Actors get security cover to wade off stalkers

After the attempted break-in at Dia Mirza’s apartment by a besotted fan, Prithwish Ganguly and Soumyadipta Banerjee asked some leading female stars how well they’ve got their home base covered


Kareena Kapoor
Where: Khar West
Security: There are two tiers of security to go through before anyone is admitted into Kareena’s apartment. The first level is at the gate, which alerts floor security as soon as you mention the flat number. The floor security ensures the guest has no access to any other floor or flat, and also also informs staff inside the apartment about the vistor. Apart from all that, Kareena's mom Babita lives next door.
She says: "There cannot be a better security than having your mom around. When she is just next door, I know there’s nothing to worry about. All other security measures are quite normal."

Preity Zinta
Where: Pali Hill and Hill Road, Bandra
Security: For a change, both buildings have a relaxed security cordon. Preity depends heavily on security guards provided by the housing society. Security is tightened only when promotional activities are on. However, when she goes out in public, she is protected by four burly bodyguards.
She says: “You have to be cautious all the time. If you do that, you will be safe. I don’t like too many people around me all the time.”

Lara Dutta
Where: St Andrews Road, Bandra West
Security: Believes she doesn’t need security and completely relies on building security. But when she goes out of town, she hires a couple of bouncers. Lara doesn’t like the concept of having bodyguards.
She says: “I have never personally felt physically threatened and am still of the view that Mumbai is one of the safest cities in India. But hearing about incidents that have occurred with friends, it does make me wary. Today I will not hesitate to get personal security.”

Sushmita Sen
Where: Yari Road, Versova
Security: The lift stops at the fourth floor even if you somehow manage to bypass security at the gate. From there on, Sushmita’s own security detail takes over. The stairs are off limits to anyone except regulars. The number of bodyguards fluctuate.
She says: "Being single in the city means I celebrate life, whether it’s being a single mother, wearing diamonds, or holidaying in exotic places. Of course, you need to be careful about your personal security."

Priyanka Chopra
Where: Lokhandwala, Andheri
Security: The building has very tight security and the guards have been instructed to be extra strict about access to Priyanka’s floor. Her parents live a floor above her pad and she also has a CCTV outside her door. Doesn’t believe in having bodyguards but occasionally hires them for a big event or when outdoors.
She says: “I’m very happy with the security I have in my building. Plus, my parents are always around. But yes, I like to be cautious when I’m out of the house. I think that’s enough for us actors.”