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Jiah Khan suicide case final verdict today; actor Sooraj Pancholi & family ‘anxious’

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Indian Bollywood actress Jiah Khan attends the launch of the digital campaign for Hindi film “Housefull” in Mumbai on April 29, 2010.AFP PHOTO/STR. (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)

Sooraj was arrested by the police after a suicide letter purportedly written by Jiah was found

Nearly a decade after then upcoming actor Jiah Khan was found dead by suicide in her Juhu home, a special CBI court is today likely to pronounce its verdict on whether actor Sooraj Pancholi – her partner then, had abetted the act of the 25-year-old.

Jiah had died by suicide on June 3, 2013. Sooraj, then 22, was charged under Sec 306 of the Indian Penal Code (abetment of suicide) and arrested a week after the unfortunate incident.

The case saw many a controversy with Jiah’s mother Rabia Khan alleging that it was not a case of suicide, but a murder. She had approached the Bombay High Court with a write petition too in this regard and had also sought transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 

The Juhu police station, that had probed the case before it was taken over by the CBI, had ruled out murder and stuck to the charge of suicide abetment. The case was later transferred to the CBI by the HC in July 2014. At the end of the year, the CBI too, maintained the charge of abetment contrary to the mother’s allegations. The mother had then made a plea before the trial court seeking that further investigation on certain aspects be conducted, including forensic probe of mobile phones. The trial court has rejected the plea.

In March, 2019, the trial in the case began with the deposition of a police procedure-related witness. The CBI examined 21 witnesses during the trial and closed the case. Recently, in a final statement given by an accused to court, as per procedure, Sooraj, on questions asked by the special court, refuted being responsible for the death of Jiah. Last week, the CBI as well as Sooraj’s lawyers made their final arguments and the court reserved the case for verdict. 

According to Bar and Bench, special judge AS Sayyad had completed hearing the final arguments on the case on April 20 following which he reserved the verdict. It will be announced on Friday.

A news report states that a member of the Pancholi family has revealed that everyone including Sooraj Pancholi is ‘anxious’ but also ‘positive’ about the verdict.

Sooraj Pancholi to court: Not responsible for Jiah Khan’s death

Earlier this month, Sooraj denied being responsible for his late partner Jiah Khan’s suicide and claimed that their relationship was good throughout the time they were together.

The actor answered 558 questions that a special court had put to him in connection with Jiah’s suicide, which he is accused of abetting.

Jiah Khan’s death

Jiah was found hanging in her room on June 3, 2013, at her Mumbai residence by her mother, Rabiya Khan. The actress left behind a suicide note blaming Sooraj Pancholi for the extreme step.

Jiah’s mother Rabiya Khan has repeatedly claimed that her daughter was murdered by Pancholi. However, Sooraj was released on bail.

Following his bail, Jiah’s mother moved to the Bombay High Court and sought a transfer of the probe to the CBI.

Bollywood

Anil Kapoor: ‘Subedaar’ is much more than just an action film

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Mumbai, Dec 24: On Anil Kapoor’s 68th birthday on Tuesday, the makers of “Subedaar” shared the actor’s first look from the upcoming film, which he says is much more than just an action movie.

Anil said in a statement: “Subedaar is special!!! It’s much more than just an action film; it’s about resilience, honor, family and the relentless fight we face in life.”

The first look starts with gritty visuals, accompanied by a gripping Subedaar theme track. Anil embodies a rugged and intense persona with absolute finesse. The video, with its escalating tension, offers a glimpse into what can only be described as a full-throttle, powerhouse performance.

He said: “Revealing this first glimpse of Subedaar Arjun Maurya on my birthday is my gift to the fans who have supported me all these years!”

Directed by Suresh Triveni, the action drama is produced by Vikram Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, and Triveni.

“I could not have asked a better director than Suresh to captain this film and it is equally special to partner with Vikram and team as we bring this story to life,” said the actor.

“Subedaar” also stars Radhikka Madan in the lead role. The film, set against the backdrop of India’s heartland, delves into the gripping journey of Subedaar Arjun Maurya, who now faces the turbulence of civilian life. Featuring the dynamic Anil Kapoor, alongside the talented Radhikka Madan, who plays his daughter.

An Opening Image Films and Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN) production, the action-packed drama recently wrapped an intense outdoor shoot in UP and is set to commence its last leg of filming in January.

On December 23, the actor remembered his father Surinder Kapoor on his 99th birth anniversary. He said that his simplicity, honesty, and joy not only defined him but gave his life meaning.

“Subedaar” is a Prime Video Original film.

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Aamir Khan on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Oscar Exit: This is not the end but a step forward

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Mumbai, Dec 18: The producers of “Laapataa Ladies,” Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions, have expressed their reactions following the film’s exit from the Oscars 2025 race.

As India’s official entry in the Best Foreign Feature Film category, Laapataa Ladies held high hopes but unfortunately did not make it to the top 15 shortlist. While the producers admitted to being disappointed by the outcome, they remain proud of the film’s journey and the recognition it garnered along the way.

In a statement, Aamir Khan Productions said, “Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) did not make it to the Academy Awards shortlist this year, and we are of course disappointed, but equally we are immensely grateful for the incredible support and belief we’ve received throughout this journey. We at Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions extend our gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for considering our film.”

“To be included in this prestigious process alongside some of the finest films from across the world is an honor in itself. Our heartfelt thanks to all the audiences around the world who have expressed their love and support for our film. We congratulate the teams of all the top 15 shortlisted films and wish them the very best in the next stages of the awards. For us, this is not the end but a step forward. We remain committed to bringing more powerful stories to life and sharing them with the world. Thank you for being part of this journey,” the statement further read.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the shortlist of 15 films competing for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars. Unfortunately, India’s official submission, Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies), did not make the cut.

Directed by Kiran Rao, the film had been unanimously chosen by the Film Federation of India (FFI) as the country’s entry, but its selection stirred debate. Many critics argued that Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” would have been a more competitive choice for the prestigious category.

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‘Pushpa 2’ fever grips Akshay Kumar

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Mumbai, Dec 17: As “Pushpa 2” fever continues to take over, Akshay Kumar has joined in on the excitement by recreating the film’s most iconic dialogue, “Wildfire hu.”

In a video circulating on the internet, Akshay is seen delivering Allu Arjun’s iconic line, “Wildfire hu.” Soon after the video surfaced online, fans couldn’t help but gush over Khiladi Kumar. One netizen commented, “Wow, amazing @akshaykumar sir, wildfire pose of mega superstar @alluarjun from #Pushpa2TheRule, great!” Another said, “I remember he supported Pushpa 1 also.”

Not to forget, in 2021, Akshay had penned a congratulatory note for Allu Arjun after the success of “Pushpa: The Rise.”

The ‘Airlift’ actor had written, “Congratulations @alluarjun on the massive response you have received from all over India for #PushpaTheRise, another big win for our industry… planning to watch it real soon. @GTelefilms.” In response, Allu Arjun replied, “Thank you very much, Akshay ji. Nice of you to send your warm wishes. Congratulations to you too. Glad people are coming back to theatres & the Indian film industry is shining again.”

“Pushpa 2: The Rule,” directed by Sukumar, features Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil. Released in theatres on December 5, the movie has crossed a remarkable Rs 1000 crore globally within just seven days. The sequel to the 2021 hit has reportedly earned Rs 902 crore at the India box office. It also became the first Hindi film to collect over Rs 100 crore in its second weekend.

Recently, Allu Arjun was arrested in connection with the death of a fan at the premiere of “Pushpa 2.” He was released from jail, with several stars visiting his residence afterward.

In a statement, the actor revealed that his legal team has advised him not to meet anyone or visit his family at this time.

In his note, the actor wrote, “I remain deeply concerned about young Sri Tej, who is under constant medical care after the unfortunate incident.”

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