3 November 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : For decades, Bollywood superstars have maintained a special connection with their fans by greeting them outside their homes. Amitabh Bachchan’s traditional Sunday appearance at Jalsa and Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday and festival greetings from Mannat have become much-loved rituals for admirers. However, growing security concerns are changing the way these interactions take place.
Amitabh Bachchan recently greeted fans from behind a transparent bulletproof glass enclosure outside his Mumbai residence, Jalsa. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan has also been seen greeting fans from a greater distance at Mannat, rather than from his familiar balcony position. These developments have raised questions about whether the traditional face-to-face connection between Bollywood stars and their admirers is gradually giving way to more controlled security arrangements.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Sunday Tradition Gets a Security Shield
On November 1, Amitabh Bachchan stepped out to greet the fans gathered outside Jalsa in Mumbai. This time, however, the 83-year-old actor stood behind a protective bulletproof glass enclosure while waving to the crowd.
His son, Abhishek Bachchan, was also present and appeared to keep a close watch on the security arrangements. The protective structure surrounded the platform from which Amitabh traditionally greets his admirers.
The Sunday fan-meeting ritual has continued for decades, attracting hundreds of people who gather outside Jalsa for a glimpse of the veteran actor. The latest arrangement allowed Bachchan to continue the tradition while maintaining an additional physical barrier between himself and the crowd.
Security Concerns After Threat Email and Tiger Shroff Shooting
The additional protection comes amid a series of security concerns involving Bollywood personalities in Mumbai.
On October 23, Mumbai Police received information about a threatening email sent to the office of Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. According to officials, the email reportedly mentioned Amitabh Bachchan’s residence, the mayor’s office and the venue of singer Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming concert.
The message allegedly threatened an attack on Jalsa between October 31 and November 27. Police increased security and surveillance at the locations mentioned in the email and began investigating its origin.
The development followed a shooting incident involving actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai’s Juhu area on October 18. Two men allegedly opened fire at his BMW while he was returning from a football game. Shroff escaped without injuries, although his driver and a bystander were injured.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. Police subsequently arrested several suspects in connection with the incident.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Fan Greetings at Mannat Also Change
Shah Rukh Khan’s relationship with fans outside Mannat in Mumbai’s Bandra is another example of Bollywood’s long-standing celebrity-fan tradition.
On special occasions, particularly his birthday, thousands of admirers gather outside the residence hoping to see the actor wave from its balcony. However, recent appearances have reflected a change in the way these interactions happen.
Hindustan Times reported that Shah Rukh was seen greeting fans from a position farther away at Mannat, rather than from his usual spot. The change has drawn attention amid wider concerns about celebrity security.
There was also a notable change during his 61st birthday celebrations on November 2. According to reports, Shah Rukh did not make his customary balcony appearance because he was temporarily staying away from Mannat. Instead, he thanked fans through a handwritten note.
It is important to distinguish the two developments: his distant greeting and his absence from the traditional birthday balcony appearance. The available reports do not establish that every change in his appearances was directly caused by a specific security threat.
Salman Khan Had Already Introduced Bulletproof Protection
Salman Khan has also strengthened security around his residence following an earlier attack.
In April 2024, gunmen opened fire outside his Galaxy Apartments home in Bandra. The incident prompted additional security measures, including the installation of bulletproof glass on his balcony.
The actor has also used a bulletproof vehicle amid threats to his safety. His security arrangements illustrate how concerns about targeted attacks have affected the public appearances of some of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
Reports have also indicated that Akshay Kumar was considering additional protective measures at his Juhu residence following the recent security incidents.
Security Experts Explain the Changing Arrangements
Celebrity security professionals have described protective measures as necessary when high-profile personalities interact with large crowds.
Security consultant Yusuf Ibrahim told Hindustan Times that prevention is preferable to dealing with an incident after it happens. He also expressed the view that some of the additional arrangements could be temporary.
Actor Ronit Roy, who operates a private security agency, said protective measures were basic precautions for a legendary star such as Amitabh Bachchan.
Advertising professional Prahlad Kakkar, meanwhile, described the situation as unfortunate. He argued that security concerns were restricting one of the most important interactions between celebrities and their supporters.
Are Traditional Bollywood Fan Meetings Changing?
The Sunday gatherings outside Jalsa and the crowds outside Mannat have long represented the emotional connection between Bollywood stars and their audiences. Fans travel from different parts of the country to catch a glimpse of their favourite actors, often waiting for hours.
But recent incidents have highlighted the risks involved in such public appearances. Large crowds, threats and the possibility of targeted attacks make security planning increasingly important.
The use of protective glass, controlled viewing positions and additional security personnel may allow celebrities to continue acknowledging their fans while reducing direct exposure.
For admirers, however, these arrangements also change the experience. The familiar wave from a balcony or a close-up appearance outside a home is increasingly being replaced by more distant and carefully managed interactions.
Whether these measures become a permanent feature of celebrity appearances remains uncertain. For now, the developments involving Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan show how security concerns are reshaping the relationship between Bollywood stars and the crowds that gather to see them.