Amid ongoing chatter about celebrity bodyguards allegedly earning crores every year, Yaseen Khan has weighed in, calling such claims far from reality. The ex-security aide of Shah Rukh Khan opened up about the actual payment structure in the industry, while also recalling how compensation practices have evolved over time.
Calls viral salary figures ‘misleading’
Reacting to social media buzz pegging bodyguards’ earnings at Rs 2–2.5 crore annually, Yaseen said such numbers are largely exaggerated and don’t reflect how the system functions.“I feel social media spreads the wrong message. It’s not like people earn Rs 2-2.5 crore. If someone is a bodyguard for a big star, they have a fixed salary. Apart from that, whenever a film is being made, a separate contract is drawn up. Depending on the producer, they are paid a certain amount for that film,” Yaseen told Hindi Rush.
‘We were working, but not getting paid for films’
Sharing insights from his early years, Yaseen pointed out that bodyguards were once excluded from project-based payments.“As far as I remember, earlier in the film industry, bodyguards weren’t paid. There were rules that only the driver, makeup man and spot boy were paid by the producer. When I started working with Shah Rukh bhai, I felt that we are also working. A film is being made, we are doing our job too. We were getting a salary, but only enough to survive.”
Says he initiated conversations with producers
Yaseen revealed that he took it upon himself to raise the issue, which eventually led to a broader shift across the industry.“I approached producers and said that just like others have contracts, we should also be paid. There was no rule, but because of understanding and close relationships, they started giving an amount for films and ads. When I started getting paid, others in the industry said that Shah Rukh bhai’s bodyguard is getting paid, so we should too. They also approached producers, and gradually it became a trend. Now, most bodyguards working with celebrities get paid this way.”
Sought approval from Gauri Khan
Before initiating these discussions, Yaseen shared that he had first taken the nod from Gauri Khan.“I spoke to Gauri ma’am and told her that my colleagues get paid during shoots, so I should too. She said, ‘Okay, you can also take it.’ Once I got permission from the family, things slowly started falling into place with producers.”
Questions claims of high monthly salaries
He also cast doubt on reports suggesting bodyguards earn as much as Rs 8–10 lakh per month.“I don’t think they earn that kind of amount yearly. If a celebrity personally pays them based on mutual understanding, that’s different. But salaries are not that high. Who is paying Rs 8–10 lakh per month?”
From SRK’s trusted aide to security firm owner
Yaseen served as Shah Rukh Khan’s personal bodyguard for over a decade before launching his own venture, YK PROSEC, in 2015. The Mumbai-based firm now handles VIP protection and event security, catering to high-profile names like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.
