The actor used Instagram to refute any connection with the late manager and to protest ongoing online abuse and death threats.
Mumbai – On Thursday, actor Sooraj Pancholi took to Instagram to set the record straight about his alleged involvement in the Disha Salian case. In a lengthy caption, the ‘Hero’ star insisted he has never met the late manager of Sushant Singh Rajput, nor has he ever crossed paths with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.
"I have never met late Disha Salian or Aditya Thackeray in my life," Pancholi wrote, adding that the claim persists despite his repeated denials. He said the online vitriol has not eased, noting that he continues to receive name‑calling and even death threats. "I am not scared," the actor declared, emphasizing his resolve to speak openly when given a proper platform.
The post came after the Bombay High Court ordered a fresh Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Salian’s 2020 death. The newly filed FIR lists several personalities, including Pancholi, Aaditya Thackeray, Rohan Roy and Rhea Chakraborty, for further scrutiny. While the investigation is still in its early stages, Pancholi’s Instagram note makes clear that he feels his reputation has been unfairly tarnished.
According to the Free Press Journal, Pancholi’s caption also called out the media for sensationalising his name. He asked for an "educated journalist" willing to ask “difficult, uncomfortable questions” face‑to‑face, without the theatrics of a camera crew shouting for reactions. "All I ask is that it is done with composure, with facts, and with some basic understanding of journalism and humanity," he wrote.
The actor lamented the years he believes he has lost due to the controversy. "I have already lost years of my life, years I can never get back," Pancholi said, insisting that the harassment stems from "issues certain people have with members of my family" rather than any wrongdoing on his part.
He also appealed directly to investigative agencies, urging them to complete the probe without further delay. "Please investigate this matter thoroughly, completely and without any further delay," the caption concluded.
The FIR, filed after the court’s order, is part of a broader effort to re‑examine the circumstances surrounding Salian’s death, which has remained a flashpoint in Bollywood ever since. While the probe is still pending, Pancholi’s public statement adds another layer to the ongoing debate about accountability, media ethics and the impact of online trolling on public figures.
Fans and netizens have already taken to Twitter, with some defending the actor’s right to a fair hearing and others demanding that the investigation remain impartial. The hashtag #PancholiTruth began trending shortly after the Instagram post, reflecting the polarized sentiment.
As the CBI moves forward, all eyes will be on whether the agency can separate fact from speculation. For Pancholi, the next step appears to be waiting for that "right time" – a sit‑down with a journalist who will let him answer every question without fear.
The case is expected to stay in headlines for the coming weeks, with further statements likely once the investigation yields more details.
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