Salman Khan’s Bulletproof SUV Ensuring Safety Amidst Rising Threats

Bollywood has one of the most iconic and beloved actor of Bollywood name Salman Khan. He has been in the limelight for long years not because of his blockbuster movies but because of his larger than life off screen figure. He made headlines again recently. It wasn’t a film release or helping out some charity work, this time, it was for his personal safety.

Salman Khan has reportedly imported a new bulletproof SUV from Dubai. The vehicle is said to cost roughly INR 2 crore. It has come after the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang kept on escalating threats against him. The threats have hugely impacted on Khan’s daily lives, his security.

In this article we look at why Salman Khan’s purchase of a bullet proof car isn’t just another expenditure by a celebrity. It’s a big advancement towards what should be protection in the face of real threats. In this paper, we analyze the growing concerns of safety for celebrities, threats in the Indian cinema growing, the impact on celebrities, security agencies and society.

Luxury Bulletproof SUV in Dubai Cityscape – Security and Prestige

Escalating Threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang

Faced with just credible threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in recent years, Salman Khan had not wanted to speak in Hindi even if he could. It’s also a very well known gang for its criminal activities. Notorious gangster Bishnoi has threatened publically to kill Khan. The threats appear to be connected to a blackbuck poaching case, also involving Khan, which took place in the late 1990s, according to officials. The gang has said it targeted Khan because of his association with Bishnoi people, who hold the blackbuck in their culture.

Dr Khan has had to re-think his security as the intensity of those threats has risen. Sources say Khan has already taken steps to protect himself. And he has hired personal bodyguards and travels under tight security. Another part of these efforts is the new bulletproof SUV. It stands for protective steps for celebrities.

The Trend of Bulletproof Cars Among Celebrities

Salman Khan isn’t the first celeb to get a bulletproof vehicle. These days, many high profile people around the world, including heads of state, business tycoons and celebrities, own bulletproof cars. That’s precautionary, in case there’s a threat. This trend is slowly developing in India because of the increasing violence, tailored attacks and organized crime.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, in 2020, added to his convoy bulletproof vehicles. It followed a scare at his Mumbai home with a bomb. Like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, political leaders also avail themselves of bullet proof vehicles. This indicates the escalation in the need for such measures for the high risk population.

This is in response to ongoing threats, Salman told the news agency AFP, and adding he made the decision ‘directly’. Dubai’s bulletproof SUV has features of advance security. It has ballistic attack and explosive threat resistance. INR 2 crore might sound like a lot of money, but that’s an expense Khan is willing to pay for the buzz of safety and his peace of mind.

The purchase of a bulletproof car by Salman Khan and threats against him shows the growing problems for stars in India. Public attention comes with fame and often it can be dangerous. Celebrities like Khan are particularly at risk because of their wealth, outspokenness and visibility, not to mention the doubts rumbling around about what’s going on back home.

Because of it, the security for celebrities worldwide has been on the rise. They now provide specialized services to public figures in relation to private security agencies. From armed guards, to drones with CCTV and armored vehicles, these are among the services provided. Celebrities are changing their life where Salman Khan invests in such security. Today, protection is a priority and threats are more and more complex.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang is serious about its threats. So it’s important to understand the context of these threats. Many have taken issues with the blackbuck poaching incident for which Khan was convicted. The blackbuck is considered sacred by the Bishnoi community above all. Their threats are justified by the gang’s use of cultural beliefs.

In no sense can threats and violence ever be a justified response. It’s a reminder of what can happen when celebrities get involved. And it demonstrates the potential backlash following an isolated incident. It further suggests that public figures in particular need to be sensitive to the law and to culture.

Actionable Takeaways & Recommendations

We can learn a few things from this situation. But first, could anyone need it more than public figures do, if not the level of personal security? This means, of course, that if it’s a celebrity or high profile business person, you have to be proactive in keeping them safe. Protection can come in certain forms such as through technology, like surveillance systems, bullet proof vehicles and using security personnel that are professionals.

Second, it shows the need to have responsibility. The actions of celebrities have far reaching consequences. They do not only damage their image, but they also fill large groups of people with negative emotions. What prevents misunderstandings and threats from happening and being culturally sensitive and responsible?

Lastly, let’s not forget that everyone could be a celebrity, which means that they are also individuals. They should have privacy and should feel safe. It’s troubling that this is a trend of the invasive, threatened behavior against public figures. It calls to mind how we, as a society, decide where to split the admiration from intrusion.

Conclusion: The World Needs a Pay Gap, and it is Surprising

Salman Khan’s decision to import bullet proof SUV is a reminder of vulnerability of popular voices, even for the famous. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s threats are real. That illustrates how celebrity life is changing: Khan takes proactive steps. Fame is now equal part and parcel with security.

We as a society have to discuss privacy, security and responsible behavior. Celebrities and the public must be pulling together to create a culture of respect and security. There are more things in the bulletproof SUV for Salman Khan. A shield, a statement, a Proteck Jacket, and a safety measure in an unsafe world.

Readers are invited to share their thoughts on this. Should Salman Khan take such measures for their security? Or does that signal a bigger problem than we would like to admit? It is your perspectives that help us to see the challenges that public figures of today have to face.

References

Times of India. Salman Khan Imports Another Bulletproof SUV from Dubai Worth INR 2 Crore Amid Ongoing Threats from Lawrence Bishnoi Gang. Times of India, February 2024.
Hindustan Times. Mukesh Ambani Upgrades Convoy with Bulletproof Vehicles After Bomb Scare. Hindustan Times, March 2020.
The Indian Express. Salman Khan’s Security Measures Tightened Amid Bishnoi Gang Threats. The Indian Express, January 2024.
Reliance Industries Press Release. Reliance Strengthens Security for Top Executives. Reliance Industries, April 2020.
BBC News. Trend of Bulletproof Cars for Celebrities. BBC News, June 2021.
NDTV. Blackbuck Poaching Case: Why It Matters to the Bishnoi Community. NDTV, September 2018.