Sooraj says no grudge against those who dropped him from films

After years of silence, scrutiny, and slow-moving second chances, Sooraj Pancholi is finally stepping into the spotlight on his own terms. With Kesari Veer marking what he calls the beginning of his “second innings,” the actor is choosing resilience over resentment.

From navigating a decade-long legal battle to rebuilding his career brick by brick, Sooraj opens up about growth, gratitude, and why he holds no grudges against those who distanced themselves during his darkest phase.In an interview with HT, Sooraj revealed that he is focusing on the positives, acknowledging the appreciation he’s received from fans, colleagues, and directors who’ve noted his growth since his debut.

However, he remains unsatisfied and driven, aiming for stronger roles, better films, and opportunities to work with seasoned directors. Despite the underwhelming box office numbers of his film Kesari Veer, the actor believes that every film, successful or not, adds to an actor’s growth and confidence.

For him, it’s all part of a longer journey.In a decade-long acting career, Kesari Veer marks only Sooraj Pancholi’s fourth film as a lead—largely due to the legal battles that shadowed his early years in the industry. Following the tragic death of his girlfriend, actor Jiah Khan, in 2013, Sooraj was arrested for abetment.

It wasn’t until 2023 that a CBI Special Court acquitted him, citing lack of evidence. Now, with that chapter behind him, Sooraj sees Kesari Veer as the true start of his second innings—one where he finally feels unburdened and personally transformed.

Despite being acquitted two years ago and over a decade passing since Jiah Khan’s death, Sooraj still finds himself fielding questions about that difficult period. He’s firm in saying that 2025 will be the last time he addresses it publicly.

Looking back, he takes a pragmatic view of how the industry treated him during those years. Several filmmakers distanced themselves, shelving projects that featured him—but Sooraj holds no resentment.

He understands the business realities, acknowledging that producers had to make tough calls with their investments and believes everything unfolds in its own time.Almost as an afterthought, Sooraj reflects on his journey with quiet resolve, saying he wouldn’t have it any other way.

He admits he prefers earning everything the hard way—believing that, like gold, true worth is revealed only through fire.When asked about what’s next, the actor brings the conversation full circle—back to his desire to work with strong, visionary directors. He shares his hope of collaborating with Kabir Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, both of whom he once assisted before stepping into the spotlight himself. For Sooraj, working with them someday would feel like life coming full circle. And when that moment arrives, he says, he hopes to revisit this conversation from a new chapter in his journey.