Actor Sooraj Pancholi made a heartfelt return to the spotlight at the trailer launch of his comeback film Kesari Veer, held in Mumbai on Tuesday. This marks his return to the big screen after a four-year hiatus. Overcome with emotion, Sooraj teared up on stage while expressing gratitude to the makers of the film for giving him a second chance.
Sooraj Opens Up: “I Was Waiting for the Right Film”
In a video that quickly went viral on social media, Sooraj began by thanking producer Kanu Chauhan and co-star Akanksha Sharma, but paused mid-speech, visibly emotional. “This is a very special film to all of us,” he said, before being comforted by co-star Suniel Shetty. Speaking about his absence from films, he alluded to the legal battle that kept him away without directly referencing it: “Life. Many things I had to clear from my life. Everyone knows about it… My mother says good things take time. I was waiting for the right film, and I don’t think I could have ever gotten a better film than this to make a comeback.”
Acquitted in the Jiah Khan Case
This marks Sooraj’s first major project since his acquittal in the high-profile Jiah Khan suicide case. Jiah, an actress, was found dead in her Mumbai home in 2013. Sooraj, who was dating her at the time, was arrested and charged with abetment to suicide based on a letter attributed to her. After years of investigation, a CBI special court acquitted him in May 2023.
Kesari Veer: A Story of Unsung Heroes
Directed by Prince Dhiman and produced by Kanu Chauhan, Kesari Veer explores the bravery of warriors who fought to protect the Somnath Temple in the 14th century. The film also stars Suniel Shetty and Akanksha Sharma and is slated for release on May 16, 2025.
