“I Thought I Was Waiting for Death”: Shatrughan Sinha Recounts Harrowing Robbery Incident in New York

Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, who has given Bollywood numerous blockbuster hits, recently opened up about a terrifying incident that occurred during his visit to New York. Known for classics like Kala Patthar, Dostana, and Naseeb, and for his iconic dialogue “Khamosh!”, Sinha has entertained multiple generations across decades.

A Night of Terror in New York
Recalling the incident, Sinha shared that he had been invited to a friend’s house for dinner. “I was staying at the Radisson Hotel in New York. After dinner, my friend suggested dropping me off nearby. At that time, incidents of robbery were rampant in the city,” he said. It was around 1 a.m., and the area was eerily deserted. He added, “I got out with a shopping bag full of items that would have attracted any robber. I was alone, surrounded by silence.”

Fear Grips the Actor
Sinha recounted his growing panic: “After my friend left, I realized this was not the hotel. All the buildings looked the same, and I felt extremely anxious. I thought, ‘Tonight could be my last.’ I asked a passerby for directions to the Radisson, and he simply told me, ‘Get lost.’ By then, it was almost 2 a.m. Suddenly, a car approached me on that dark street, and I felt as if I was waiting for death.”

A Miraculous Rescue
The car stopped a short distance away, heightening his fear. Then, Sinha heard a familiar voice: “Putt Jattan De?” The driver, along with a group of 20–25 cars that appeared shortly after, were fellow Punjabis from the community. “They surrounded me, told me not to worry, and guided me safely to my hotel,” Sinha recalled. When he offered to pay them, they refused, saying, “Absolutely not. You are our hero. You are Putt Jattan De.”

Friendship and Motivation from Dharmendra
In the same conversation, Sinha also reflected on his long-standing friendship with the late Dharmendra. He recalled how the legendary actor always supported him and personally motivated him to perform in the Punjabi hit film Putt Jattan De in 1983, which also starred Dharmendra.

Shatrughan Sinha’s harrowing experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, even for seasoned celebrities, and highlights the power of community and camaraderie in moments of crisis.