We have all witnessed Bollywood star lookalikes performing at various shows and events. But very rarely have we heard of a Bollywood star lookalike becoming a part of a sting operation team. And it seems, there’s a solid reason behind it. The plight of Shatrughan Sinha lookalike Balbir Singh Rajput is enough to wean anyone off of partaking in stings. The 84-year-old man who was a part of a sting on parliament security is regretting his decision.
The sting operation was an attempt to check the parliament security arrangements post the 2001 attack. Not knowing what the future has in store for him, Shatrughan Sinha lookalike Balbir took part in the sting. Before we delve any further into what happened first, let’s compare the looks of Shatrughan Sinha lookalike with the actor himself. Have a look:
Left- Balbir Singh Rajput, Right- Actor Shatrughan Sinha. Source
The resemblance is uncanny, right? This similarity between their looks is what helped Balbir get inside the parliament in the 2003 sting. He easily went through the security guards but could not fool the actor’s staff. After the whole sting got telecast on the TV, it drew the attention of the authorities. In 2004, they made a case against Shatrughan Sinha lookalike Balbir and the TV channel crew.
Today, 15 years after the incident Balbir Singh Rajput is still facing the charges. The channel crew, on the other hand, is free of any charges. In this duration, Balbir has suffered 2 heart attacks and is in severe crisis mode. It is surprising how the channel crew who made the whole plan got off so easily while the man who was a mere participant continues to pay the price.
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Balbir Singh Rajput. Source
In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, Balbir Singh Rajput urged the media to help him. This is what he was quoted as saying:
“I am the bali ka bakra. The sting earned TRPs while I shuttled between police stations and courts, and later even suffered heart attacks. I am the only one who is still facing charges in the case.”
Actor Shatrughan Sinha. Source
Furthermore, the Shatrughan Sinha lookalike has been forgiven by the actor himself. This is what Sinha reportedly told a media daily:
“I have forgiven him. It was a prank, we all enjoyed it. He seems to be a poor, simple guy. I will humbly appeal to society in general and the government, in particular, to forgive him, especially looking at his age and ill health.”
Agreed that there is a need to set a precedent to stop such incidents from happening again. But isn’t this bordering on cruelty and injustice?
