Got named Tiger because I used to bite

Says Tiger Shroff on the occasion of International Tiger Day.

Tiger Shroff who had adopted a tigress while promoting his debut film, Heropanti, in Nagpur, is now taking up the cause of his endangered namesake a step further. Commemorating Tiger Day today, the actor has written a letter to Anil Dave, Minister of State, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, urging him and PETA India to ensure that the government's focus is on protecting tigers in their natural habitat. "I have been associated with the cause since my Heropanti days. I'm trying to make a difference by spreading awareness," says the actor.

Has he also tapped into his industry social circles for the cause? "I have been speaking to colleagues about Lee, the tigress I adopted, and urging them to join the cause. Small gestures, like I pay for Lee's food, can help," he avers, sighing over the fact because of his busy schedule he can't visit Lee as often as he'd like to but ensures that she is looked after well and is constantly in touch.

Was his name a source of embarrassment growing up? "No, there was no other Tiger in school so everyone thought my name was cool. I hope that I can take my career to the heights that other successful Tigers like golfer Tigers Woods and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi did. I got the name Tiger because I used to bite and scratch people as a child," Tiger admits shyly. Next up, the Flying Jatt plans to tap into his fan base to further the cause, and not just with tigers, but other animals as well.