Priyanka breaks her silence

Reveals why Shahid was at her house during IT raids

Priyanka Chopra has finally opened up about the Income Tax raids that happened at her home last week, and also admitted that Shahid Kapoor was with her when they happened. PC, however, denied any tax evasion, and said that because Shahid stays very close to her house, he was the only person she could think of in the 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 revealed at a press conference in Mumbai last night (January 31).

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 the rounds as authentic news."
"You believe in rumours when they run it as front-page news, without checking its authenticity. Neither do 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 co-operated with the investigating authorities."

"As far as the discovery of Rs.6 crore from my house, neither did I have so much money under my mattress nor I have seen so much money together in my life," she said.

The media then wanted to know even why, as she is one of the highest taxpaying actors in Bollywood, had 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.