In a heartbreaking incident, Jalaj Dhir, the 18-year-old son of Bollywood filmmaker Ashwni Dhir, lost his life in a car accident on the Western Express Highway in Mumbai’s Vile Parle area during the early hours of November 23. Jalaj was traveling with three friends when the high-speed crash occurred.
Details of the Incident The tragic accident unfolded when Jalaj’s friend, Sahil Mendha, who was behind the wheel, reportedly drove under the influence of alcohol. The vehicle, moving at an estimated speed of 120-150 km/h, veered out of control and collided with a divider near the Sahara Star Hotel.
Jalaj and another friend, Sarthak Kaushik, also 18, succumbed to their injuries, while the remaining two passengers, Sahil and Jedan “Jimmy,” sustained minor injuries.
Sequence of Events The group had attended a house party in Goregaon East, where they reportedly stayed up late playing video games. Around 3:30 am, they decided to go for a drive. During their return journey, Sahil took over driving. The crash occurred at approximately 4:10 am. Jalaj was rushed to a hospital in Jogeshwari East and later transferred to Kokilaben Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Legal Action Taken Sahil Mendha has been arrested, and his blood samples have been sent for further testing. Authorities have attributed the accident to negligence and speeding.
Ashwni Dhir’s Work Interrupted by Tragedy Bollywood director Ashwni Dhir, known for films like Son of Sardaar and Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge, was in Goa attending the premiere of his latest project, His Hisaab Barabar, at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) when the tragedy occurred.
Actor R Madhavan, who is part of the film, expressed his condolences to the Dhir family, calling it a moment of both pride and immense sadness.
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