Sooraj Pancholi on his return with Kesari Veer post Jiah Khan case: ‘When all fingers point at you...'

Sooraj Pancholi in Kesari Veer

Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath is Sooraj Pancholi's first film after his 2023 acquittal in the Jiah Khan case. In the historical drama that also stars Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi, Pancholi plays Hamirji Gohil, a warrior who defended the Somnath Temple from attack in the 14th century. "Not all actors in their career are offered a warrior film. I was offered this film because of my physicality; they wanted someone young and strong," he says.

Pancholi, who debuted with Hero (2015), is in his 10th year at the movies. Yet, Kesari Veer is only his fourth film. That is a personal choice, he states. "I had done a film, and I don't know why I did it. But after that, I vowed that I'd never take up a project that made me feel terrible on set. Now, I only want to take up work that excites me. I wish this was my time to say, ‘Look at the volume,' but it's not."

Jiah Khan

Circumstances have also played a role in how his career panned out. After Khan's demise in 2013, Pancholi was charged with abetment to suicide, and acquitted in 2023. Describing the 10-year ordeal as "very difficult", he reflects, "When all fingers point at you, you feel cornered, and I did. But I never allowed myself to spiral into bad habits like substance abuse. Keeping myself active helped to heal my mind. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, but it made me stronger. I don't talk about it with my family or friends. But sometimes, it catches up with me, and I feel overwhelmed."