From Salman Khan to Allu Arjun & more: 16 Indian Actors Who Have Been To Jail

In the ever-curious landscape of Indian cinema, where fame often shields and sometimes exposes, a long list of actors have encountered the legal system in ways that resemble a gritty script more than a glamorous fairytale. From high-profile convictions to shocking arrests, these real-life episodes reveal a parallel narrative running alongside stardom. What follows is a closer look at actors whose tryst with the law became national conversation.

As one would know, earlier today, we witnessed the news about how Tamil actor, Srikanth was sentenced to jail custody in connection to a drug case. He was produced before a magistrate in Egmore and has been remanded to judicial custody until July 7.

This isn't the first time we have witnessed how actors have been brushed with the law and several times, we have also witnessed actors going to jail for several reasons. Here are a few of the many instances when actors were subjected to, sometimes brief, sometimes long jail time.

Salman Khan: Legal Lanes and Headlines

Salman Khan’s legal troubles have made front pages as often as his box office figures. Convicted in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case while shooting Hum Saath Saath Hain, he received a five-year sentence. Across several court appearances, the actor served 18 days in jail. Separately, he was handed a two-year sentence related to the 2002 hit-and-run case involving a fatal accident in Mumbai. Both cases continue to appear in public discourse and legal documentation. For now, Salman continues to be a free man, active in films and is one of the biggest superstars in Bollywood.

Rhea Chakraborty: Under the Microscope

Following the tragic death of Sushant Singh Rajput, Rhea Chakraborty was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau on charges of procuring banned substances. Her month-long stay in Byculla Jail became a turning point in the ongoing scrutiny of Bollywood’s connection to narcotics. Her bail did not end the public interest in the case, which remains unresolved in its many layers. Now, she is acquitted in the case and is gradually making more active jumps in the entertainment industry through her YouTube channel, brands and more.

Sanjay Dutt: Guns, Trials and Redemption

Arrested in connection with the 1993 Mumbai bombings for possession of illegal firearms, Sanjay Dutt’s case saw dramatic courtroom sequences and media frenzy. Though initially sentenced to six years, the Supreme Court reduced his jail term to five. After serving his time, including early release for good conduct, Dutt returned to films, his journey now part of cinematic retellings and pop culture memory. Now a free man, Dutt is more active in films across industries (Hindi, Tamil, Kannada & more).

Saif Ali Khan: An Altercation Turns Case File

In 2012, Saif Ali Khan faced an assault charge following a physical confrontation at a Mumbai restaurant. The incident resulted in a formal complaint. While the matter did not lead to imprisonment, it served as an example of how public behaviour from celebrities often lands under legal purview. Now a free man, Saif Ali Khan is one of the most acclaimed actors working on both OTT and films.

Sooraj Pancholi: An Unfinished Chapter

Sooraj Pancholi’s arrest in 2013 under charges of abetment to suicide in the Jiah Khan case remains one of Bollywood’s more sensitive legal sagas. He was granted bail after a brief period in Arthur Road Jail. His ongoing fight to clear his name continues to play out in courtrooms and headlines. Currently, not fully a free man but Pancholi is trying his best to be more active in films, and recently had a release in the form of Kesari Veer.

Ranya Rao: The Airport Intercept

In early 2025, actress Ranya Rao was arrested at the Bengaluru airport for alleged gold smuggling. Customs officials claimed to have discovered undeclared gold on her person. She was granted bail and the investigation is ongoing. The case made ripples across regional film circuits.

Rajpal Yadav: Legal Wrinkle in Comic Reign

In 2013, Rajpal Yadav was sent to ten days’ judicial custody for contempt of court. He had submitted a false affidavit during a loan dispute involving a recovery suit of Rs 5 crore. While the punishment was brief, the situation highlighted the financial complexities behind celebrity business ventures. Now a free man, Rajpal Yadav is currently fully active in films.

Darshan Thoogudeepa: Kannada Star’s Sudden Tumble

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s arrest in a domestic violence-related case sent shockwaves through his fanbase. While the legal process is still unfolding, his time in custody marked a dramatic shift in the actor’s career and media perception.

Fardeen Khan: A Rehabilitative Route

In 2001, Fardeen Khan was arrested for cocaine possession by the Mumbai Police. Though initially facing legal proceedings, he was later granted immunity after agreeing to undergo de-addiction counselling. The case resurfaced in conversation when discussions about Bollywood’s relationship with substance use intensified years later. Now a free man and having recently got a transformation, Khan has had four projects in a mere one year across platforms.

Aryan Khan: Trial by Public Opinion

In 2021, Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, was arrested aboard a cruise ship during a raid by the Narcotics Control Bureau. Though nothing was found on him directly, he spent more than 20 days in custody. The case triggered debate on due process, media trials and the fine line between accountability and vilification. Now a free man, Khan is set to make his directorial debut with Netflix's B**ds of Bollywood.

Shiney Ahuja: Fall from Prominence

Shiney Ahuja was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of raping his domestic help in 2009. He was granted bail in 2011, but the nature of the crime and legal outcome significantly impacted his acting trajectory. Attempts to return to film post-release were limited in reach and reception.

Shine Tom Chacko: Party Night Turns Police Raid

Kerala actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested in 2015 after police discovered cocaine during a raid on a Kochi flat. Detained for nearly two months, he and others were released on bail. Shine later claimed he was framed, and continued acting in Malayalam cinema with a renewed focus on his work.

Aditya Pancholi: Disputes and Detentions

Aditya Pancholi was arrested in 2015 for allegedly assaulting a neighbour. He was granted bail after initial proceedings. Pancholi’s name has surfaced in multiple controversies, but this incident stood out for its documentation in public records.

Dileep: A Case That Rocked the South

Malayalam actor Dileep was arrested in 2017 for allegedly orchestrating the abduction and assault of a fellow actress. Accusations included paying assailants and seeking video footage of the crime. The case has moved through courts with multiple twists, remaining one of the most disturbing stories in recent film history.

Akshay Kumar: Fashion Show Fiasco

At a major fashion show, Akshay Kumar faced legal trouble after asking his wife Twinkle Khanna to unbutton his jeans on the runway. A complaint citing public indecency was filed, and the actor had to appear before the police. He was released on bail, and the matter quietly dissolved with time. Now a free man, he is one of the biggest Bollywood superstars.

Allu Arjun: Tragedy at a Premiere

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun was briefly detained after a stampede at a film premiere resulted in a casualty. Legal inquiries followed, and he was granted bail. The actor issued a statement expressing regret, and the event raised questions about crowd management at high-profile cinema events. Now a free man, Allu is one of the hugest PAN-Indian stars courtesy the humongous success of Pushpa and Pushpa 2.

Each of these cases reflects a collision between celebrity and accountability. In a country where actors are treated as icons, their legal run-ins serve as social flashpoints. From allegations to sentencing, from media trials to courtroom drama, the real-life stories behind these stars highlight the contradictions of fame.

Some actors recovered professionally, others disappeared from the spotlight. A few found redemption arcs, while some remain embroiled in legal knots. Regardless of outcome, these incidents stay embedded in the collective memory of the public, frequently reshaped by headlines, social media, and cinematic retellings.

In the Indian entertainment landscape, fame is rarely simple. And when the spotlight moves from a film set to a police station, the scripts write themselves.