Bollywood's high-flying action hero, Tiger Shroff, known for his death-defying stunts on screen, has confessed to a surprising and very personal fear that grounds him in real life. The actor, who makes leaping off buildings look effortless, has developed a significant fear of flying, medically known as aerophobia.
The Turbulent Origin of a Fear
Tiger Shroff revealed that his fear of flying began after a particularly rough and turbulent flight a couple of years ago. The experience left a lasting psychological impact, transforming routine air travel into a source of deep anxiety. He shared that now, even days before a scheduled flight, he experiences physical symptoms like a racing heart, while his mind becomes flooded with frightening thoughts about the journey.
In a candid interview, the actor stated, "Recently I have developed this fear of flying. I was on a very turbulent flight a couple of years back, and since then I have developed aerophobia." This admission highlights a stark contrast between his on-screen persona and his off-screen reality.
Stuntman Fearlessness vs. Flight Anxiety
What makes this fear particularly ironic is Tiger's renowned comfort with performing dangerous stunts. He told The Hollywood Reporter that jumping off a building feels more natural to him than boarding an airplane. He explained this paradox with a vivid example, saying, "What’s weird is that you can ask me to do the most difficult stunt... ask me to jump off the roof of Grand Hyatt into the swimming pool. I can do that without thinking."
He emphatically added that the anxiety he feels about flying far surpasses any fear he has ever experienced while executing complex action sequences. This dichotomy between his professional bravery and personal phobia is a fascinating aspect of his personality.
Fitness as Therapy and the Struggle to Rest
To manage this fear and general stress, Tiger Shroff turns to intense physical activity. He described movement and working out as a form of therapy that helps him channel his anxieties. "I channelise that through my physicality and my physical expression. That's therapy for me," he shared.
This reliance on physical exertion is so profound that he admitted his trainers sometimes have to force him to stop and rest. While he acknowledges the importance of recovery for his body, he finds it mentally challenging to stay still, constantly seeking solace in motion.
Reflecting on a Gruelling Career and Recent Setbacks
Looking back at his filmography, Tiger Shroff described the making of his movies as "gruelling experiences," where each project pushed him harder than the last, especially in raising the bar for action sequences. He finds it painful yet proud to remember the immense effort behind each film.
However, on the work front, the actor's signature action style has faced recent headwinds. Most of his recent films, including the last release 'Baaghi 4', have been commercial failures, with the latter facing immense trolling for its underwhelming content. This professional challenge adds another layer to the current phase of his career.
Despite the box office struggles, his commitment to action remains unwavering. He often performs his own stunts, sometimes to the concern of his dedicated body double. "Sometimes my body double will look at me and ask, 'Sir, are you sure you want to do this?'" Tiger recalled. He jokingly noted that he ends up doing the double's job but ensures the professional still gets paid, showing his respect for the stunt community. His passion stems from a childhood inspired by action legends like Jackie Chan, for whom he feels no fear when emulating on set.
