Mumbai: Actor Suraj Sonik, known for his appearances in films such as Sultan and Bhoot: The Haunted Ship, along with several digital and television advertising campaigns, believes personal security should be a priority for everyone, irrespective of their profession, public profile or financial status.
Following the recent firing incident linked to Tiger Shroff, concerns over the safety of Bollywood celebrities have once again come into focus. Sonik believes the incident highlights the need for stronger security arrangements, better coordination between police personnel and private security teams, and timely identification of potential threats.
He feels that while the film industry needs to remain alert, it is equally important to create an environment where people can carry out their professional commitments without fear.
“Honestly, any such incident is concerning. It is not just a matter of concern for the film industry but for society as a whole. As actors, people recognise us wherever we go. But at the end of the day, we are human beings too. Our families and loved ones worry about our safety. I don’t think such incidents should trigger panic, but they certainly need to be taken seriously,” Sonik said.
Asked whether there were shortcomings in the security arrangements for Bollywood celebrities, the actor said it would be premature to draw conclusions without understanding all the facts surrounding an incident.
He stressed that security systems could be strengthened through better planning and coordination.
“Without knowing all the facts, I would not want to say whether there was a security lapse. Security management is a complex responsibility, and we should respect the efforts of those who work to protect us. However, every system has room for improvement. Better coordination, greater awareness and timely identification of potential threats can make a difference. Instead of blaming anyone, we should focus on how security arrangements can be improved going forward,” he said.
Sonik also emphasised that warning signs and potential threats should never be ignored. Any credible threat, he said, must be investigated professionally and addressed without delay.
According to him, clear communication between celebrities, their management teams and the police is essential to prevent security incidents.
“Timely communication and action are extremely important. Sometimes, even a small warning can develop into a serious threat if it is not assessed properly. Any credible threat should be taken seriously, investigated professionally and followed by appropriate action. There should be a clear communication channel between celebrities, their teams and the police so that concerns can be shared without hesitation. It is always better to take precautions in advance than to deal with the consequences later,” the actor said.
On whether celebrities should spend more on personal security or rely on police protection, Sonik said both private security agencies and law enforcement have distinct responsibilities.
While private security personnel can provide additional protection, they cannot replace the police or the government’s responsibility for maintaining law and order.
“I believe security is a shared responsibility, but everyone has a different role to play. Maintaining law and order and protecting citizens are the responsibilities of the government and the police. At the same time, celebrities and their teams must act responsibly and make sensible decisions about their personal safety. Private security can certainly be helpful, but it cannot replace the role of the police. Ultimately, security should not become a privilege determined by how much money someone can afford to spend. Every citizen has the right to feel safe,” he said.
Referring to incidents involving Salman Khan, Rohit Shetty and Tiger Shroff, Sonik said the film industry must remain cautious. However, he cautioned against drawing connections between separate incidents or speculating about possible motives before investigations are completed.
He maintained that every incident should be investigated independently and with due seriousness.
The actor further pointed out that long-term security requires more than simply increasing the number of guards deployed outside celebrities’ homes. Proper threat assessment, coordination between security agencies and police, responsible handling of sensitive information, and clear emergency response plans are equally important.
Concluding his remarks, Sonik said the focus should be on building a reliable security framework rather than creating an atmosphere of fear.
“I don’t think the solution is simply to deploy more security personnel outside someone’s home. We need better threat assessments, proper coordination between security teams and the police, responsible handling of sensitive information, and clear plans to deal with emergencies. Credible threats must be reported and investigated in time. The objective should not be to create an atmosphere of fear. We should work towards an environment where people feel safer while working, travelling and going about their everyday lives,” he said.
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