Preity Zinta denies Rs 18 crore loan write-off allegations; says ‘not BJP, I operate my own account’

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta has refuted the allegations that an Rs 18 crore loan in her name was written off by the troubled New India Cooperative Bank Ltd.

She has hit back at Indian National Congress' Kerala unit accusing them of cooking lies and putting them out in the public domain.

INC Kerala had earlier written on X, formerly Twitter, "She gave her social media accounts to BJP and got 18 Cr written off and the bank collapsed last week. Depositors are on the streets for their money".

In a strongly worded statement, the actor said the news is completely “fake”.

The controversy hit headlines after a Moneylife report uncovered significant financial irregularities and alleged corruption within the bank.

Report revealed that corporate loans of up to Rs 25 crore were approved without informing branch managers, raising questions about internal oversight.

Many of these loans reportedly became non-performing assets (NPAs) within a year, allegedly due to fund mismanagement and diversion, prompting the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to take strict action against the bank’s operations.

One of the most high-profile cases in the controversy involved Rs 18 crore loan to Preity Zinta. According to the report, the loan was supposedly “written off" without adhering to standard recovery procedures response, the actress issued a statement through her legal team, saying, “More than 12 years ago, I had an overdraft facility with the New India Cooperative Bank. More than 10 years ago, I repaid in full the entire dues in respect of this overdraft facility, and the account stands closed."

Preity Zinta also wrote on X, “No I operate my social media accounts my self and shame on you for promoting FAKE NEWS ! No one wrote off anything or any loan for me. I’m shocked that a political party or their representative is promoting fake news & indulging in vile gossip & click baits using my name & images. For the record a loan was taken and FULLY PAID BACK – over 10 years ago. Hope this clarifies and helps so there are no misunderstandings in the future."