Rupali Ganguly’s dignity was my priority, says lawyer and Bigg Boss fame Sana Raees Khan - Exclusive

Sana Raees Khan

Criminal lawyer Sana Raees Khan, known both for her courtroom prowess and her appearance on Bigg Boss, has been steadily carving a space for herself in the world of high-stakes litigation.

In an exclusive interview with MoneyControl, Sana spoke about her legal philosophy, her time on reality television, and, most importantly, her role in defending Anupamaa actress Rupali Ganguly. According to Sana, Rupali's case is not just a legal battle but a personal mission to uphold dignity.

Sana has handled many high-profile cases like Aryan Khan to Indrani Mukherjee, in her career till now and she’s no stranger to controversy.

We asked her what is that one thing that she sees before taking up any case, she said, "High-profile cases demand not just legal expertise, but extreme discretion, strategy, and emotional intelligence. In most cases, clients approach me directly based on my work, while in others, I’m referred or brought in when the matter is already critical. I don’t just take cases, I assess the depth, merit, and what I can bring to the table. It’s not about publicity; it’s about purpose."

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She was also representing Rupali Ganguly when they filed a defamation case against the Anupamaa actress' stepdaughter, Esha Verma.

In her case, Rupali Ganguly has alleged that between November 3, 2024, and December 3, 2024, Esha Verma launched a malicious campaign against her on social media.

Esha Verma had claimed in her social media posts, “Rupali physically hit my mother in Mumbai. She convinced my father to send divorce papers to my mother.”

Sana, who is Rupali's lawyer, said it was crucial to separate truth from spectacle. "In Rupali Ganguly’s case, the priority was her dignity, both legal and personal. There was emotional depth to the matter, and as a lawyer, I had to ensure facts took precedence over narratives. My focus was protecting her rights while handling the sensitive family dynamics with restraint and responsibility. Such cases are not just legal battles; they’re personal journeys," she told us.

As the case unfolded, public interest intensified, especially after a social media post by Rupali’s stepdaughter. Yet Sana remained firm in her commitment to due process.

"The case is progressing as per due process. We have successfully obtained an interim injunction in the defamation case filed by Rupali before the Hon’ble Bombay High Court, accompanied by a remarkable and significant observation by the Court. Social media may reflect sentiments, but the court of law works on evidence and legality."

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Addressing public rumours surrounding Rupali’s rapport with her co-stars, Sana called the Sarabhai vs Sarabhai actress very 'dignified'.

"I’ve interacted with her in a professional and legal capacity, and I can say she is dignified, sensitive, and very composed. Public perception can often be misleading. I judge people by how they conduct themselves under pressure, and I believe she has been graceful throughout," she further said.

Sana says choosing her cases is never just about profile or complexity but if she can make a real difference or not.

"I look for two things: merit and meaning. Some cases challenge you legally, others test you morally. I take up cases where I feel I can make a real difference, where truth needs a voice, and law needs clarity. If a case feels misaligned with my ethics or energy, I don’t hesitate to step away," said the fierce lawyer.

According to Sana, this commitment has guided her through some of the most scrutinised legal cases in the country.

Reflecting on her past work, she said, "Aryan’s (SRK's son Aryan Khan) case needed sharp legal defense and calm amidst chaos. Indrani’s case was layered, complex. Raveena’s was sensitive and reputational. I take cases where law meets complexity and where I can uphold justice without getting pulled into the noise around it," she explained.

Sana also explained that the risks and threats in her profession are a reality, especially when representing celebrities.

"Yes, threats are real. Especially when you defend high-profile individuals, not everyone wants justice to prevail. But I’m not someone who backs down. The moment fear dictates your choices, you’ve already surrendered," says Sana.

She further stresses that handling such situations requires a lot of precaution and she is now 'trained to stay calm'.

"I’m trained to stay calm under pressure legally and emotionally. I do take threats seriously and follow proper protocols. My family does get worried, but they also know this is my calling. They support me, even when they’re afraid, and that gives me strength."

We asked Sana about her stay in the Bigg Boss house and laughing it off she said the reality show was a far cry from the high-stress environment of criminal litigation.

"I did Bigg Boss purely for experience. It felt like a vacation from my otherwise relentless schedule. As someone constantly immersed in intense legal battles and high-pressure courtrooms, I saw it as an opportunity to step away from the chaos and observe life from a completely different lens," she laughed.

Discussing the Aryan Khan case, which captured national attention, Sana didn’t mince words: "The Aryan Khan case was a test not just of law, but of society’s rush to judge. The truth was simple—there was no possession, no consumption, no recovery. Yet the narrative ran wild. My job was to remind the system that justice cannot be sacrificed at the altar of spectacle. And we did that through law, not loudness."