For more than 30 years, Salman Khan’s home at Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai has stood as more than just a place to live; it has become an iconic symbol of his superstar status. On Eid, birthdays, or weekends, thousands gather outside the Bandra building hoping to catch a glimpse of the superstar as he steps out onto his balcony to wave. That exposed balcony became emblematic of his immediate, intimate relationship with the public. So, when that open space was recently walled off with bulletproof glass, many were dismayed and bewildered.
Most presumed it was because of the increasing security threats around Salman. But now, in a recent interview, the actor himself has disclosed the shocking and emotional reason for that move. And though safety is still at the center of everything, the tale does provide a glimpse into how fame sometimes requires hard decisions.
“I Would Find Them Sleeping There”
In a candid conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Salman Khan revealed that the decision to enclose the balcony wasn’t just about external threats. It was also about the unexpected actions of some overly devoted fans. “I would find people sleeping there,” he shared. Over time, fans had started climbing up the building and sleeping on or near the balcony, just hoping to see him or catch his attention. While their love was not lost on him, the situation became a serious concern for the safety of everyone in the household.
In a nation where film stars are treated almost like demigods, fans taking such measures is not uncommon. But in Salman’s case, whose home itself is already a busy area, it meant increased danger and inconvenience to his family. The bulletproof glass thus became imperative to provide not just his own security, but also the safety of the people who stay with him.
Growing Threats: The Larger Perspective
Whereas fan intrusions accelerated the decision, it’s not possible to disregard the increasing threat to Salman Khan’s life over the last few years. In January 2024, by the time the glass was fitted, the actor had started getting serious death threats. All of them traced to the gang of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who had openly expressed his wrath against the actor.
Then there was a shocking escalation. In April 2024, shots were fired outside Galaxy Apartments. The quiet Bandra neighborhood was shocked, and it was later confirmed that the Bishnoi gang was behind the alleged attack. Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of the gangster, even took credit for the shooting on Facebook.
Abruptly, what had appeared to be far-off threats had now turned uncomfortably real.
The Extortion Demands
Shortly after the shooting, the situation escalated. The Mumbai Traffic Police got a threat message, reportedly from the Bishnoi gang. They demanded ₹5 crores in exchange for “forgiving” Salman Khan. The note carried a gruesome warning: if the demand wasn’t met, Khan would face a fate “worse than Baba Siddique,” a former politician who had been shot dead in Mumbai in October 2024.
The message served as a dire reminder that Salman Khan’s safety was no longer assumed but was critical. In its wake, the Mumbai Police soon stepped up security around the star. There was a special command center established at Galaxy Apartments, and Salman’s personal security detail was bolstered by 8 to 10 armed guards.
Bulletproof Car, Bigger Boundaries
Along with the balcony enclosure, Salman Khan also shelled out for a bulletproof Nissan Patrol SUV, which cost almost ₹2 crores. The SUV, which was imported from Dubai in October 2024, joined his revised personal security plan.
The shooting locations of Bigg Boss 18, which he goes on hosting, also had more stringent protocols. Security checks were more regular and entry points more tightly guarded so that even at open locations, the actor was shielded.
A Symbol of Protection, Not Distance
Though most fans were disappointed at the balcony being closed, it was not about keeping people out. It was about protecting those who loved him even when that love became too overwhelming. In some ways, the glass is symbolic of how fame in today’s world needs boundaries.
The change might have closed off the physical view, but the emotional bond still exists. That balcony still holds its iconic charm, even though it’s now enclosed in glass. And fans, despite the changes, continue to stand below, looking up, knowing that behind the glass is still the same Salman they’ve loved for years.