Veteran actor Poonam Dhillon has spoken out in defence of Tiger Shroff following the firing incident in Mumbai's Juhu area on 18 October 2026, describing her initial reaction as one of disbelief and expressing immense relief that the actor escaped unhurt. Dhillon, who said she has known Tiger since his childhood, called him 'an uncontroversial, loving and respectful person who has never done anything wrong.'

Poonam Dhillon's Reaction to the Incident

Speaking on the sidelines of the unveiling ceremony of Sangeetkar Bappi Lahiri Marg in Mumbai on Monday night, Poonam said the news came as a shock to everyone who knows the actor. 'My first reaction was a shock. He is such an uncontroversial boy. He has never said anything wrong. He has never done anything wrong. I don't think he has even thought anything wrong. He is such a good and pure boy. So, when he was fired, it was the biggest shock to us. But immediately, the big relief was that he is fine,' she said.

She added a note of spiritual comfort: 'The biggest relief was that he is fine. Because the protection of the Almighty is on him.'

Concern for the Injured

Poonam also extended her concern to those who sustained injuries in the attack. According to her, at least one of Tiger's colleagues and his driver were hurt in the incident. 'I believe one of his colleagues was injured. We pray that he is completely fine. His driver was also injured,' she said, urging prayers for their speedy recovery.

A Bond That Goes Back to Tiger's Birth

Describing the depth of her connection with the Shroff family, Poonam recalled knowing Tiger Shroff from the time he was born. 'I might have attended his first birthday. I have known him since then. I know what a loving, respectful boy he is,' she said. She also praised Tiger's parents — his spiritually-inclined father and his mother, whom she described as 'such an amazing friend' — saying he was fortunate to have their unwavering support.

Dhillon further noted that Tiger stands out among his peers for the respect he shows to senior members of the film industry. 'There are very few heroes in the industry who respect their seniors so much,' she said.

What Happened on 18 October

The firing at Tiger Shroff took place in Juhu, Mumbai on 18 October, when unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at the car in which the actor was travelling. Tiger escaped unhurt. His driver and a passerby sustained injuries in the incident. The attack reportedly occurred as the actor was leaving after a football-related outing. Investigations are underway, and no arrests have been publicly confirmed as of the time of reporting.

Poonam concluded her message to the actor with an emotional note: 'Tiger, I love you. God is protecting you. May you always be happy, and may you always progress. May you make your parents proud.' The incident has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, with several industry figures joining Dhillon in expressing relief over Tiger's safety and calling for swift justice.