In August 2025, actor-influencer-cosmetologist Sandeepa Virk was arrested in a money laundering case. In a recent interview, she opened up about her harrowing jail experience, stating how it physically and emotionally exhausted her. She spoke about emotional turmoil, deteriorating health, and shifting industry equations.
Sandeepa Virk on her jail term
In a conversation with Simran Jot Makkar, recalling her time inside the prison, Sandeepa said, “Tihar is a place I wouldn’t wish even on my worst enemy. When I went there for the first time, I told God that I don’t deserve this. On the first day, when I went to the washroom, I thought — people say everything is karma; maybe I made some mistakes in a past life, knowingly or unknowingly. I felt — I don’t deserve this.”
“I used to pray that death should come and take me away. The worst feeling is when you see your parents coming to meet you while you’re inside jail. I even apologised to them for having to come there because of me. My parents and siblings stood by me because your own people know who you are,” she said.
She described life inside as physically and mentally draining. “Inside Tihar, imagine living with 500 people — it’s like domestic politics. My health deteriorated badly. I couldn’t even stand without support because of stress. Even today, when I think about it, I cry — why me?”
Sandeepa Virk on the industry unfollowing her
Speaking about returning to Mumbai after the case, Virk acknowledged that her industry relationships shifted. “They unfollowed me; it doesn’t matter. Earlier too, some big producers would say, ‘Sandeepa, I can make you this or that.’ I used to reply — the One who made you will make me too. No human can make someone. At best, they can help.”
Once out on bail, Virk helped secure legal support for two women she had met inside who could not afford representation.
About the case
The Delhi High Court has granted bail to influencer Sandeepa Virk, one of the accused in a money laundering case linked to an alleged Rs 6 crore fraud, in which a woman was purportedly duped on the pretext of being offered a lead actress role in a film.
