Is a family dispute developing over Amitabh Bachchan's Jalsa bungalow?
What's the story
A dispute has reportedly erupted over Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan's iconic Jalsa bungalow in Mumbai. His sister-in-law Ramola Bachchan, wife of his brother Ajitabh, has reportedly challenged a gift deed from 1993 that transferred the property's ownership to Jaya Bachchan. The matter is currently under investigation by the concerned authorities.
Dispute details
Ramola has filed multiple complaints
Ramola has lodged several complaints with registration authorities in the last seven months, alleging she was neither informed about nor did she consent to the transfer of Jalsa's ownership.
The dispute resurfaced after attempts were allegedly made to substitute her name with Jaya's on the government's Property Card for Jalsa, reported Bollywood Hungama citing a Mumbai Mirror report.
Ownership confusion
Property card shows discrepancy
Reportedly, Jalsa was first registered in Ramola's name before being transferred to Jaya.
However, while the Kapol Housing Society records show Jaya as the owner, the Property Card still bears Ramola's name.
This discrepancy has raised questions about how the 1993 gift deed was executed.
Legal concerns
Allegations against the gift deed
Ramola has raised questions about the legitimacy of the 1993 gift deed, alleging it was written on plain paper without stamp duty and lacked witnesses.
She has also questioned its registration and regularization under the Abhay Yojana scheme.
The case has now been sent to the office of the Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies, Andheri.
Official response
Hearing has begun, says Deputy Registrar
Deputy Registrar Faiyaz Mulani confirmed to Mumbai Mirror that they have received the complaint and a hearing has been initiated. He added that the other parties involved have been asked to submit their responses.
Meanwhile, Bachchan did not respond to queries from the portal, while Jaya couldn't be reached for comment. Their son-actor Abhishek Bachchan's spokesperson refused to comment, calling it an internal family matter.
Property background
More about Jalsa and its history
Jalsa, one of Mumbai's most famous celebrity residences, has been associated with the Bachchan family for decades.
Originally named Mansa and owned by producer NC Sippy, reports suggest it was given to Big B as payment for his 1982 film Satte Pe Satta.
The superstar has previously spoken about buying, selling, and then reacquiring the property.