Bombay High Court Limits Media’s Use of “Haunted” and “Cursed” for Rajesh Khanna’s Aashirwad Bungalow
The Bombay High Court has issued an interim order prohibiting media organizations and online platforms from labeling Aashirwad, the iconic bungalow once owned by the late superstar Rajesh Khanna, as “haunted,” “cursed,” or “unlucky.” This decision came after businessman Shashi Shetty, the current owner of the property, argued that such descriptions were defamatory and infringed upon his right to live peacefully. Justice Arif S Doctor passed the order on July 24, emphasizing the need to protect Shetty’s dignity.
Court’s Ruling on Defamatory Claims
The case was brought to the High Court by Shashi Shetty, who now owns the land where Aashirwad once stood. Although the original bungalow was demolished nearly a decade ago, Shetty chose to retain the name Aashirwad when he constructed a new four-storey family residence on the same site. During court proceedings, Shetty revealed that he had encountered numerous news reports, social media posts, and online videos that described the property in negative terms.
Senior advocate Birendra Saraf, representing Shetty, informed the court that despite the original bungalow’s absence, the new residence was still associated with claims of being haunted or cursed. He pointed out an article published by India.com, which included Aashirwad in a list titled “19 Real Haunted Houses in India That Will Give You A Cold Sweat.” The court found these allegations to be prima facie defamatory and noted that they could interfere with Shetty’s right to live peacefully and with dignity.
Sensationalism at the Plaintiff’s Expense
In granting interim relief, the High Court remarked that Shetty was “wholly justified” in seeking protection from such defamatory claims. Justice Doctor noted that the published material suggested that Shetty resided in a haunted and supposedly cursed bungalow. The court also highlighted that none of the respondents appeared before it to defend or justify their publications, indicating a lack of accountability for the sensationalism created at Shetty’s expense.
The ad-interim relief granted by the court will remain in effect until the matter is scheduled for a hearing on August 21, 2026.
The Legacy of Aashirwad
Aashirwad is renowned in Bollywood history due to its association with Rajesh Khanna, who purchased the bungalow from veteran actor Rajendra Kumar for Rs 3.5 lakh. Kumar had acquired the property in the late 1950s for Rs 65,000. The bungalow has long been linked to the remarkable success of both actors. Rajendra Kumar earned the nickname “Jubilee Kumar” while living there, thanks to a series of successful films. Later, Rajesh Khanna moved into Aashirwad and became Hindi cinema’s first superstar, enjoying unprecedented popularity during the peak of his career.
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