Gujarat lifer jumps parole, acts with Bachchan, Aamir before arrest
A convicted murderer who jumped parole in 2014 successfully lived a double life as an actor in the Indian film industry for 12 years. Hemant Nagindas Modi was eventually arrested in May 2026 after building a career that included roles in major Bollywood productions.
Why it matters
The case highlights significant lapses in judicial monitoring and the ability of fugitives to integrate into public life through the entertainment industry.
For more than a decade, Hemant Nagindas Modi lived two very different lives. In one, he was a convicted murderer who had failed to return to jail after being released on parole. In the other, he was a theatre performer and supporting actor who appeared in Hindi and Gujarati films, television serials and web series. The 53-year-old was arrested by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch in May 2026, ending 12 years on the run. During those years, police said, Modi changed his identity, stayed away from Ahmedabad for long periods and built a career in the entertainment industry. His film credits eventually included productions featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh.According to a TOI report, Modi's entry into theatre played an important role in helping him build a new identity. Police said he first resurfaced in north Gujarat's theatre circuit, particularly around Patan, after jumping parole in 2014.
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