In an exclusive interaction with zoOm, Shera talks about his equation with superstar Salman Khan, death threats to the actor, managing security for Mike Tyson and Justin Bieber, son Abir’s Bollywood debut and more. Here are the excerpts:
What keeps you busy?
I am busy with Salman Bhai’s work. Whenever there is his work, I have to go and manage it. This continues day and night!
You’re associated with Salman Khan since 30 years, when was the first time you met him?
I met him during the shoot of Sohail Khan’s production. Sohail Bhai had called me as he wanted security for Salman Sir as there were some concerns during a show. That time, Sohail Khan requested me to stay with Salman Khan. I said ok, I will go. I started going for his shows then later on formed a bond with Salman Sir. I’m a Sardar and he’s a Pathan. I told him that till the time, I’m with you I’ll will safeguard you!
Did you always want to be a bodyguard by profession?
I run a security company called ‘Tiger Security’. I provide security as well as attend events where my security team is placed. The celebrities who would come from outside India, I would provide them security. Slowly, I started getting famous in this field. I’ve worked with Michael Jackson too and have provided security for Miss World contest in Bangalore as well. Then, I started staying with Salman Bhai and the bond between us developed stronger over the years.
You come across as a serious person when on field, it is difficult to make you laugh!
Today, I’ve an equation with Salman Khan but when I’m working, I’ve to maintain a serious profile because I’m invested in my work 100%.
Jagraj Ghooman tried his hand at acting, you never felt like getting into it?
When I know I’m the best in my field, I wouldn’t want to switch another field, like acting.
One of your videos has gone viral, in which Salman Khan is interacting with a journalist and you’re trying to safeguard him, so he is seen telling you, ‘Shera, you do the interview’, tell us about it!
Such moments do go viral. During the world tour when he was back at the airport, he made me walk in the front while he chose to be behind me. This is the love he has for me, and that’s our bond!
Salman Khan has said this few years ago, that if someone wishes to click a picture, take permission. But people end up pushing and creating a ruckus. How do you tackle with it?
Salman Bhai has a different fan following. He has a cult fan following. The fans want to touch him and feel that they really met him.
Sometimes, there are social media comments that state that you’re ‘rude’, how do you react to such statements?
I choose not to be difficult on anyone while I’m on my job. I try and explain to the fans but if they still continue to cross the line, then I have to lose my cool.
The recent shooting outside Salman Khan’s home has been ‘talk of the town’, what measures are being taken amid concerns?
This has happened in the past as well, wherein Salman Khan has been threatened. However, this time the matter is way too serious.
Apart from Salman Khan, you’ve provided security to Mike Tyson and Justin Bieber as well, how was it working with them?
Mike Tyson is a gentleman. We used to chat a lot. After leaving from India, his popularity increased at his work as he won the fight. I was very happy for him. Whereas Justin Bieber was in India for less than 24 hours.
However, Justin Bieber chose to go to a cafe on this short notice, what happened that time?
Justin Bieber asked me if there was a coffee shop nearby. He chose to jump out of the car and grabbed one for himself! He was in his own world and busy with his friends.
Last year, your mother faced misbehaviour from her neighbour, how was the situation tackled?
I just went to the police station and asked my mother to file a complaint. Then things are okay and it was sorted out!
Shera buying a luxurious car has gone viral. Tell us about the special gift you gave to yourself.
I don't know how it went viral! After this, people have started seeing me a bit differently.
You’re also launching your son in Bollywood via Salman Khan, tell us about it.
We are open about it and we are looking for a good script and if any good scripts come and we get a good studio to launch him, we will head for it. Satish Kaushik was to launch him earlier but unfortunately he has passed away. I wanted Abir to be a part of bodyguard world, however, he has chosen acting as a profession so I would let him do what makes him happy.
A video that went viral was Salman Khan’s security snubbing Vicky Kaushal while they were talking to each other, would you like to tell us about it.
It wasn’t me but someone else from our team. But they did speak, and no he didn’t try to stop Salman Khan from talking, he was just trying to provide tight security to him to avoid anyone intervening while he steps out of the event. Vicky is a good friend of Salman Sir.
One more debate that takes place on social media is that because of Shera, Salman Khan is not married yet as he doesn’t let any girl come close to him, what do you’ve to say?
Nothing like that. It is on Salman Khan whenever he wishes to get married, it is his choice after all!
There are many memes around Salman Khan and you, do you watch it as well?
Yes, I do. There are some jokes as well cracked on me on Kapil Sharma’s show by Bharti Singh. I laugh it off and take it lightly.
One thing for which people really appreciate you is your loyalty towards Salman Khan. In today’s time, it is rare!
Yes, I’m loyal towards him. If you spot me also with other actors like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hrithik Roshan or Katrina Kaif, know that it is a nod from Salman Khan to provide them security. Otherwise my loyalty is towards him and no one else!
Is it true that Salman Khan gets angry easily? Can you guess his moods now easily?
Yes, that I can. And no he doesn’t get angry easily, it is just a perception about him.