‘I could not tell the truth in my own way’: Dileep says fans’ prayers helped him through 10-year ordeal

Mollywood actor Dileep recently shared his love for his fans for helping him get through all the worries that he faced for the past 10 years. The 'Neekkam' actor said he spent the past 10 years unable to speak openly and tell his side of the truth.He claimed he was jailed over something he knew nothing about. The actor made the remarks while addressing an event organised by the Dileep Fans Association in Qatar.Dileep says he could not speak openly for 10 yearsAs quoted by Manorama News, Dileep said, “I was put behind bars for something I knew absolutely nothing about. For the past 10 years, I was left in a situation where my hands and legs were tied, and I could not tell the truth in my own way. The love you gave me is something I worked so hard to earn. You created Dileep, the artist, through my characters.“Those who are members of the Dileep Fans Association, those who loved me through my characters in films, and the many people who prayed for me have all stood by me. I know that people of all ages prayed for me, including mothers, sisters, brothers and even little children. I am standing here today because of those prayers."“You were the ones who held me up when I was caught in that great war, that tsunami. It was your prayers that helped me stand firm. I want to hold each of your hands and thank you personally for that.”Dileep’s next film is ‘Neekkam’Dileep’s upcoming Malayalam film is ‘Neekkam’, directed by Jagan Shaji Kailas.Written by Vibin Balachandran, ‘Neekkam’ also stars Veena Nandakumar and Siddique. Mujeeb Majeed has composed the music, while Ajay David Kachappilly is handling the cinematography.‘Neekkam’ is described as a psychological mind game built around an emotional father-daughter relationship. Dileep’s previous film was ‘Bha.Bha.Ba.’, which received mixed reviews.Meanwhile, a Kerala trial court acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep of criminal conspiracy in December 2025 in the 2017 actress abduction and sexual assault case, while finding six other men guilty, as reported by Asianet.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!