Son Of Sardaar director Ashwni Dhir’s son, Jalaj Dhir, lost his life in a car accident on the Western Express Highway in Mumbai. The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of November 23 near Vile Parle, as reported by The Free Press Journal. Jalaj was only 18 years old.
As per reports, the teenager was out on a late-night drive with three friends: Sahil Mendha (18), Sarth Kaushik (18), and Jedan Jimmy (18). According to the report, Sahil, who was driving the car, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and lost control of the vehicle near the Sahara Star Hotel, crashing into a divider.
While Sahil and Jedan escaped with minor injuries, Jalaj and Sarth, seated in the back, sustained critical injuries. Both succumbed after being rushed to the hospital. Jalaj was initially taken to a hospital in Jogeshwari East before being transferred to Kokilaben Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
How the accident unfolded
According to the FPJ report, Jedan Jimmy revealed that the group had been at Jalaj’s house on the night of November 22. Sahil had consumed alcohol earlier at a friend’s place before joining them. Around 3:30 am, the group decided to go for a drive. Initially, Jedan drove the car, but Sahil took over as they headed back.
Jimmy stated that during the return journey, Sahil was driving at an alarming speed of 120-150 km per hour. The crash occurred near the Sahara Star Hotel when Sahil lost control of the vehicle. Following the accident, Sahil was arrested by Mumbai Police based on Jedan’s complaint. Authorities have sent Sahil’s blood samples for testing to confirm alcohol levels.
About Ashwni Dhir
Jalaj’s father, Ashwni Dhir, is a renowned filmmaker and television producer. Known for directing popular films like One Two Three (2008), Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (2010), Son of Sardaar (2012), and Guest iin London (2017), Ashwni has also produced beloved TV serials such as Lapataganj, Chidiya Ghar, Neeli Chatri Waale, and Har Shaakh Pe Ullu Baithaa Hai.
At the time of the tragedy, Ashwni was in Goa for the world premiere of his new film, Hisaab Barabar, at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).