Latest news with #SoorajPancholi
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sooraj Pancholi lashes out at his 'cowardly' peers, says Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Dharmendra fought for their people
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. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Geen honger, geen strenge diëten? met deze capsules verbrandt je buikvet de hele nacht Meer informatie Undo 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.
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Sooraj Pancholi Says Bollywood Unity Is Dead: 'Everyone's A Coward Now'
Last Updated: Sooraj Pancholi says Bollywood's unity is fading, calls today's actors 'cowards' and praises Tiger Shroff for showing rare support during Kesari Veer. Bollywood actor Sooraj Pancholi is done sugarcoating the state of the Hindi film industry. In a candid conversation with Siddharth Kannan, the Kesari Veer star spoke openly about what he sees as the slow erosion of solidarity among today's generation of actors. His reflections come from a place of both experience and disappointment, shaped by a decade-long battle in the public eye and a recent return to cinema with his first lead role since being acquitted in the Jiah Khan case. Speaking on the camaraderie he once admired among his father's generation, Sooraj shared a recent experience involving Tiger Shroff that offered a rare glimpse of old-school support. 'I just called Tiger and invited him to the premiere of Kesari Veer. He didn't ask any questions, didn't hesitate—he just showed up. That meant a lot," he recalled. 'It reminded me of how our fathers used to be with each other. My father, Jackie Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Dharam sir—those guys had each other's backs. That kind of bond is rare now." According to Sooraj, the industry today is deeply fractured. 'People don't want to get involved in anyone else's issues. Back then, if someone got into trouble, everyone would show up—whether it was a fight, an accident, or a controversy. There was a sense of unity. You don't see that anymore," he said. 'Now, everyone's too scared. No one wants to take pangaas. Everyone's playing it safe. Everyone's being a coward. That's what it is." He went on to explain that the fear isn't just about getting involved—it's about image management and the ever-present threat of backlash. 'Everyone's brand-conscious now. Showing up for someone might 'affect your image,' so people just don't bother. They'll come to your event if there are cameras there, if it makes them look good. But when you're down, or struggling quietly, very few people will check in. That's the truth." Sooraj pointed to iconic names from Bollywood's past who embodied a very different spirit. 'Jackie Shroff, my father Aditya Pancholi, Dutt sir, Suniel Shetty—these were people who didn't care about PR optics. They were raw, real, and they looked out for their people. I've heard stories about Dharam ji literally getting into fights to protect his friends. That kind of fearlessness is missing today. Actors now are careful to the point of being absent." He also called out the performative nature of today's support systems, saying that empathy often comes with conditions. 'If someone big in the industry falls ill or has a family emergency, suddenly you see everyone there—but mostly because they know the media will be too. Otherwise? Silence. The reality is, people move on quickly. Support has become selective, strategic." For Pancholi, this topic hits close to home. In 2013, his relationship with actor Jiah Khan became the center of a storm after her death by suicide led to allegations against him. The case dragged on for nearly ten years, with constant media trials and emotional strain. He was finally acquitted in 2023 due to lack of evidence. The time in between left deep scars—and a clear view of who stood by him and who didn't. 'It's in your worst moments that you find out who your real people are," he said, without naming names. 'When you're not on magazine covers or trending on Instagram, you become invisible to most. That's the saddest part about this industry." Now that he's back in the spotlight with Kesari Veer, a period action film that marks his attempt at career redemption, Sooraj remains hopeful—but grounded. 'I'm not bitter," he said. 'I just wish we could go back to that old-school loyalty. That sense of unity. That's what made this industry more than just a business. It made it a family." First Published: May 31, 2025, 18:02 IST
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Sooraj Pancholi calls his Bollywood colleagues ‘cowards', says Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty's generation had actual unity
Actor Sooraj Pancholi, who recently made his Bollywood comeback with the period actioner Kesari Veer, opened up in a candid interview with Siddharth Kannan about a pressing concern he has observed within the industry — the fading unity among today's generation of actors. Recalling a recent gesture of support he received, Sooraj mentioned Tiger Shroff, who turned up at the premiere of Kesari Veer after just a phone call. 'I hope I make friends like this. Because these are the friends (possible) because our fathers were friends. His father, my father, Dutt sir and all of those people, that kind of pack. Because right now it's fading away from the industry. There are very few people who will be actually there for you,' Sooraj reflected. When asked why the current generation of actors appears more detached, especially when compared to the older generation who routinely showed up for one another, Sooraj didn't hold back. 'Everyone is scared to get into each other's problems. Before, everyone showed up for each other, whether it was an accident or a fight, or some controversy happened, everyone was in it together. There was a protest against the media long back and everyone was there. If you do it now, it won't happen. No one wants to affect anybody, nobody wants to take any pangaas, everyone is playing it very cowardly. Everyone is being a coward now. That's what it is,' he said bluntly. Also Read | Sooraj Pancholi says actors pay Rs 30 lakh to appear in podcasts with top guys: 'I too received the offer' Sooraj went on to name some of the stalwarts from the past who represented that spirit of solidarity: Jackie Shroff, his father Aditya Pancholi, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Vindu Dara Singh, and Ranjeet. 'There is Mithun sir, of course he is a senior, and the biggest example of all this is Dharam sir, who is of course very old now, but at his time, I have heard he has even fought for his people. But now it's not there. At least not in the actors,' he noted. Offering an observation about the performative nature of support in today's times, Sooraj added, 'Whether it's somebody's mom being unwell or in the hospital, yes, when you are a super-power, everyone will come to see you and be there. Because they know media is going to be there as well. But not otherwise.' In 2013, Sooraj was accused of abetting the suicide of actor Jiah Khan, who was in a relationship with him at the time. The case drew intense media scrutiny and public attention, overshadowing his early career. After nearly a decade-long legal battle, he was acquitted by a Mumbai court in 2023 due to lack of evidence.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Sooraj Pancholi finally breaks silence on mother Zarina Wahab not divorcing father Aditya Pancholi despite extramarital affairs: 'She could have left any time but...'
Aditya Pancholi has been rumoured to have affairs with actresses like Pooja Bedi and Kangana Ranaut. read more Sooraj Pancholi recently spoke about his parents Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab's relationship and shared his reason of his mom not leaving his father despite actor's linkups and affairs after marriage. 'She holds the entire family together, and she has really been through a lot because of us. I have never, ever seen her break down. She has never complained about anything,' Sooraj told Hindi Rush. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'She has been acting since the age of 16. She is almost 65 now. She is self-made. She has four homes of her own. She doesn't come from money. If she wanted to leave, she could have done it long back. Sometimes, women don't leave because they don't have a backup… My father never stopped her from working. He never questioned her about the work. If she had a route to go back to Hyderabad; she has a home in Bandra also… She has her mother's home in Bandra. She has four sisters, one of them is in America. She has four brothers. She could have left any time, but it's her decision to stay. I am nobody to judge this, its an understanding between them and I am in no position to comment on their arrangement,' he added. Aditya and Zarina tied the knot in 1986 and are parents to actor Sooraj Pancholi and Sana Pancholi. Aditya has been rumoured to have affairs with actresses like Pooja Bedi and Kangana Ranaut. On the professional front, Sooraj Pancholi was recently seen in Kesari Veer . Directed by Prince Dhiman, the movie also featured Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Barkha Bisht, Aruna Irani, Kiran Kumar, Bhavya Gandhi, Shiva Rindani and Akanksha Sharma among others in prominent roles.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sooraj Pancholi's ‘Kesari Veer' fails to cross Rs 2 crore mark in Week 1
Kesari Veer, starring Sooraj Pancholi, Suniel Shetty, and Vivek Oberoi, struggled at the box office. The film earned only Rs 1.53 crore in its first week. Critics cited issues with the screenplay and execution. Sooraj Pancholi made a comeback after his acquittal. The movie's poor performance poses challenges for its box office future. It is unlikely to reach ₹2 crore. Sooraj Pancholi , Suniel Shetty , and Vivek Oberoi 's latest action drama Kesari Veer has turned out to be a non-starter at the box office. Despite its theme and a promising cast, the film failed to gain any significant traction in its opening week, struggling to even touch the Rs 2 crore mark in India. Over its first seven days, Kesari Veer collected a total of Rs 1.53 crore, a disappointing figure for a film that was expected to appeal to audiences in mass belts and smaller towns. The film opened on a dull note with just Rs 25 lakh on its first Friday. Though there was a marginal rise over the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday bringing in Rs 30 lakh and Rs 35 lakh respectively, the growth was too limited to make any real impact. As expected, the collections dipped sharply on Monday, falling by nearly 49% to Rs 18 lakh. The trend remained weak through the weekdays, with Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday adding Rs 15 lakh, Rs 16 lakh and Rs 14 lakh respectively as per Sacnilk. The cumulative total stood at Rs 1.53 crore by the end of its first week, making it one of the year's most disappointing box office performers. Kesari Veer is set in the 14th century and revolves around the valor of Rajput warrior Hamirji Gohil, who defends the Somnath temple against the Tughlaq Empire. Suniel Shetty portrays Vegdaji Bhil, a brave Bhil warrior. The cast also includes Vivek Oberoi as Zafar Khan and Akanksha Sharma as Rajal and the film is directed by Prince Dhiman. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like CFD: Invertir $100 con IA podría devolverte un segundo salario Digital Group Prueba ahora Undo The film has generally received negative reviews, the critics pointed out flaws in the screenplay, visual effects, and overall execution. Kesari Veer's underwhelming box office performance highlights the challenges of creating compelling historical dramas. Despite a notable cast and grand ambitions, the film failed to resonate with audiences, emphasizing the importance of strong storytelling and execution in cinema. The film was Sooraj Pancholi's first film after he got acquitted in the Jiah Khan suicide case in 2023. It was like a fresh start for him in the industry though he made his debut in 2015 with Salman Khan backed Hero with Athiya Shetty- the film was directed by Nikkhil Advani . The film was an official remake of Subhash Gahi- Jackie Shroff and Meenakshi Seshadri's Hero which was released in 1983 With such poor numbers in its first week, the film now faces an uphill battle for survival at the box office. Unless a miracle turnaround occurs, Kesari Veer is likely to wrap up its lifetime run well under ₹2 crore, making it yet another forgettable entry in the careers of its lead stars. 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 .
