Sooraj Pancholi is finally speaking out about the immense struggles he has faced over the past 14 years, primarily stemming from the media trial that followed the tragic suicide of Jiah Khan in 2013. In a series of recent interviews, the actor has opened up about the emotional and professional toll this period has taken on his life, while also expressing gratitude for the unwavering support he received from Salman Khan.

Pancholi's life was upended when he became the primary suspect in the investigation into Jiah Khan's death. The media scrutiny was relentless, and he found himself vilified in the public eye. Despite being acquitted by a special CBI court in 2023 due to a lack of evidence, the shadow of suspicion and judgment continues to loom over him. He describes the media trial as "bullying," emphasizing how misinformation and sensationalism took center stage, leaving him with little support. He believes a significant mistake he made was not speaking up for himself, a decision influenced by others at the time. Now, he feels that sharing his side of the story, which he has largely kept private, might have made a difference, though he acknowledges that the time for that has passed.

One of the most difficult aspects for Pancholi was the constant public commentary, even after his acquittal. He notes that many people continue to demand "justice," seemingly ignoring the court's verdict and the fact that he was found not guilty. He emphasizes that he went through the entire legal process, sacrificing his career and enduring a 12-year ordeal to prove his innocence. Despite having the option to seek an early discharge, he chose to go through the full trial to avoid any perception that his acquittal was due to privilege rather than a fair assessment of the evidence. He wanted a clean chit, earned through due process, to remove any lingering doubts.

Adding to his suffering, Pancholi recalls the harsh treatment he received while incarcerated during the investigation. He was placed in solitary confinement in Arthur Road Jail, in the same cell previously occupied by Ajmal Kasab, the 26/11 attacker. Pancholi recounts sleeping on newspapers and being treated as if he had committed a heinous crime. He reflects on how, at just 21 years old, the experience was overwhelming and difficult to fully comprehend until years later.

Amidst the darkness, Sooraj Pancholi acknowledges the unwavering support he received from Salman Khan. He regards Khan as a mentor and a key figure in his career, particularly for launching him in the film "Hero." Pancholi recounts that Khan only asked him one question: "Sooraj, have you done something wrong?" When he answered no, Khan never questioned him again, offering him a chance based purely on trust. Pancholi believes Khan's own experience with media trials made him a good judge of character, enabling him to trust and support him during the ordeal. This support extended beyond just words, as Khan remained a constant source of encouragement, reinforcing their bond, which Pancholi emphasizes is rooted in mutual respect and genuine connection.

Now, with his recent comeback in the film "Kesari Veer," Pancholi is hoping to rebuild his career and reclaim his life. He acknowledges the challenges of working in an industry that is often quick to judge and emphasizes the importance of inner strength and family support in navigating these difficulties. He recognizes that perceptions created by the media were not always accurate and expresses his determination to stay true to his dreams despite the hardships he has faced.