Jackie Shroff returned to public view on Monday, a day after his son Tiger Shroff was attacked in Mumbai’s Juhu area. The occasion was the naming ceremony of Bappi Lahiri Marg, where Jackie was photographed with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and actor Suniel Shetty.
The appearance mattered more than the event. It was Jackie’s first public outing since three gunmen fired at Tiger’s car on Sunday, and it drew a reaction from Suniel Shetty that quickly became the emotional centre of the day.
A hug that did the talking
Jackie held his signature plant as he posed for photographs with the chief minister and other guests, including members of Bappi Lahiri’s family. But the moment that travelled was a long hug between Jackie and Suniel.
The whole world loves Tiger and Jackie Dada, and if something like this can happen to him, it could happen to anyone.
Suniel said he was relieved that Tiger himself was safe. “It was his driver who got hurt, and he is currently recovering,” he added. He described Jackie as a childhood friend and said he hoped everything turned out well.
What happened on Sunday
Tiger was returning from a football match in Juhu when three bike-borne gunmen opened fire at his car. The actor escaped with minor abrasions. His driver suffered a gunshot wound, and Tiger took the wheel after seeing him injured.
- Karan Veer Mehra, who had played football with Tiger, was driving behind and noticed spots of blood.
- Tiger later met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with bandages visible on his hand and chest.
- The three assailants were arrested on Monday afternoon aboard a Jaipur-bound express train at Kota Junction.
The official response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in Nagpur that the “cowards behind the attack would not be spared.” Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde went further, saying the government would not shy away from a “bullet-for-bullet police” response if necessary.
Why a quiet appearance matters
The ceremony itself was not about Tiger Shroff; it was meant to honour Bappi Lahiri. Yet Jackie’s presence turned it into a marker. After a security scare, the first public appearance is watched closely: does the family withdraw, or does it continue routine engagements? By standing beside the chief minister, Jackie answered without making a formal statement.
The images offered a controlled return. Holding his signature plant, he kept a familiar detail from his public persona, while Suniel’s hug supplied the emotional note. That combination of normalcy and support is why the visuals travelled beyond the event.
Source: Hindustan Times
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