Court Bans 'Haunted' Label for Rajesh Khanna's Ex-Home

The Bombay High Court has issued an interim order restricting media organizations and online platforms from labeling the property formerly known as Aashirwad, once owned by the late Rajesh Khanna, as "haunted," "cursed," or "unlucky." This decision came after the current owner, businessman Shashi Shetty, filed a plea arguing that these descriptions were defamatory and impacted his right to peaceful living.

Justice Arif S Doctor noted that the claims appeared prima facie defamatory and infringed on Shetty's fundamental right to live with dignity. The original bungalow was demolished approximately ten years ago, but Shetty retained the name Aashirwad for his new four-storey residence on the same plot. He approached the court after encountering numerous reports and posts describing the property negatively.

The court observed that the respondents had not appeared to justify their publications, suggesting the content was created for sensationalism. This ad-interim relief will remain in effect until the next hearing on August 21, 2026. Aashirwad holds significant historical value in Bollywood, being associated with the immense success of both Rajendra Kumar and Rajesh Khanna.