Jiah was a fighter, can't believe she took her life: Mother

Jiah Khan was a fighter and it is difficult to believe she took her own life, says her mother even as she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her daughter.

The 25-year-old US-born actress was found hanging at her residence here on June 3. It is speculated that a failed relationship with boyfriend Suraj, son of actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, led her to commit suicide.

"It is heartbreaking, unbelievable, why she did this? When someone is behaal (in bad shape), disturbed mentally and emotionally then they don't know what they are doing, what step they are taking. She was a fighter, soldier," Rabiya Khan said.

"She was very spiritual. She used to advice and counsel her sisters. Being elder, she was protective about them. It is surprising to know how 'kamjor' (weak) she was from within, we couldn't believe she did this."

Recalling the ill-fated day, Rabiya said, "We were out at around 8.30 pm and Jiah was to see an American show with one of her cousins. I was at my friend's place. We chatted through text messages. This was at around 9.30 pm. If I had known about her mental condition that day I wouldn't have left her alone."

On June 11, Suraj was arrested on the basis of a six-page note purportedly written by the actress. In the note, a deeply hurt Jiah has written about the "trauma and abuse" suffered at the hands of her lover (not mentioned by name in the letter).

Suraj (22) has been booked for abetment to suicide. "Her love was not respected and recognised," rued Rabiya. Jiah had told her mother about troubled relation with Suraj when she visited Rabiya in London a few months back.