Mumbai, Feb 1 (IANS) The sudden income tax raid at her residence in Mumbai’s Versova area and the presence of actor Shahid Kapoor there was a double whammy for actress Priyanka Chopra.
The actress, however, declined any tax evasion, and said because Shahid stays at a stone’s throw from her house, he was the only person she could think of in such an unfortunate situation.
‘The only person who stays with me is my mom, who was not present at home and Shahid stays three minutes away from my place. So he was the only person I could call up then. So he was there,’ Priyanka told reporters at a press conference here Monday night.
When asked about the reported discovery of Rs.6 crore from her residence, she said: ‘My CA (chartered accountant) has given an official statement regarding that and personally my spokesperson has given you an official statement. It’s shocking the way unsubstantiated news is making rounds as authentic news.’
‘You believe in rumours when they run it as front-page news, without checking its authenticity. Neither you ask the accused person whether the allegations are true or not, nor do you substantiate it with any paper work.’
‘I had never experienced anything like this before. Whatever happened has deeply hurt me and deeply affected me. I have already said whatever I had to say and we have continuously cooperated with the investigating authorities.’
‘As far as the discovery of Rs.6 crore from my house, neither I had so much of money under my mattress nor I have seen so much of money together in my life,’ she said.
The media then wanted to know even as she is one of the highest taxpaying actors in Bollywood, why did she come under the income tax scanner.
‘As people say that it happens with big stars. I still feel proud that I am counted among the few highest tax paying bollywood stars and hope to be so as long God continues to give me the opportunity,’ Priyanka said.
