Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, known for her roles in films such as Rockstar and Madras Cafe, is now facing an unexpected and deeply troubling scandal involving her sister, Aliya Fakhri, who has been indicted on multiple murder charges in connection with a fatal fire in New York City. The tragic incident, which occurred on November 23, has cast a dark shadow over the Fakhri family, and has ignited intense media attention, potentially impacting Nargis Fakhri’s public image.
Aliya Fakhri, 43, was arrested after prosecutors alleged that she deliberately set fire to the detached garage of a house in Queens, New York. The fire claimed the lives of her ex-boyfriend, Edward Jacobs, 35, and his friend, Anastasia Ettienne, 33. According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Fakhri’s actions were driven by rejection after Jacobs, who had ended their relationship more than a year earlier, refused her attempts to rekindle their romance.
The horrific details of the case have left many stunned. Prosecutors claim that Fakhri arrived at Jacobs’ property early in the morning and was heard shouting, “You’re all going to die today,” before setting the blaze that trapped the victims inside. Jacobs, who was reportedly asleep when the fire broke out, and Ettienne, who tried to rescue him, both succumbed to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Fakhri now faces four counts of first-degree murder, among other serious charges.
While Aliya Fakhri has pleaded not guilty to the charges, her actions have already attracted significant media attention, especially because of her connection to her famous sister, Nargis Fakhri. The actress, who has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years, now finds herself thrust into a deeply negative spotlight due to her sibling’s criminal involvement.
For Nargis Fakhri, this tragedy could lead to a serious blow to her reputation. While there is no indication that the actress was directly involved in the crime, the public’s perception of her could be severely tarnished by her sister’s heinous actions. The actress has built a career based on a wholesome, glamorous image, but her association with her sister’s criminality has now complicated this public persona.
Nargis Fakhri’s professional image has already been under scrutiny due to her limited presence in the Bollywood industry in recent years. Although she made a strong debut with Rockstar in 2011, her subsequent roles were often underwhelming, and she struggled to find a consistent place in the industry. Now, with her family’s issues spilling into the media, Nargis may face additional challenges in maintaining her career and public appeal.
In the aftermath of the fire, media reports have highlighted contrasting views from both families. Jacobs’ mother, Janet, revealed to the press that her son had been trying to sever ties with Aliya Fakhri for over a year. She described how he had repeatedly asked her to leave him alone, but Fakhri refused to accept the rejection. Meanwhile, Aliya’s mother expressed disbelief, telling the New York Daily News that she could not believe her daughter would be involved in such a crime, calling her a “caring” person.
While Aliya Fakhri awaits her next court appearance on December 9, the damage to the Fakhri name has already been done. The public scrutiny of Nargis Fakhri, whose personal and professional life has now been overshadowed by her sister’s violent actions, is bound to intensify as the case progresses.
If Aliya is convicted, it will further deepen the negative association with the Fakhri name, which could have long-lasting repercussions for Nargis’s career and personal life. For now, the actress finds herself navigating the fallout from a tragedy that she had no part in, but that will undoubtedly affect her reputation for years to come.
