Sooraj Pancholi on making comeback after years-long legal battle: ‘Koi doosra hota toh woh bhaag jata’

Sooraj Pancholi

After four years of a long legal battle and fingers pointed at him, Sooraj Pancholi is making his comeback with Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath, a historical drama based on the unsung hero Veer Hamirji Gohil - a warrior who defended the Somnath Temple from attack in the 14th century. Also starring Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi, the film marks a major milestone for Pancholi, who plays Hamirji Gohil. It serves as his long-awaited return to the screen following the turbulence of the Jiah Khan case. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Sooraj opened up about the emotional strength it took to face the public again.

Sooraj Pancholi on making a comeback

Speaking to us, the actor shared, "It takes a lot of courage, because agar koi doosra hota toh woh bhaag chuka hota ab tak industry se. But agar aapne kisika bura nahi kiya hai, toh Mahadev hamesha aapke saath hote hain."

India is going through very challenging times, and to release a film about invaders in such sensitive times, can it go wrong? When asked about it, Sooraj stated, "Whatever happened is, of course, very sad and unfair to those who lost their lives. Our film also deals with a similar subject, but we had no intention of releasing it at such a time."

While further stating how the date of the film's release was announced much earlier, he also noted the fact that invaders have been trying to invade our country for ages and said, "Things like this have been happening to us for years. Our film is also about people who tried to invade us."

About Jiah Khan's suicide

Jiah Khan was found dead in her Mumbai home on June 3, 2013. Based on a letter seized on June 10, which was purportedly written by her, Mumbai Police booked Sooraj Pancholi under Section 306 (abetment to suicide) and arrested him.

Jiah's mother, Rabia Khan, alleged that her daughter was murdered and sought a CBI probe. On the order of the Bombay High Court, the CBI took over the investigation from the Maharashtra Police in July 2014. Rabia claimed that her daughter was in an abusive relationship with Sooraj Pancholi. Sooraj and Jiah started dating in September 2012.

About Kesari Veer

Meanwhile, Kesari Veer delves into the inspiring tale of unsung warriors who fought and sacrificed their lives to protect the Somnath Temple from invaders in the 14th century AD. Helmed by director Prince Dhiman, the film is produced by veteran producer Kanu Chauhan. The film was released on May 23, 2025.