Ananya Panday calls Tiger Shroff attack a scary safety concern

Industry-wide safety concerns for actors and fans

The attack on Shroff shook the entire Bollywood industry, and members of the film community stood together in support of him. Panday noted that meeting fans is the most rewarding part of her work.

She said she hopes the connection between actors and audiences remains safe and does not disappear. Panday emphasized that safety is important for everyone, not just actors.

The incident raised concerns about the safety of public figures and prompted calls for increased security measures across the entertainment industry.

Details of the October 18 shooting incident

Tiger Shroff survived an attack on October 18 when gunmen fired at his car in Mumbai. The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. as he left a football club.

Attackers opened fire at the vehicle from close range. Last month, Shroff escaped multiple gunshots aimed at his car.

Shroff suffered no injuries in the shooting. His driver and a bystander sustained injuries during the attack.

Investigation into Lawrence Bishnoi network links

Police have arrested 13 suspects in the Tiger Shroff case on suspicion of attempting to extort the actor. Authorities are currently searching for Anil Pandit, who they identify as a member of Lawrence Bishnoi's criminal organization.

The US justice system accuses Bishnoi of managing an international criminal network from an Indian prison. Investigative journalist S. Hussain Zaidi suggested the shooting was the work of a local group attempting to create fear by invoking the Bishnoi name.

Increased security measures across the film industry

Actor and security company owner Ronit Roy said demand for protection for actors and their families has increased significantly. Stars no longer leave their homes without bodyguards.

Amitabh Bachchan now greets fans from behind bulletproof glass at his Mumbai residence. Shah Rukh Khan celebrated his birthday earlier this month in a home that had been turned into a fortified camp.

Historical context and expert analysis on threats

Journalist S. Hussain Zaidi said desperados shoot into the air to scare the film industry, adding that people are starting to believe the dark years of the film mafia have returned.

Director Rajiv Rai said he was a victim of the 1990s extortion era, noting that while those threats were ransom demands, current threats target friends of Salman. Salman Khan's home was targeted by gunfire two years ago, an act authorities attributed to the Bishnoi gang due to his 1998 hunting of Indian antelopes.

Journalist Ahmed Ali suggested that current threats may be hoaxes intended to exploit the reputation of the Bishnoi gang. Actor Boney Kapoor, who was a victim of extortion in the 1990s, said he does not anticipate a return of that criminal era. Kapoor advised that shootings must be taken seriously.

Panday discusses Gen Z, career, and industry evolution

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali hosted the session with Ananya Panday, which Sonal Kalra moderated. The discussion centered on the summit theme, New Rules, New Realities.

Panday defended Generation Z against common stereotypes. She said the generation is often judged unfairly and labeled "badnaam for no reason". She added that this generation remains willing to work hard.

She said she enjoys crying on screen despite not being an emotional person in real life. She also enjoys comedy. Panday noted that interacting with audiences is the most rewarding part of her career because viewers often see something of themselves in her characters.

The film industry is moving away from old formulas, according to Panday. She cited the success of diverse films such as the 2025 Malayalam film Lokah, which tells the story of a female superhero, and Imtiaz Ali’s recent release Main Vaapas Aaunga. She added that she believes love is everything.

During a quick-fire round, Panday identified "cancel culture" as a modern obsession that can lead to people being shunned over minor mistakes. She summarized her biggest life takeaway with a nod to her generation. "At the risk of sounding Gen Z, my motto would be YOLO," she said.