Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has expressed solidarity with actor Jackie Shroff and his family following the firing incident involving his son, Tiger Shroff, and urged the Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police to take stringent action against those responsible.
Condemning the attack, Pandit said the incident had heightened concerns about the safety of members of the film industry and the general public. He said the family must be experiencing immense trauma and expressed relief that the incident had not proved fatal for Tiger.
“I thank God that nothing fatal happened and he is safe. We all stand by Jackie Shroff and the entire family in this hour of crisis,” Pandit said.
He also referred to previous incidents of violence involving prominent personalities, including the firing at filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence and the shooting reported outside actor Salman Khan’s home. Pandit said the recurrence of such incidents had created an atmosphere of insecurity within the film fraternity.
Appealing to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state government and Mumbai Police, he called for stronger security measures and firm action against the perpetrators.
Pandit questioned how the attackers could allegedly open fire and escape despite the location being close to Juhu Police Station. He said the incident raised serious questions about security arrangements and possible gaps in the system.
“Once fear encircles our industry, it will become very difficult for us to survive,” he said, adding that the government must ensure people can work and live without fear.
Asked about the possible involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Pandit declined to speculate, saying it was the responsibility of the police and investigating agencies to establish the identity of those involved and determine the motive.
He stressed that protection should extend beyond celebrities to ordinary citizens who may witness or be affected by such incidents.
The firing took place on Sunday evening in Mumbai’s Juhu area, when motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly opened fire at a car carrying Tiger Shroff. His caretaker and driver, Firdos Ibrahim Baloch, sustained injuries. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Pandit said the film industry had conveyed its concerns through the media and hoped the authorities would act decisively to prevent further attacks.