On April 28, 2023, a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Mumbai acquitted actor Sooraj Pancholi of the charges of aiding and abetting in the suicide of actress Jiah Khan, nearly ten years after her death. Pancholi, the son of Bollywood actor Aditya Pancholi, was seen seeking blessings at the Siddhivinayak temple the next day, after the verdict was issued.
As Pancholi arrived at the temple, his pictures and videos were widely circulated on social media. In a video shared by a paparazzi, Pancholi was seen stepping out of his car, greeting the paps, and entering the temple. After seeking darshan, Pancholi came out holding prasad and a photo frame of Lord Ganesha.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrnodxfgHTq/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=However, some netizens were quick to point out that one of his staff members had brought his shoes and kept them in front of him. Pancholi was seen picking up the shoes and putting them aside with the same hand he used to hold the Ganesha photo. Before leaving the temple, he talked with a few passersby.
After the video was shared by popular paparazzi Viral Bhayani, many netizens criticized Pancholi for what they perceived as a lack of basic manners. They were baffled by the fact that Pancholi held the Ganesha photo after touching his shoes.
Despite the controversy, Pancholi has maintained his innocence throughout the trial and expressed his relief at being acquitted of the charges. Jiah Khan’s death remains a tragic event in Bollywood history, and the verdict has brought some closure to both the Khan family and Pancholi.
Pancholi made his Bollywood debut with the film “Hero” in 2015 and has appeared in a few films since then. “Time To Dance” was his most recent project. Despite the negative publicity surrounding the Jiah Khan case, Pancholi’s fans have continued to support him and look forward to his future projects.