Actor Sooraj Pancholi, who has long been in the public eye due to legal controversies surrounding him, has opened up in a candid new interview about how several films were taken away from him after his arrest. Rather than expressing bitterness or resentment, Sooraj took a surprisingly empathetic view, acknowledging the commercial pressures that producers face in the industry.
Speaking with calm and clarity, Sooraj admitted that a number of filmmakers who had initially signed him on for projects backed out once he was embroiled in a legal case. However, he emphasized that he harbors no ill feelings towards them. “They had their investments and their reputations on the line,” Sooraj said. “At the end of the day, it’s their money, their business. I understand why they did what they did.”
The actor was referring to the period following his arrest in connection with the tragic death of actress Jiah Khan in 2013. The case brought intense scrutiny on Sooraj, and while he maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, it led to an extended legal battle and a dark cloud over his budding film career. During this time, projects that were once considered stepping stones for him either got shelved or recast, leaving the young actor in professional limbo.
“It wasn’t easy,” he confessed. “When you’re starting out and suddenly everything you’ve worked for slips away, it hits you hard. But I had to remind myself constantly that people were reacting to the circumstances, not necessarily judging me as a person.”
Sooraj, who made his Bollywood debut with Hero (2015), produced by Salman Khan, was seen as a promising newcomer. But the controversies and legal proceedings took a toll not just on his public image, but also on his mental health and career trajectory. Despite these hurdles, he chose to remain silent through much of the turmoil, only speaking out occasionally when absolutely necessary.
Now, with the court case behind him and a fresh perspective on the struggles he endured, Sooraj seems more grounded. “What matters to me now is peace of mind and the ability to work without carrying emotional baggage,” he said. “I’m thankful to the people who stood by me, and I don’t blame the ones who couldn’t.”
He added that he now views those years as a period of reflection and growth. “Sometimes the hardest times show you who you really are. I learned patience. I learned not to hold on to anger. Everyone is trying to protect their interests in this industry. And I can’t hold that against them.”
With renewed energy and hope, Sooraj is now looking forward to returning to the big screen. He is reportedly in talks for a few new projects and is also exploring opportunities beyond acting, including writing and production. “The past is behind me,” he concluded. “I just want to move ahead with gratitude and positivity.”
His mature response to what was undoubtedly one of the most difficult chapters in his life has won him praise from many corners, including colleagues in the film industry who admire his resilience. As he steps cautiously but confidently back into the spotlight, Sooraj Pancholi seems ready to turn the page—and this time, on his own terms.
