Sooraj Pancholi has opened up about one of the darkest chapters of his life — the time he spent in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail after being accused in the 2013 Jiah Khan suicide case. In a recent interview with Hindi Rush, the actor offered a deeply personal account of his experience, describing the harsh conditions he endured while in custody.
Sooraj Pancholi recalls time in Arthur Road jail; says, “I was in the same cell where they had put Kasab”
Talking about going through solitary confinement which once held the infamous 26/11 convict Ajmal Kasab, Sooraj shared, “It’s all hazy. I was just a 21-year-old boy at the time. I was sent to Arthur Road Jail and put in the ‘andha cell’. I was in the same cell where they had put Kasab. They treated me like I’d done a bomb blast”. Recalling his days there, the actor added, “I didn’t even have a pillow; I’d sleep on newspapers. They treated me terribly, like I’d committed some horrible crime. I’m not exaggerating. It was only after four or five years that I understood what I’d been through. It felt like a dream when it was happening. The CBI investigation happened… it was difficult.”
Sooraj was accused of abetment in the suicide case of actress Jiah Khan in 2013. Ten years later, in 2023, the Mumbai CBI Court acquitted him of all charges, citing lack of evidence. While the verdict brought relief, the prolonged legal battle took a toll on his career and public image.
Reflecting on his journey after the case, Sooraj stated that he feels proud of how he handled the adversity and remained committed to his profession. In an earlier interview, he had opened up about how he stood up for himself and kept showcasing his faith on the belief that he would prove everyone wrong one day. The actor also mentioned that he is proud that he didn’t run away from it, but fought through it, took care of himself, and overcame it with faith and hope.
Sooraj Pancholi was last seen in Kesari Veer, a historical action drama that released in theatres on May 23. Directed by Prince Dhiman and co-produced by Kanubhai Chauhan of Chauhan Studios, the film marked a comeback of sorts for Pancholi along with featuring an ensemble cast including Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, and debutant Akanksha Sharma.
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