Sooraj Pancholi made his Bollywood debut in the year 2015 with the movie Hero which also starred Athiya Shetty and was directed by Nikkhil Advani and bankrolled by Salman Khan. Born to actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, he entered the industry with high expectations. However, his career was overshadowed by controversy when he was accused of abetting the su*cide of actress Jiah Khan in 2013.
After facing allegations and accusations, Sooraj Pancholi was arrested and spent 22 days in Arthur Road Jail, where he was kept in solitary confinement. He recently recounted this period in an interview, revealing the harsh conditions he endured.
RELATED STORIES
At just 21, he was placed in what is known as the “anda cell”, a high-security isolation unit, the same one that previously housed 26/11 ter*orist Ajmal Kasab. Sooraj described how he was made to sleep on newspapers without even a pillow and was treated as if he were a dangerous criminal. He said the entire experience felt surreal at the time and only made sense to him years later, following a deeper reflection and the long legal process.
The case, rooted in accusations from Jiah Khan’s family who believed Sooraj was involved in her su*cide, led to not only legal scrutiny but also an intense and prolonged media trial. However, in 2023, a CBI court in Mumbai acquitted him of all the charges related to abetment.
Looking back, Sooraj believes he was deeply misunderstood by the public and media. He expressed frustration over how the media spread narratives without understanding the full truth. Despite everything, he said he remains calm and believes in focusing on his roles in life, as an actor, son, friend, and partner. According to him, what lies beyond his control is a matter of fate.
Sooraj Pancholi also shared that he takes pride in how he navigated this turbulent phase. He stood his ground rather than stepping away from the film industry, which he acknowledges can be harsh and judgmental. He said he chose to fight back with resilience, faith and hope, and that staying strong through it all has made him proud of who he is today.
Now, Sooraj Pancholi has returned to the big screen with Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath. The film tells the story of Hamirji Gohil, a warrior who defended the Somnath Temple against the Tughlaq Empire. Sooraj stars as Hamirji, alongside Suniel Shetty who plays the brave warrior Vegda Ji. Directed by Prince Dhiman and produced by Kanu Chauhan, the film marks Sooraj’s comeback and symbolises a new chapter in his career.
