Trigger warning: This article contains references to accidents, alcohol, and death.
Filmmaker Ashwini Dheer, known for films like Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge and Ajay Devgan’s Son of Sardaar, has tragically lost his 18-year-old son Jalaj Dheer in a car accident on November 23. Jalaj was reportedly traveling with three friends when the accident occurred, resulting in the death of Jalaj and one of his companions.
In a tragic incident reported by Free Press Journal, Ashwini Dheer’s 18-year-old son was traveling with three friends when their car collided with a divider on the Western Express Highway in Vile Parle. The group had set out from Bandra for Goregaon on a late night drive.
The car was being driven by 18-year-old Sahil Mendha, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time. As they approached Sahara Star Hotel, Mendha lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into the divider between the service road and the northbound bridge.
Sadly, Jalaj and another friend Sarth Kaushik, who was sitting in the rear seat, died after being taken to the hospital. Mendha was arrested on the basis of the statement of his fourth friend, Jaden Jimmy, who was present in the car. Police have sent Mendha’s blood samples for testing to confirm the presence of alcohol.
According to Jimmy, he and Mendha had gone to Jalaj’s house in Goregaon on the evening of 22 November, where Mendha drank two pegs of vodka. The group then decided to go for a drive around 3:30 in the morning.
After driving for a while, Mendha took over the car and drove at a speed of 120-150 km/hr. When they reached Sahara Star Hotel, Mendha became confused and lost control of the car, causing a fatal accident.
While Jimmy and Mendha suffered minor injuries, Jalaj and Sarthak were seriously injured. Jimmy, with the help of two people standing there, took Jalaj to the nearest hospital, but later the doctors declared him dead. Mendha took Sarthak to another hospital, but he was also declared dead. Jimmy files a complaint with the police, which leads to Mendha’s arrest.
Ashwini Dheer is a seasoned director, screenwriter and producer with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. He has directed four notable films: One Two Three, Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?, Son of Sardar, and Guest in London. As a writer, Dheer has contributed to films like You Me Aur Hum and Crazy 4.
Disclaimer: If you know someone who is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, please reach out to the authorities and report it. There are many helplines available for this.
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