Shah Rukh Khan refused underworld pressure in the 1990s, says filmmaker Sanjay Gupta

 Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan reportedly refused to bow to pressure from the underworld during the 1990s despite growing threats and influence over the Indian film industry according to filmmaker Sanjay Gupta.

MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan reportedly refused to bow to pressure from the underworld during the 1990s despite growing threats and influence over the Indian film industry according to filmmaker Sanjay Gupta.

Speaking about the relationship between Mumbai’s film industry and the underworld during the 1990s on a YouTube channel, Gupta discussed the challenges faced by actors, directors and other prominent figures at the time. He specifically highlighted Shah Rukh Khan’s alleged refusal to cooperate with underworld figures.

According to Gupta, almost every major personality in the film industry was vulnerable to pressure from criminal groups during that period. He said individuals associated with the underworld would sometimes appear on film sets and attempt to influence productions including matters related to financing and involvement in films.

Gupta also recalled several incidents that illustrated the dangers faced by people working in Bollywood. He mentioned the killing of a Punjabi actor in Film City who was later reportedly found to have been a police informant. He also referred to the shooting and killing of actress Manisha Koirala’s secretary at his office and an attack on filmmaker Rakesh Roshan.

The filmmaker said the issue went beyond extortion calls. According to him, people connected with the film industry faced various forms of pressure and threats including demands to sign agreements for projects allegedly backed by underworld figures.

Gupta claimed that Shah Rukh Khan was among the few and according to his account the only major figure who refused to submit to such pressure. He recalled that when Khan allegedly received threats the actor made it clear that he would neither work in films nor perform shows for the underworld.

Gupta said Khan’s firm stance eventually earned him respect even among people associated with the underworld because it demonstrated that at least one major figure in the industry was unwilling to surrender to intimidation.

Filmmaker Farah Khan had also previously acknowledged that leading Bollywood stars faced underworld pressure during the 1990s. She reportedly confirmed that the three Khans had faced such pressure and recalled a threat involving filmmaker Karan Johar around a film premiere.

Shah Rukh Khan began his acting career on television before making his Bollywood debut with Deewana in 1992. Following a highly successful career, he returned to major box-office success with films including Pathaan and Jawan in 2023. He is expected to appear in filmmaker Siddharth Anand’s King, reportedly scheduled for release in December 2026.