Actor Suraj Sonik, who has been part of films such as Sultan and Bhoot: The Haunted Ship, along with several digital and television advertising campaigns, believes that personal safety should be a priority for everyone, irrespective of their profession or public standing. With the recent shooting incident involving Tiger Shroff bringing celebrity security back into focus, the actor reflects on the importance of strengthening security measures, improving coordination between law enforcement agencies and private security teams, and addressing potential threats before they escalate. Suraj feels that while the film industry needs to remain vigilant, the larger conversation should focus on creating a safer environment without encouraging unnecessary fear or speculation.
“Honestly, I think any such incident is concerning, not just for the film industry but for society as a whole. As actors, we are public figures, and people recognise us wherever we go. But at the end of the day, we are human beings too, with families and loved ones who worry about us. I don’t think we should react with panic, but we should definitely take these incidents seriously,” Suraj shares. Reflecting on whether such incidents point to gaps in the security systems protecting Bollywood celebrities, the actor believes it is important to understand the facts before drawing conclusions. He feels that security arrangements can always evolve and improve through better planning and coordination. “I wouldn’t want to comment on whether there’s been a failure without knowing all the facts. Security is a very complex responsibility, and we should respect the people who work hard to protect us. But I do feel there’s always room to improve. Maybe we need better coordination, better awareness and a more proactive approach to identifying potential risks. Rather than pointing fingers at anyone, I think we should focus on what can be done better going forward,” he says. Suraj also stresses the importance of identifying warning signs and ensuring that credible threats are addressed promptly. According to him, open communication between celebrities, their teams and the police can play a crucial role in preventing unfortunate incidents. “I think communication and timely action are extremely important. Sometimes, what appears to be a small warning sign can become significant if it’s not assessed properly. If there is a credible threat, it should be taken seriously, investigated professionally and addressed at the right time. I also feel that celebrities, their teams and the police should have a clear channel of communication so that concerns can be reported without hesitation. Prevention is always better than dealing with the consequences afterwards,” he adds. When asked whether celebrities should invest more in private security or rely primarily on law enforcement, the actor believes both have distinct responsibilities. While private security can provide additional protection, he feels it cannot replace the role of the police in maintaining law and order. “I think it’s a shared responsibility, but the roles are different. The government and law enforcement agencies are responsible for maintaining law and order and protecting citizens. At the same time, celebrities and their teams should also be sensible and responsible about their personal security. Private security can certainly help, but it cannot replace the role of the police. Ultimately, safety shouldn’t become a privilege that depends on how much money someone can spend. Every citizen deserves to feel safe,” Suraj explains.
Addressing incidents involving Salman Khan, Rohit Shetty and Tiger Shroff, Suraj believes the industry should remain alert without drawing conclusions about possible connections or motives before investigations establish the facts. He emphasises that every incident deserves to be examined independently and thoroughly.
For the actor, ensuring long-term safety requires more than increasing the number of security personnel. Better threat assessments, clear emergency-response plans, responsible handling of sensitive information and stronger coordination between security teams and law enforcement agencies are equally important.
“I think the answer goes beyond having more people standing outside someone’s house. We need better threat assessment, proper coordination between security teams and the police, responsible handling of sensitive information and a clear emergency-response plan. It’s also important that credible threats are reported and investigated promptly. The objective isn’t to create an atmosphere of fear. It’s to create an environment where people can work, travel and live with greater peace of mind,” Suraj adds.
