Sooraj Pancholi reveals he could have been acquitted years earlier in 12-year legal battle: 'There was no evidence against me'
Sooraj Pancholi
, son of actors
Aditya Pancholi
and
Zarina Wahab
, is an Indian actor known for his roles in Hindi cinema. He launched his career with the 2015 romantic action movie 'Hero'. He later appeared in the 2019 action drama 'Satellite Shankar' alongside
Megha Akash
. Recently, following his acquittal after a lengthy 12-year legal battle, Sooraj shared his experiences and the challenges of public scrutiny during this difficult period in his first podcast appearance.
Facing accusations and choosing to fight the trial
Reflecting on his court case, Sooraj described the difficulty of facing accusations when he knew he was innocent, explaining how hard it was to prove his innocence and how speechless it made him feel.
Operation Sindoor
How India shut down Pakistan's second desperate bid to escalate tensions
Pak used civilian planes as shield to launch failed drone attack: India
S-400, Spyder, Akash: What is in India's air defence arsenal?
He mentioned that he had the option to seek discharge early in the trial and could have been acquitted years ago. However, after discussing with his lawyer and his father, he decided against it because he feared that if he was acquitted too soon, people would assume it was due to his privileged background rather than justice being served fairly.
Commitment to a full trial despite the option to discharge
The actor explained that he told his father he wanted to go through the trial, even though he didn't know how long it would take, believing that facing the process would answer every question in court and reveal who was right or wrong. He endured a 12-year-long legal procedure before his trial finally took place, which he won on merit. He emphasized that he could have ended the case years earlier with a discharge since there was no evidence against him. Even now, no evidence has been presented, and if there had been any, it should have been brought forward. Ultimately, he won his case through a full trial.
The reality of the trial and lack of media support
He continued by explaining that if people truly understood what a trial entails, they would know that every question must be answered and every answer scrutinized. He went through the entire process and was acquitted-not found guilty-because there was no evidence against him. However, he noted that no one talked about this, and the media did not support him, nor did others, because it didn't provide the sensationalism they sought. He admitted that his mistake was not speaking up for himself at the time, as many advised him against it. Looking back, he feels that if he had spoken out earlier, people might have heard his side of the story, which he has never fully shared and does not intend to, as the matter is now behind him.
Enduring 12 years of legal battle and public skepticism
In the same interview, Pancholi expressed that many people fail to recognize that he went through a full trial and was acquitted. Despite this, he still faces comments demanding "justice" for the case. He emphasized that he endured the entire justice system, waiting 12 years and sacrificing his career in the process. Pancholi stated that if given the choice between making a film or facing trial, he would choose the trial every time because he wanted a clean chit through the legal process. He believes that by going through the trial, he ensured that justice was served and there can be no doubt about the outcome.
Reflecting on the personal toll of the ordeal
Concluding his thoughts, the actor expressed that if people are still questioning him, he doesn't know what more a person can do or what else a law-abiding citizen could have done. He recalled being only 21 years old when he had to face the ordeal, which took 12 years to resolve. He asked people to imagine going through such a situation at that age. During that time, he didn't even have a passport and could only travel for work. While the world was pointing fingers at him, he was simultaneously trying to understand himself, life, love, work, his career, and his path forward.
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. And don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Rinku Singh, Priya Saroj get engaged in grand ceremony
Lucknow: Indian cricketer Rinku Singh and Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Priya Saroj got engaged in a grand ceremony at a hotel in Lucknow on Sunday. The high-profile couple, set to tie the knot on Nov 18, 2025, in Varanasi, celebrated their engagement in the presence of prominent personalities from both politics and cricket—marking a vibrant union of their respective fields. Rinku, known for his explosive performances for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Team India, arrived at the venue with his fiancée in coordinated white and pink outfits. In one of the most touching moments of the evening, Priya was seen holding back tears as Rinku gently slipped the engagement ring onto her finger on a beautifully illuminated stage. Overcome with emotion, she briefly broke down before regaining composure to smile for the cameras—adding an emotional depth to an already glamorous evening. The ring ceremony was followed by a lavish vegetarian dinner featuring a mix of Awadhi delicacies and international cuisines. To ensure security and privacy, the event featured barcoded entry passes and police deployment. Fifteen rooms were reportedly booked for guests at the hotel, including five reserved for Rinku's close friends. The engagement drew a star-studded guest list. SP president Akhilesh Yadav attended the ceremony along with his wife and MP Dimple Yadav, veteran leaders Jaya Bachchan, Shivpal Yadav, Ram Gopal Yadav, and Awadhesh Prasad. From the cricketing world, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and former India pacer Praveen Kumar were also in attendance to bless the couple. However, many of Rinku's teammates could not attend, being on national duty for the upcoming series against England beginning June 20. Speaking to reporters after the event, Akhilesh Yadav said, "We all wished Priya Saroj and Rinku Singh a bright future. Priya is an MP from our party and Rinku is a cricketer. But today, they have become each other's." Rajeev Shukla said, "They make a wonderful couple. Both are successful in their respective fields. This marriage will surely be a successful one." Priya's uncle, Bhagwati Prasad Singh, expressed pride in the moment, saying, "It's a day of great joy for both families. The wedding is taking place with mutual consent and happiness." Her father, SP MLA Tufani Saroj, also shared his happiness about the union. Rinku, 27, hails from Aligarh and played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2024 title win. He has represented India in 2 ODIs and 33 T20Is, amassing 507 T20I runs at a strike rate of 165.14. Priya, 26, is a first-time MP from Machhlishahr in Jaunpur, elected in 2024 after defeating BJP's BP Saroj by over 35,000 votes. A lawyer from Karkhiyaon village in Kashi, she is one of the youngest MPs and is continuing the political legacy of her father, a three-time MP and sitting Kerakat MLA. Before entering politics, Priya was a law practitioner. An alumna of Amity University, Noida, she practiced at the Supreme Court of India.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Honey Singh takes a sarcastic dig at Badshah's bad clarification over Dua Lipa comment: 'Genius'
Singer-rapper Badshah recently found himself in hot water after a controversial remark about global pop sensation Dua Lipa . Referring to her in a viral clip, Badshah said he would 'rather make babies with her,' a statement that was widely criticised online for being inappropriate. Amid mounting backlash, Badshah issued a clarification, claiming his words were intended as a compliment. 'I think one of the most beautiful compliments you can give a woman you really admire is to wish for her to mother your children. Meri soch nahi, tumhari soch saamne aayi hai (These weren't my thoughts — your interpretation exposed yours),' he explained. Internet unimpressed by 'bad clarification' However, social media users weren't convinced. Many slammed Badshah's response as tone-deaf, with several netizens dubbing it a 'bad clarification.' The situation quickly turned into meme fodder, with Instagram pages and comment sections lighting up with sarcastic reactions. One of the most talked-about responses came from none other than Honey Singh . Honey Singh drops sarcastic comment: 'Genius' Reacting to a media portal's Instagram post about Badshah's clarification, Honey Singh wrote, 'Genius 😂👏👏,' a comment that fans quickly recognised as dripping with sarcasm. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Walgreens Keeps Quiet About This '9 Pills for $7' Generic Cialis Deal Friday Plans Get Offer Undo Social media users flooded the replies, noting the shade. 'Paaji using sarcasm,' wrote one user, while another added, 'Paaji tussi great ho,' followed by rows of laughing emojis. The comment sparked fresh chatter about the long-standing feud between the two artists. Experience The New Hindi Music Video Teri Yaadein By Yo Yo Honey Singh & Grini A history of rivalry: Mafia Mundeer to indirect jabs Badshah and Honey Singh were once part of the popular desi hip-hop collective Mafia Mundeer, which also included Raftaar, Ikka, and Lil Golu. The group disbanded after internal tensions, and ever since, the two rappers have taken multiple indirect and direct shots at each other through songs and interviews. In a surprising turn, Badshah had recently expressed a desire to end the feud. During a 2024 concert in Dehradun, he said, 'There was a phase in my life when I held a grudge against one person, and now I want to call it quits… that's Honey Singh.' He added that he had realised the misunderstanding and wished Honey Singh well. Honey not ready to reconcile? Despite Badshah's olive branch, Honey Singh doesn't seem keen on reconciliation. On his ongoing Millionaire tour, Singh made another subtle dig at his former bandmate during one of his performances, according to fans who attended the show. What's next for the two stars On the work front, Honey Singh is riding high on the success of his songs Laal Pari from Housefull 5 and Money Money from Raid 2, both of which have become chart-topping hits. Meanwhile, Badshah has been turning heads with his dance moves in the recently released track Galiyon Ke Ghalib. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Rhea Chakraborty starts a new career with puja after reprieve by CBI in Sushant Singh Rajput case
Rhea Chakraborty is embarking on a fresh start, marked by the opening of her streetwear fashion store in Mumbai and a religious ceremony with family. Cleared by the CBI in Sushant Singh Rajput's case, she's set to represent Indian talent internationally, shooting for 'Stepsons' across Europe and Sri Lanka after court approval. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Rhea Chakraborty is turning a new page in her life, nearly five years after becoming the focal point of public and media attention in the aftermath of Sushant Singh Rajput's untimely demise. With recent judicial clearance and a clean report from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), she is stepping forward with renewed energy. Embracing both professional ventures and personal healing, she recently marked this new chapter by performing a religious ceremony at her newly launched fashion store in Mumbai. The puja, held in the presence of her family, was a moment of positivity and reflection, celebrating the new journey she is embarking store, which opened officially in May, marks her first step into entrepreneurship. Specializing in streetwear, the brand is a reflection of Rhea's contemporary fashion sense, rooted in mindful and urban aesthetics. This project symbolizes her transformation and determination to move past the turbulence of her she is now preparing to represent Indian talent at an international level. A special court under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has recently allowed her to travel abroad between June 1 and September 15 for professional is slated to shoot for the first season of Stepsons, a major global production that will take her to countries including Sri Lanka, Serbia, and other parts of Europe. The court, taking into account her past compliance with bail conditions during previous international trips, allowed the request and rejected opposition claims by the prosecution. The judge emphasized her strong Mumbai roots and consistent cooperation with legal directives. As a part of the conditions, she will need to submit detailed schedules of her travel, including addresses and contact CBI earlier this year submitted its final report, clearing Rhea of all charges related to abetment in Rajput's case. This official conclusion has given her both relief and clarity. Her legal representative, Satish Maneshinde, welcomed the CBI's decision on March 22, 2025, describing it as a long-overdue step toward its final forensic assessment, doctors at AIIMS dismissed all allegations of poisoning or strangulation, effectively ending speculation around the nature of Rajput's death. Rhea, her brother Shouvik, and others had earlier been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau in connection with a drug investigation related to the Singh Rajput, aged 34, was found dead in his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020. His father had filed a complaint accusing Rhea and her family of financial exploitation—an allegation she consistently refuted publicly.
