged 59, is accused of demanding five million rupees (approximately $59,250) and threatening to kill the actor if his demands were not met.
The Extortion Plot and Investigation
The police’s investigation began last month after Mumbai Police received a threatening phone call from a man claiming to be “Hindustani”. The caller threatened to kill Khan unless the extortion money was paid. The call was traced back to Faizan Khan’s phone, although he had initially filed a complaint claiming his phone had been stolen and used by someone else.
Upon further investigation, it was found that Faizan Khan was linked to the threatening call, and he failed to comply with police summons for questioning. As a result, police arrested him on Tuesday at his home in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. He is now facing charges in Mumbai and is being taken to the city under transit remand.
Background of Threats Against Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan has faced multiple threats in recent years. The most recent wave of threats began in October 2024 after the release of his blockbuster film “Pathaan”, which sparked controversy due to a song sequence featuring an actress in a saffron-colored monokini—a color associated with right-wing Hindu groups. The film’s portrayal of corruption in his subsequent hit “Jawan” also triggered outrage among some sectors, leading to death threats against the actor.
As a result, Khan was provided with high security following the threats, and these incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Bollywood stars.
Rising Threats to Bollywood Celebrities
This arrest is part of a troubling trend of extortion and threats targeting major Bollywood figures, including Salman Khan. Khan, 58, has been living under round-the-clock police protection since receiving death threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. These threats stemmed from a long-standing dispute over a blackbuck hunting case in which Salman Khan was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison (though he remains out on bail).
In October 2024, the situation took a violent turn with the assassination of Baba Siddique, a senior politician and close friend of both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Police suspect the murder was orchestrated by the Bishnoi gang, which is also believed to be behind the threats against Salman Khan. Authorities have arrested five individuals in connection to the murder.
Concerns Over Celebrity Safety in India
The growing number of death threats against Bollywood stars highlights a broader issue of celebrity safety in India, especially for those involved in controversial public issues. Both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have faced extreme levels of public scrutiny and personal threats in recent years, prompting heightened security measures.
As investigations into the extortion and threat cases continue, there is growing concern over the escalating risks faced by India’s most famous film personalities.
