Sooraj Pancholi is opening up about the professional repercussions he faced following the tragic death of Jiah Khan in 2013 and the subsequent legal battles. In a recent interview, the actor reflected on how the case impacted his career, stating that he understood why filmmakers chose to distance themselves from him and his projects.
Pancholi was arrested in 2013 after Jiah Khan's suicide, with Khan's family alleging his involvement. He was formally charged with abetment to suicide in 2018. After a decade-long legal battle, a CBI Special Court acquitted him in April 2023, citing a lack of evidence. However, the shadow of the case loomed large over his career for many years.
According to Pancholi, several filmmakers shelved projects that featured him during that period. While this could have led to bitterness, the actor takes a pragmatic view. He acknowledged the pressures faced by producers, stating that they had to protect their investments. He expressed understanding for their decisions, recognizing that the controversy surrounding him could have jeopardized the financial viability of their films. "They had to protect their investment," he said, suggesting he harbors no grudges against those who chose to replace him or put projects on hold.
The actor made his Bollywood debut in 2015 with "Hero," and later starred in "Satellite Shankar" (2019) and "Time to Dance" (2021). While these films didn't achieve significant box office success, Pancholi remained determined to continue his career.
Sooraj sees his recent film "Kesari Veer," released in May 2025, as a fresh start. He considers it his "second innings," a chance to move forward and prove himself after a difficult period. He has stated that he will no longer publicly address the Jiah Khan case after 2025, signaling his intention to leave the past behind.
In the interview, Pancholi expressed gratitude for the support he has received from fans, colleagues, and directors. He remains focused on growth, seeking stronger roles and opportunities to collaborate with established directors like Kabir Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with whom he had previously worked as an assistant director. He believes working with them would bring his career full circle.
Pancholi also spoke about the emotional toll the case took on his personal life, noting that it strained his relationship with his family. He shared that there was a time when they couldn't even make eye contact due to the pain they were experiencing. However, he also stated that the experience ultimately brought them closer together. He credited his family, particularly his mother and sister, for providing him with a strong support system during his difficult times.
Despite the setbacks and challenges, Sooraj Pancholi is determined to rebuild his career and create a positive future for himself. He is focused on moving forward, learning from the past, and making the most of the opportunities that come his way.
