EXCLUSIVE: Special bond with Salman Khan to being scolded by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, 7 heartfelt revelations by Sooraj Pancholi

After a notable absence, Sooraj Pancholi has returned to acting with the latest release, “Kesari Veer.” In an exclusive conversation with TopMob’s Hindi Rush, the actor shared insights into his personal and professional journey, as well as his experiences during his imprisonment. Here are the top 7 revelations from the interview.

1. Sooraj Pancholi on special bond with Salman Khan  

One day, Sooraj Pancholi got a call out of the blue from Salman Khan. When the famous actor inquired about his activities, Sooraj shared that he was attending acting classes. Impressed by this, Salman Khan suggested Sooraj wrap up his classes promptly and arranged a meeting with Kabir Khan, director of Ek Tha Tiger.

He remembered Khan saying something like, “I’m hoping Kabir introduces you. I’ll arrange for it. Keep your fingers crossed. If he finds you suitable, he might offer you a role as an Assistant Director (AD). You’ll learn a great deal,” he said. Intriguingly, it was during the filming of Ek Tha Tiger that the aspiring actor received his first film offer from Kabir.

During the conversation, Sooraj clarified that the superstar is not his ‘call away friend.’

He is both my superior and respectfully addressed as ‘Sir.’ If he doesn’t even greet me, I feel like I’ve been slapped in the face, it’s not about my personality. I understand that it’s his domain, he shared.

2. Sanjay Leela Bhansali scolded Sooraj Pancholi on the sets of Guzaarish

In one of his roles as an Assistant Director, Sooraj Pancholi found himself working on the film “Guzaarish” alongside Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan. He shared that he was reprimanded by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali more than anyone else during the production of this movie.

He mentioned that it was necessary for him to sit on Hrithik’s chair for lighting purposes, and if one looked around, a file would suddenly fly towards you. In essence, this was his way of teaching, and he expressed gratitude for the experience. Additionally, he compared this learning process to how a mother educates her child.

Watch the full interview here

3. Jackie Shroff’s advice to Sooraj Pancholi

The actor from Kesari Veer expressed that Jackie Shroff serves as a paternal figure for him. He went on to discuss the guidance he received, saying, “Don’t worry about taking my picture now, think instead about moving forward, making new pictures and then moving ahead again, not just thinking about taking pictures… Continue growing, opportunities for work will come, but not to receive a blow…

My boy, since you’ve finished watching that movie, let it go now and focus on another one. With the promotions behind us, keep the next project in mind and continue taking on any tasks assigned to you. If opportunities don’t come up, challenge yourself and explore new horizons instead.

4. Sooraj Pancholi was kept in the same cell as Ajmal Kasab

As a dedicated follower, I’d like to share my own account of my time spent in prison and the striking similarities it had with the cell where Kasab was detained. At that time, I was merely 21 years old, yet I was made to feel as if I were responsible for a devastating explosion.

I ended up in the same place as Kasab, but I didn’t have a pillow; instead, I had to make do with newspapers. I’m not trying to create a scene about it. It wasn’t until four or five years later that I truly grasped what had happened to me. The experience felt surreal while it was happening. An investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation took place… They locked me up in isolation, which made things extremely challenging for me.

5. Sooraj Pancholi recalls meeting Sushant Singh Rajput

The 34-year-old actor made it clear that Sushant Singh Rajput was not his personal friend, but rather a fellow professional in the industry. He also shared memories of their first encounter, stating, “He invited me to watch one of his movies once… after that, we developed a slight camaraderie, but despite having mutual friends, I never got an opportunity to spend much time with him.

6. Sooraj Pancholi wants to have a low-key wedding

As a dedicated follower, I shared my intention of opting for a simple, intimate wedding ceremony. “I envision just myself, possibly the woman I plan to wed, her close relatives, and my own family members in attendance. A modest affair, a small celebration, if you will. Afterward, we’ll embark on a holiday together, as I prefer not to splurge on events like sangeet, mehendi, and other assorted functions. Instead, I’d rather invest that money in a memorable mountain retreat with my beloved wife.

7. Sooraj Pancholi’s friends in the industry

In addition to this, Sooraj mentioned that he has only a few companions in the Hindi film world, which includes Tiger Shroff and Krushna Abhishek. However, Krushna Abhishek stands out as a very close friend of his. He expressed, “Krushna Abhishek is more like a best friend to me. We just connect instantly, he’s one of my biggest backers. I truly admire him.” This statement showcases the strong bond he shares with the actor and comedian.

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2025-05-28 21:38