for her roles in films like Nishabd and Ghajini, was found dead in her Juhu, Mumbai apartment. Her boyfriend at the time, actor Sooraj Pancholi, was arrested for abetment to suicide based on a six-page suicide note that described their troubled relationship. Although Pancholi spent 22 days in jail, he was later released on bail.
In April 2023, a special CBI court in Mumbai acquitted Pancholi due to a “lack of evidence,” finally closing the high-profile case that spanned nearly a decade. Now, Sooraj’s mother, actress Zarina Wahab, has spoken about the incident, the impact on her family, and her son’s career in an interview with Lehren.
Zarina Wahab Claims Jiah Khan Attempted Suicide Before
Speaking about Jiah Khan, Zarina Wahab claimed that before meeting Sooraj Pancholi, the late actress had already attempted suicide multiple times. She said, “Uske pehle bhi usne 4-5 baar try kiya hai, lekin naseeb aisi thi ki jab mere bete ka turn aaya toh it happened.” Wahab refrained from delving into further details about Jiah’s personal life, saying, “Woh kya karti thi sab jaante hai, I don’t want to open my mouth.”
The statement has reignited discussions about mental health in the film industry and the pressures faced by young actors and actresses.
Impact on Sooraj Pancholi’s Career
The allegations surrounding Jiah Khan’s death derailed Sooraj Pancholi’s budding career. After a promising debut in Hero (2015), his career failed to take off, largely due to the controversy and public scrutiny surrounding the case. Zarina Wahab highlighted the toll the case took on Sooraj, saying:
“It took 10 years, but he is out of it, and I am happy. It has affected Sooraj’s career. We all went through a bad time, but I believe in one thing: ‘If you spoil anybody’s life with lies, take it as a loan; it will come to you with interest.’ Karma says that.”
Despite the challenges, Sooraj recently shared in an interview that he has moved on and is currently in a relationship with someone outside the film industry.
A Decade of Legal Battle
The Jiah Khan case remained in the spotlight for years, with numerous debates, media trials, and public opinions dividing sentiments. While the Pancholi family maintained Sooraj’s innocence throughout, Jiah’s mother, Rabia Khan, stood firm on her allegations. She claimed her daughter’s death was not suicide but murder.
The CBI court’s verdict in 2023 finally brought closure to the legal aspect of the case, but the emotional and professional scars linger for those involved.
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Mental Health Conversations Resurface
Zarina Wahab’s statements have brought the focus back to mental health, especially within the high-pressure environment of Bollywood. Jiah’s case is a grim reminder of the challenges young actors face, often battling personal issues while living under constant public scrutiny.
The industry has, over the years, become more vocal about mental health awareness, but incidents like Jiah’s death underline the need for continued support and conversations.
A Glimmer of Hope for Sooraj Pancholi
With the legal battle behind him, Sooraj Pancholi appears to be rebuilding his life and career. His recent candid admission about being in a relationship shows a more private and grounded approach to life. Fans of the actor hope to see him return to the big screen and live up to the promise he showed in Hero.
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Summary Table
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Jiah Khan’s Death | June 3, 2013, ruled a suicide |
| Charges on Sooraj Pancholi | Abetment to suicide |
| Jail Time | 22 days |
| Verdict | Acquitted by CBI court (April 2023) |
| Impact on Career | Sooraj’s career stagnated post-2015 |
| Zarina Wahab’s Claim | Jiah attempted suicide multiple times |
| Sooraj’s Current Status | In a relationship; career rebuilding |