“Kangana and I were like husband and wife,” Aditya Pancholi recalls, speaks on their turbulent past

Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, in the early days of her career, was in a relationship with actor Aditya Pancholi. Kangana had previously alleged that Pancholi, who was much older than her, had confined her at home. In contrast, Pancholi described their bond as being like husband and wife, stating, “I was building a house for both of us on Yari Road.”

A relationship under the spotlight
Some Bollywood relationships, once they fall apart, reveal bitter truths to the public. The relationship between Aditya Pancholi and Kangana was one such example. Initially kept private, their personal life became public when conflicts escalated. While Kangana was starting her career, Pancholi, already married, developed a romantic relationship with her. What began as a seemingly sweet affair turned into a source of distress for both.

Kangana has alleged that Pancholi, who was of her father’s age, physically assaulted her at 17, prompting her to defend herself by hitting him with a slipper. Pancholi, on the other hand, has claimed in interviews that he supported Kangana both personally and professionally, and that their relationship resembled that of a married couple.

Kangana’s escape and allegations
Kangana revealed in an interview that Pancholi confined her at home, forcing her to jump from the first-floor window to escape. She also alleged emotional abuse and that Pancholi’s wife did not support her, prompting her to seek help from the police.

Financial disputes and support
The couple was together for five years. At the time of their breakup, Pancholi was 43 and Kangana was 21. Pancholi claimed that Kangana owed him money for a house: he helped her secure a loan of ₹50 lakh and also gave her ₹55 lakh in cash, of which she returned ₹25 lakh. Pancholi said, “I only want the remaining ₹30 lakh back.”

Pancholi also mentioned supporting Kangana’s family during a crisis. He covered the cost of Kangana’s sister Rangoli’s plastic surgery after an acid attack, spending around ₹10 lakh, and even reimbursed director Mukesh Bhatt ₹50,000. He stated, “I have forgiven everything, but I want the money I gave her for the house back.”

A turbulent relationship
Pancholi described their early days together: “When I met Kangana, she had no money and was mentally distressed. It was 27 June 2004. She was drenched in rain and sitting on a bike with a boy from her acting institute. She came to me and greeted me warmly, introducing herself as Kangana. A friend had asked me to help her when she arrived in Mumbai, and I couldn’t refuse.”

He added, “I built a house for us, provided her with a phone, and lived together in a friend’s home for three years. I even showed her many films. But when I discovered the phone bills, I realized she had been secretly talking to another man for 5,000 minutes in a month. I felt completely deceived.”

Pancholi admitted to physical fights after discovering Kangana’s messages with another actor. Despite this, he says he still wished to support her. “I gave her five years of my life and even risked my marriage. I became her manager and father figure. I only wanted honesty from her.”

He concluded by praising his wife, Zarina: “She has been my pillar of strength. Despite everything, she says she wants to be my wife for seven lifetimes.”