A Terrifying Moment on Set
A routine film shoot in Darjeeling took a frightening turn when actress Sreeleela was suddenly grabbed and pulled into a crowd while filming with co-star Kartik Aaryan. A now-viral video shows the two actors walking side by side when an unidentified man lunges at Sreeleela, yanking her toward the mob. Kartik, who was ahead of her, turned around in confusion as Sreeleela struggled to free herself, visibly shaken. The incident, captured on camera, has ignited outrage online, raising serious concerns about celebrity safety during public shoots.
The actors were filming for Anurag Basu’s upcoming project, rumoured to be Aashiqui 3, in Darjeeling’s bustling Mall Road. Eyewitnesses reported that fans had gathered in large numbers, hoping to glimpse the stars. Despite security personnel present, the situation quickly escalated. The video, first shared on Instagram, has since spread across X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and news platforms, amassing over 2 million views in just 24 hours.
Was It Real or Part of the Film?
The clip has divided social media. Some viewers argue the incident was staged—possibly a scene from the movie—given Anurag Basu’s reputation for realistic storytelling. Others point to Sreeleela’s genuine distress and Kartik’s delayed reaction as proof of a real security lapse.
A source close to the production told [Your News Agency] that the crew was filming an outdoor sequence but denied scripting the altercation. “The team was caught off guard,” the insider said. “Security intervened immediately, but the damage was done.”
This isn’t the first time a Bollywood shoot has faced chaos. In 2022, Rashmika Mandanna was mobbed during Mission Majnu promotions, while in 2017, Padmaavat protests led to threats against Deepika Padukone. Industry experts say such incidents highlight a growing problem: the lack of strict crowd control measures during public shoots.
Social Media Erupts: Outrage and Demands for Action
Fans and celebrities alike have weighed in.
- “This is unacceptable. How many times will actors face this?” – Actor Siddharth tweeted.
- “If this were real, the man should be arrested.” – A viral Reddit comment with 12K upvotes.
- “Looks like a PR stunt. Why else would they film in such a crowded place?” – A sceptical Instagram user.
Hashtags like #SafetyForSreeleela and #Aashiqui3Controversy trended for hours. Many demanded stricter laws to protect actors, while others criticized production teams for prioritizing authenticity over safety.
Why Are Female Stars at Greater Risk?
Industry data shows female celebrities face more harassment during public events. A 2024 Producers Guild of India report noted that 78% of on-set security complaints came from actresses. Security expert Rajeev Sharma told [Your News Agency], “Mobs often target women because they’re perceived as less likely to retaliate. Productions must enforce zero-tolerance policies.”
Sreeleela, a rising star from the South Indian film industry, is making her Bollywood debut with this project. According to a friend who spoke anonymously, the incident has shaken her. “She didn’t expect this level of frenzy,” the friend said.
How Safe Are Outdoor Shoots?
Most big-budget films hire private security, but gaps remain.
- Standard Protocol: Barricades, bodyguards, and local police coordination.
- Reality Check: Control is more complex in crowded tourist spots like Darjeeling.
- Legal Loopholes: No strict penalties for fans who breach security.
A crew member from a recent YRF film shared, “We’ve had close calls. Sometimes fans get too aggressive, and security can’t stop everyone.”
What Needs to Change?
- Stronger Security: More personnel, better crowd barriers.
- Legal Action: Laws to punish harassment of public figures.
- Fan Education: Campaigns promoting respectful behaviour.
Actor-producer Farhan Akhtar once suggested blacklisting repeat offenders from film events. “Fandom shouldn’t mean invasion of privacy,” he said in a 2023 interview.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Bollywood
The Darjeeling incident is more than just a viral moment—it’s a reminder of the risks actors face. While fans’ excitement is understandable, safety must come first. The film’s team has yet to release an official statement, but pressure is mounting for accountability.
As one industry insider said, “If this doesn’t change things, what will?”
What do you think? Was the incident staged or an absolute security failure? Share your thoughts in the comments.
