Whenever stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan step out in public, their bodyguards are always seen closely accompanying them, ensuring their safety amid massive crowds. Salman Khan has long been protected by Gurmeet Singh Jolly, popularly known as Shera, while Shah Rukh Khan is often seen with his trusted security aide Ravi Singh. Given their constant presence and responsibility, it is widely believed that these bodyguards earn crores annually. However, the reality appears to be quite different from these popular assumptions.
A former member of Shah Rukh Khan’s security team, Yasin Khan, recently revealed that the figures circulating online—claiming bodyguards earn ₹2 to ₹2.5 crore per year—are largely exaggerated. According to him, most celebrity bodyguards work on fixed monthly salaries rather than massive yearly packages. In reality, even experienced security personnel typically earn around ₹1 lakh per month, depending on their experience, responsibilities, and the nature of their contract.
He further explained that while there may be occasional additional payments during film shoots or special assignments, such instances are not consistent enough to significantly increase their annual earnings. Contrary to viral claims of bodyguards earning ₹10 lakh per month, he questioned the practicality of such figures, suggesting that they are far removed from industry norms.
The structure of payment is generally contractual, with clearly defined roles and fixed compensation. Over time, formal agreements for security staff have become more common in the industry, ensuring clarity in responsibilities and payment terms. Despite their crucial role in managing crowds, ensuring safety, and handling high-pressure situations, bodyguards often remain underappreciated, only coming into the spotlight when something goes wrong.
In essence, while celebrity bodyguards are indispensable to stars and play a critical role in their public lives, their earnings are far more modest than the glamorous figures often portrayed online.
