Sooraj Pancholi lashes out at his 'cowardly' peers, says Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Dharmendra fought for their people

Time of India

2 days ago

After years away from the limelight,
Sooraj Pancholi
returned to the silver screen with the historical action film
Kesari Veer
. While the film marked a professional comeback, it also became the backdrop for Sooraj to open up about a deeper concern—one that extends beyond cinema: the growing isolation among today's generation of actors.
In a candid conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Sooraj shared his thoughts on the noticeable shift in camaraderie within the industry. He reflected on a recent act of solidarity when
Tiger Shroff
attended the premiere of Kesari Veer just after a simple phone call. It struck a chord with Sooraj, reminding him of a bygone era when friendships in the film world were built on loyalty and mutual respect, not just professional convenience. He attributed the bond to the legacy of their fathers, who once belonged to a close-knit circle that genuinely stood by each other during highs and lows.
Comparing that past to the present, Sooraj observed a stark contrast. He believes that today's actors have become more cautious and self-protective. In earlier times, he recalled, whether it was an accident, a controversy, or a personal loss, people in the industry would show up without hesitation. The fraternity once united even against the media during protests, standing as a single voice. But such unity, he feels, has all but disappeared. Fear of involvement, reputational risk, and the desire to avoid confrontation have replaced courage and loyalty. According to him, many now shy away from speaking up or showing support unless there's visibility attached to the gesture.
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He fondly remembered the older generation who embodied this spirit—actors like Jackie Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, and his own father, Aditya Pancholi. These men, he felt, shared a silent code of brotherhood that made them dependable. Legends like Mithun Chakraborty and Dharmendra were also symbols of this unity; stories of Dharmendra standing up for his peers during tough times left a lasting impression on Sooraj. He lamented that such organic relationships and protective instincts seem almost extinct today.
He also touched upon how today's displays of support often seem calculated. People rally around someone only when it suits the public image—when the cameras are watching or the social stakes are high. But genuine concern, when unaccompanied by media attention, is a rarity.
In a separate conversation, Sooraj opened up about the dynamics of his own family, especially the strength of his mother, veteran actress Zarina Wahab. He credited her as the anchor of the household, someone who endured immense hardships without ever showing vulnerability. She began working at a young age and built a life entirely on her own terms. Despite having the financial and emotional means to walk away during difficult times, she chose to stay. Sooraj acknowledged that her choices were deeply personal, shaped by her own understanding with his father, and he expressed his respect without judgment.
Sooraj Pancholi began his acting career in 2015 with the film Hero, where he starred opposite Athiya Shetty, the daughter of actor Suniel Shetty. After a significant hiatus, he returned to the big screen with the historical action drama Kesari Veer. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, and Barkha Bisht, among others.