Sooraj Pancholi On Losing Films After Jiah Khan Case: 'They Had To Protect Their Investment'

News18

19-06-2025

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Sooraj Pancholi opens up on his return to films, industry rejections post Jiah Khan case, and why he holds no grudges: "They had to protect their investment."
In a small studio tucked away in Mumbai's Andheri, Sooraj Pancholi seems almost too restless for the confined space. He suggests walking and talking—an idea betrayed by the modest dimensions of the room. So instead, the 34-year-old actor settles for a traditional sit-down interview, though the energy in him is hard to contain.
It's been just a few days since the release of Kesari Veer, a historical epic that marked Sooraj's long-anticipated return to the big screen. The film may not have set the box office ablaze—it grossed ₹25 crore worldwide against a reported ₹60 crore budget—but Sooraj isn't dwelling on the numbers. 'I get messages from colleagues, directors, and fans who say I've grown since my first film," he says. Then he pauses and adds with quiet candour, 'But I'm still not satisfied. I want to do better work, better films, and work with experienced directors."
Kesari Veer, which featured an ensemble cast including Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, and Akanksha Sharma, might not have been a commercial triumph, but for Sooraj, it represents something far more personal: a reset. 'Each film, no matter its fate, builds more confidence in an actor. Even a flop teaches you something. Still a long, long way to go," he reflects.
His journey in cinema has been anything but linear. Since his debut in 2015 with Hero, Sooraj has appeared in just four films as a leading man—largely because the past decade saw him caught in a legal storm. In 2013, his then-girlfriend, actor Jiah Khan, died by suicide. Sooraj was arrested and charged with abetment. It wasn't until 2023 that a CBI special court acquitted him, citing lack of evidence.
For Sooraj, Kesari Veer isn't just a film. It's a personal milestone. 'This is the first time there is no other load on me," he says, acknowledging that the burden of public scrutiny has finally begun to lift. And yet, even after two years of acquittal and over a decade since the tragedy, the questions persist. '2025 is the last time I'm talking about this," he states firmly. 'It's done. Everyone has seen and read all about it."
Does he feel bitter about how the industry reacted? 'Many filmmakers backed out of films I was cast in," he admits. 'But I understood. Paise unhi ke lag rahe hain, boss (They're the ones investing money). I wasn't producing those films. They had to do what they thought was right. Everything has its own time."
But there's no trace of self-pity. If anything, Sooraj sees the uphill climb as a badge of honour. 'I like it this way," he says with a shrug. 'I prefer having everything the hard way. Fire will always test gold."
Now, with Kesari Veer behind him, he's looking ahead with optimism—and clarity. 'In the end, I'm only as good as my directors," he muses. It's no surprise then that his wishlist includes names like Kabir Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, both of whom he assisted before stepping into the limelight. 'It would be full circle," he smiles. 'And once that happens, I hope we can sit on these very chairs again and talk about that phase of my life."
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