Ranvir Shorey responds as Rahul Bhatt revisits 2002 fight over Pooja Bhatt

Actor Ranvir Shorey has responded to fitness trainer Rahul Bhatt’s public admission regarding their high-profile altercation two decades ago, asserting that defending oneself against violence does not constitute hitting. Reacting to comments made by Rahul — who is actor-director Pooja Bhatt’s brother — acknowledging that he was arrested and charged for assaulting Ranvir during a 2002 dispute, Ranvir mentioned that over 20 years of "malicious propaganda and slander" had finally given way to the truth.

Sharing a report of the interview on X, Ranvir addressed the long-standing narrative surrounding his past relationship with Pooja Bhatt.

He wrote, "I’m glad over 20 years of malicious propaganda and slander has finally given way to some truth (sic)!" Ranvir wrote. Adding what he termed the "missing piece" to close the chapter, the actor clarified that "defending yourself against violence to escape someone toxic is not ‘hitting’ !"

The statement followed an appearance by Rahul on Siddharth Kannan’s podcast, where he revisited the 2002 incident, expressed regret for his actions, and detailed the legal consequences he faced. Recalling the argument between Ranvir and Pooja, Rahul admitted to overreacting when he intervened. He acknowledged breaking Ranvir’s car window and fracturing one of his ribs, which subsequently led to his arrest and criminal charges for taking the law into his own hands.

Reflecting on the legal fallout, Rahul highlighted that Ranvir demonstrated dignity by agreeing to compound the offence and quash the FIR without seeking financial compensation or holding a grudge. Rahul admitted he regretted overreacting at the time, praising Ranvir for choosing to let "bygones be bygones" despite the physical injury and legal ordeal.

Ranvir and Pooja Bhatt were in a relationship in the early 2000s after working together on Jism. Their live-in relationship ended bitterly in 2002, prompting conflicting public accounts, with Ranvir alleging that Pooja’s family had falsely portrayed him as an alcoholic and abusive partner following the assault.

Pooja later married restaurateur Manish Makhija in 2003, while Ranvir married actor Konkona Sen Sharma in 2010; both marriages eventually ended in separation.

Meanwhile, Ranvir's last Hindi theatrical release was Jassi Weds Jassi (2025).