Preity Zinta denies ₹18 crore loan write-off allegations
What's the story
Bollywood actor Preity Zinta has strongly refuted allegations of a ₹18 crore loan write-off in her name by the financially troubled New India Cooperative Bank Ltd.
The controversy erupted after a Moneylife report exposed the bank's rampant financial mismanagement, including unauthorized corporate loans becoming non-performing assets (NPAs).
One such case, highlighted in the report, was an alleged ₹18cr loan in Zinta's name.
Legal clarification
Zinta clarified loan repayment through legal team
Zinta, through her legal team, clarified that she had availed an overdraft facility from New India Cooperative Bank over 12 years ago and fully repaid the amount more than a decade ago.
"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," she stated.
Social media response
Zinta took to Twitter to address allegations
On Monday, the X handle of Kerala Congress shared a news article about Zinta's alleged loan and wrote, "She gave her social media accounts to BJP and got ₹18cr written off and the bank collapsed last week..."
Zinta took to X to slam the allegations. She wrote, "No I operate my social media accounts myself, and shame on you for promoting FAKE NEWS! No one wrote off anything or any loan for me."
Twitter Post
Read Zinta's reply here
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 &… https://t.co/cdnEvqnkYx
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) February 25, 2025
Statement
'Loan was taken and fully paid back'
She further clarified, "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."
She also expressed her frustration with misinformation, particularly targeting journalist Sucheta Dalal, co-founder of Moneylife.
She tweeted, "If you don't value my reputation then sorry I don't value yours @suchetadalal Next time pls call me and find out if the story is true before mentioning my name."
Twitter Post
Here's what she said
So much misinformation going around but thank god for social media and thank god for X ! All through my career I have seen so many so respected journalists get so many stories completely wrong & never have the decency to correct the story or apologise. I have also gone to court…
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) February 25, 2025