Report and pics: Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Feb 6: Noted Bollywood actor, producer, and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty on Friday said that the underworld landscape had undergone a drastic transformation and that people, including those from the film industry, were now far more secure than in the past.
Speaking after releasing the book Black Scorpion: To Hell And Back at Juhu Gymkhana in Santacruz West here on Friday evening, Shetty said that at one point even he had faced threats from the underworld and had been provided police security. “Today, both Bollywood and the people at large are free from fear,” he said.
Shetty observed that the underworld had never deliberately targeted actors, politicians, or sportspersons. “What existed earlier were gang wars and conflicts between criminal groups. In the 1990s, Bollywood faced threats when films were made on underworld dons, but there was no intention to harm film personalities. Films were made to protect both the public and Bollywood,” he said, adding that the alleged Bollywood-underworld nexus remained a debated subject.
He criticised both state and central governments, saying people were burdened by corruption, looting, price rise, and unemployment. “A government claiming ten years of achievements must answer why Kerala’s youth are forced to migrate in search of jobs,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the Centre, Shetty said that the Union budget had insulted Kerala and its people. “We are not asking for charity. We are asking for what is rightfully due to us,” he said.
The book Black Scorpion: To Hell And Back, authored by senior journalists Vijay Shekhar, Raju Santhanam, and Calvin Joshua Udupi, is based on the real-life journey of a reformed criminal and explores the hidden world of Mumbai’s underworld. Releasing the book, Shetty said it unveils harsh truths and conveys powerful lessons for society.
Several dignitaries, including Nishant Bhuse, Jawahar Nadar, cricketer Mohak Gambhir Suratkal, Dhanush Shetty Suratkal, and Amruta Mane, were present and congratulated the authors.
The programme was anchored by Aarati Nautiyal. The authors honoured Suniel Shetty with a memento and floral bouquet. Alina Joshua welcomed the gathering and compered the programme, also delivering the vote of thanks.