Bombay High Court Bars 'Haunted' And 'Cursed' References To Rajesh Khanna's Former Bungalow.

In a significant order aimed at protecting reputation and curbing the spread of unverified claims, the Bombay High Court has restrained media organisations, digital platforms, and other entities from referring to late superstar Rajesh Khanna’s iconic former bungalow, Aashirwad, as “haunted,” “cursed,” or a “ghost bungalow.” The interim order comes in response to a petition filed by the property's present owner, who argued that such descriptions have caused reputational damage and adversely affected the property's image and value.

For decades, Aashirwad has remained one of Bollywood’s most famous residences. Located on Mumbai’s prestigious Carter Road in Bandra, the sea-facing bungalow became synonymous with Rajesh Khanna’s unprecedented superstardom during the 1970s. Fans would gather outside the bungalow in huge numbers, hoping to catch a glimpse of the actor who became Hindi cinema’s first superstar.

However, alongside its cinematic legacy, the bungalow also became the subject of persistent rumours and urban legends. Over the years, several reports, blogs, YouTube videos, and articles described the property as “haunted” or “cursed,” often linking these claims to the professional and personal setbacks experienced by some of its former owners. While these stories gained popularity online, they were never supported by any factual or scientific evidence and gradually became part of Bollywood folklore.

The current owner approached the Bombay High Court contending that these repeated descriptions were defamatory and misleading. According to the petition, the continuous circulation of such stories not only tarnished the property's reputation but also interfered with the owner's right to enjoy the property peacefully and with dignity. The petitioner further argued that sensational content created solely to attract online traffic was causing unnecessary harm.

After considering the submissions, the Bombay High Court observed that repeatedly describing the property as haunted or cursed could infringe upon the owner's right to live with dignity and adversely affect the property's standing. The Court consequently granted interim relief, restraining media outlets and other parties from publishing or broadcasting such characterizations until further orders.

Aashirwad's history stretches back long before Rajesh Khanna made it famous. The bungalow was earlier owned by veteran actor Rajendra Kumar, who had purchased the property after it reportedly carried a local reputation for being abandoned or haunted. Rajendra Kumar renovated the house and named it "Dimple" after his daughter. Later, Rajesh Khanna bought the bungalow and renamed it Aashirwad, turning it into one of the most recognisable celebrity homes in India.

Following Rajesh Khanna’s death in 2012, the bungalow remained in the spotlight. It was eventually sold, later demolished, and replaced by a modern residential structure. Even after its demolition, the myths surrounding the property continued to circulate across digital platforms and social media, often reviving old speculation whenever the bungalow was discussed.

The High Court's order serves as an important reminder of the legal responsibilities of media organisations and content creators in the digital age. While historical events and public personalities remain legitimate subjects of reporting, courts have increasingly emphasised that speculative narratives presented as fact can unfairly damage the reputation of individuals and properties. The ruling underscores that freedom of expression does not extend to publishing unverified allegations that may cause reputational or commercial harm.

The decision may also influence how legacy properties associated with celebrities are reported in the future. Bollywood has long been surrounded by myths, superstitions, and folklore, but the Court's intervention highlights the distinction between entertainment-driven storytelling and factual reporting.

Rajesh Khanna’s Aashirwad continues to occupy a special place in Indian cinema's history not because of rumours or superstition, but because it witnessed the extraordinary rise of one of Bollywood's most celebrated stars. For generations of movie lovers, the bungalow remains a symbol of the unmatched fan frenzy that defined Rajesh Khanna’s golden era.

With this interim order, the Bombay High Court has effectively drawn a legal line against sensational labels unsupported by evidence, reinforcing that historical significance should not be overshadowed by unfounded myths. As the matter proceeds further in court, the ruling sends a broader message that reputation whether of an individual or a property deserves protection against misleading narratives presented as truth.