Sooraj Pancholi on his comeback! Says I don't expect Salman Khan to resurrect my career
In April 2023, Sooraj Pancholi was acquitted of abetment charges in the Jiah Khan suicide case. Two years after that, Sooraj, who says he is a 'different person today,' saw the release of his fourth film, Kesari Veer.
Having endured a decade of uncertainty, the actor who was launched by Salman Khan with Hero (2015), talks about how he is ready for new challenges in his career.
'My fourth film felt like my first real film'
Sooraj says, 'Within two to three months of my acquittal, I got Kesari Veer. It was quite surprising because after the verdict, I went to the Somnath Temple to seek blessings. Once I got back, I bagged the film, which is based on the temple. I was under a lot of pressure during my first, second and third film due to the legal case.
So, my fourth film felt like my first real film.'
'Now, I am a different person inside out'
In his decade-long Bollywood journey, Sooraj acted in only four films. Reflecting on it, he said, 'I never went to producers for work. The one question they always had was when would the case end? If I were a producer, I might have the same reservations. But that's behind me now. In this industry, patience is key. The ones who are patient make it, the rest don't. I'm patient. After my acquittal, I didn't expect things to change overnight.
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I know I have to prove myself, and I'm ready for that. Peace is what I longed for because my 20s were a big chaos. If I went through that battle (the case), this battle won't be as difficult. I am a different person now, inside and out. The worst is over, and I only see a good future now.'
'I am seeing my parents get older, and I need to spend time with them'
Sooraj also wants to focus on spending time with his family now. 'Apart from my career, I am also focusing on other aspects of my life - my family. I am seeing my parents get older, and I need to spend more time with them.
Professionally, I am now able to focus more. I have a blurry vision of the past. It did take me a long time to move on as the case had become a part of my day-to-day life for 10 years,' he said.
'Sooraj on his bond with his mentor Salman Khan'
Sooraj continues to share a warm and strong bond with Salman. 'I'm in touch with Salman sir, but I don't want to disturb him. He's a superstar, and I know my limits. Though he launched me in Hero, I don't expect him to resurrect my career. What he's done for me is more than enough, asking for more would be greedy.
I'm very grateful for everything he's done for me.'
On his friendship with his first co-star Athiya Shetty
"I've stayed in touch with Athiya, and we often talk about how we should've waited a couple more years before making our debut with Hero. We were both young, and our faces hadn't matured yet. I think 25 is the right age to make your debut."
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