When Mumbai rains, heroes rise: Bollywood's real-life acts of courage

Time of India

10 hours ago

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Bollywood has always captured the beauty of
Mumbai rains
on screen—whether it was in 'Wake Up Sid' or through iconic songs picturised on Amitabh Bachchan. The monsoon has often been used as a backdrop for romance, adding a poetic charm to cinematic storytelling.
But beyond romance, the rains have also inspired films rooted in the city's struggles. Notably, 'Tum Mile' and '26th July at Barista' drew from the tragic 2005
Mumbai floods
, using the calamity as a powerful backdrop for their narratives.
Mumbai is no stranger to torrential downpours. On August 18 and 19, 2025, the city once again found itself submerged—roads turned into rivers, local trains came to a halt, and life slowed down. But even as floodwaters rose, what stood tall was the unbreakable spirit of Mumbai.
Every Mumbaikar knows that in this city, ordinary people often turn extraordinary when tested.
This spirit of resilience is not limited to the common man. Time and again, Bollywood stars—who are adored on screen for their larger-than-life heroism—have proven that their courage and compassion extend far beyond the camera. From rushing to save lives during floods to fighting social evils in silence, here are some of the most unforgettable instances when reel-life heroes became real-life saviours.
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by Taboola
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Hrithik Roshan: A hero beyond the screen
Back in July 2005, when Mumbai faced one of its worst floods in history, chaos and fear ran rampant. Amidst that catastrophe, Hrithik Roshan proved why he is more than just a 'superhero' on screen.
As NMIMS college students formed a human chain to reach their Juhu hostel, tragedy struck—a girl slipped underwater. Witnesses recall that Hrithik, who was at Amitabh Bachchan's bungalow Prateeksha nearby, didn't hesitate.
He rushed out, pulled the girl to safety, and saved her life.
A student who was part of the chain later tweeted:
'Ten feet short of the hostel, a girl slipped out of our human chain and went underwater. Hrithik emerged from Prateeksha and rescued her. A lesson that heroes don't need the camera on to perform.'nteen years later, the story continues to resonate—reminding us that real heroism often happens off-camera.
Suniel Shetty: The silent warrior
If Hrithik's story was dramatic, Suniel Shetty's was quiet, powerful, and largely hidden for years. The 'Hera Pheri' actor once revealed that through an NGO called Vipla Foundation (earlier Trafficking in India), he helped rescue over 400 girls from
human trafficking
operations.
Working with his mother-in-law and multiple NGOs, Shetty fought battles that required secrecy, coordination with top officials, and immense courage. He chose not to publicize it for years because of the sensitive nature of the operations. In his own words, the risks were too high—but the cause was worth everything.
Sometimes, real heroes don't seek applause—they just save lives.
Real-life hero! Shah Rukh Khan rescues Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's manager after her lehenga catches fire, suffers minor burns
Salman Khan: Standing by the workers
Bollywood's 'Bhai' has his own share of controversies, but when it comes to helping people in need, Salman Khan has always stepped up.
During the Covid-19 crisis, when thousands of daily-wage workers in the film industry were left jobless, Salman's Being Human Foundation directly transferred money into the bank accounts of 25,000 workers. His initiative ensured that families had food on their tables when the entire entertainment industry was at a standstill.
It wasn't his first act of generosity—Salman has often been known to quietly cover medical bills, fund education, or offer financial support to struggling colleagues.
Disha Patani
's sister Khushboo's brave rescue
Not many know that actress Disha Patani's sister, Khushboo Patani, is an Indian Army officer. She recently made headlines when she rescued a small baby from the backyard of their Bareilly home. Quick thinking and fearless action in a moment of crisis earned her widespread admiration. It was not glamour but grit and duty that defined her heroism—an echo of the values that Mumbai celebrates every monsoon.
Mumbai's never-say-die spirit
As the rains pour and the city slows down, perhaps what keeps Mumbai moving is not just its trains or roads, but the collective heartbeat of its people—and the heroes, reel and real, who live among them.
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