The Bombay High Court has issued a ruling preventing media organizations and online platforms from describing the iconic bungalow Aashirwad, formerly owned by the late superstar Rajesh Khanna, as “haunted,” “cursed,” or “unlucky.” This decision came after businessman Shashi Shetty, the current owner, claimed that such descriptions were harmful and disturbed his right to live peacefully.
Justice Arif S Doctor delivered the preliminary order on July 24, noting that the claims against the property appeared defamatory and violated Shetty’s right to live with dignity.
Shetty filed the case after finding various media stories, social media posts, and online videos labeling the property in negative terms. Although the original bungalow was demolished nearly ten years ago, Shetty decided to keep the name Aashirwad while building a new four-storey family home on the same lot.
During the court hearing, Shetty’s lawyer, Birendra Saraf, pointed out that the new residence was still linked to these unfounded claims, referencing an article that listed Aashirwad as one of India’s “haunted” houses.
The court acknowledged Shetty’s request for protection, agreeing that such allegations could intrude on his right to live in peace. Notably, none of the media representatives appeared in court to defend their claims, which the judge saw as an attempt to generate sensational stories at the owner’s expense.
This temporary relief order will remain in place until the next court date on August 21, 2026.
Aashirwad holds significant importance in Bollywood history, previously owned by Khanna, who bought it from fellow actor Rajendra Kumar for ₹3.5 lakh. Kumar had originally acquired it in the late 1950s for just ₹65,000 and earned the nickname “Jubilee Kumar” during his successful stint there. Rajesh Khanna then moved in and achieved unprecedented fame as Hindi cinema’s first superstar.
