Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha recently shared a decades-old story of a near mugging incident in New York. It was a providential escape for him as he was saved by a group of fans who recognized him from his Punjabi film “Putt Jattan De”. He added that he was alone, lost, and feared for his life as it was a deserted street late at night. His fans however intervened and ensured his safe return to his hotel.
As per Sinha, the incident took place years ago in New York City when street crime and muggings were common. He was put up at the Radisson Hotel and was returning late at around 1 or 2 am.
After being dropped off by a friend a short distance from his hotel, Sinha found himself alone on an unfamiliar, quiet street with several shopping bags, making him a potential target for muggers. The surrounding buildings all looked the same, and he became anxious and genuinely feared for his life. A car approached, backed up, and the occupants called out the name of his 1983 Punjabi film, Putt Jattan De. The person in the car used a radio, and soon after, a group of around 20 to 25 Sikh men arrived, surrounded him, and safely escorted him back to his hotel.
The group of men, who were fans from Punjab, refused any payment for their help, stating he was their hero.
Sinha has often credited the film and his connection with the Punjabi community for saving him on that unforgettable night.
‘He thought this was his end’.
News Edit KV Raman
