When Jeetendra faced #MeToo allegations; cousin accused actor of sexual assault at the age of 18

Jeetendra

Jeetendra, a legendary actor and dancer, is celebrated for his magnetic presence and flawless dance moves, making him one of the most admired stars in Indian cinema. Known for his irresistible charm, his on-screen chemistry with icons like Jaya Prada and Sridevi remains unforgettable. Beyond his romantic roles, Jeetendra showcased his diverse acting talent in films like Parichay, Kinara, Khushboo, Himmatwala, Tohfa, and Farz, earning widespread recognition for his contributions to the film industry.

JEETENDRA AND SHOBHA KAPOOR

While Jeetendra's career achievements are widely acclaimed, his personal life also played a significant role in shaping his legacy. In 1974, he married Shobha Kapoor, a fan who later became his life partner, and together, they raised two children: Ekta Kapoor, a renowned producer, and Tusshar Kapoor, an accomplished actor. However, despite their successful family life, Jeetendra faced a major controversy that severely impacted both his reputation and career.

FIR AGAINST JEETENDRA 

On February 16, 2018, Jeetendra’s cousin filed an FIR accusing him of sexual assault under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The complaint alleged that in January 1971, when Jeetendra was 28 and his cousin was 18, the actor had arranged for her to join him in Shimla without her knowledge. According to her, Jeetendra, in an inebriated state, entered their hotel room, joined their separate beds together, and sexually assaulted her. The incident reportedly had a profound impact on her life, but she chose to stay silent until 2018, when the #MeToo movement gained momentum. Encouraged by the movement, Jeetendra’s cousin decided to come forward with her allegations.

The accusations posed a severe threat to Jeetendra’s reputation and brought immense distress to his family. Jeetendra’s lawyer, Rizwan Siddiquee, quickly responded to the allegations, calling them baseless and motivated by envy. In his statement, Siddiquee said, "Such baseless, ridiculous, and fabricated claims cannot be entertained by any Court of law or the law enforcement agencies after a span of almost 50 years. The timing of this baseless complaint seems to be nothing but a miserable effort made by a jealous competitor to disrupt the business activities of my client and his esteemed company."

#METOO AGAINST JEETENDRA

After a thorough investigation, the Himachal Pradesh High Court delivered its final verdict on May 22, 2019, clearing Jeetendra of all charges. Justice Ajay Mohan quashed the FIR, stating that the allegations lacked evidence and appeared vague and absurd. His judgment also highlighted that the complaint may have been filed as an act of revenge, following the rejection of the complainant’s daughter during an audition conducted by Balaji Motion Pictures, owned by Jeetendra’s family.

JEETENDRA NOT GUILTY IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE REPORTED BY HIS COUSIN 

Justice Ajay Mohan's 26-page judgment cleared Jeetendra's name, confirming that the allegations against him were baseless. The court's ruling restored faith in his innocence, providing much-needed relief to his family and fans. Despite the turmoil caused by the controversy, especially for his wife Shobha Kapoor, daughter Ekta Kapoor, and son Tusshar Kapoor, the truth eventually prevailed, helping them endure the challenging period.