Sooraj Pancholi turns 35: From controversy, legal battles to Bollywood struggles and flops

As Sooraj Pancholi celebrates his birthday today, his life story remains a complex mix of promise, turmoil, and perseverance. Born into Bollywood royalty as the son of actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, Sooraj’s entry into the film industry seemed inevitable. 

However, his career and personal life have been deeply entwined with controversies that often overshadowed his work.

Sooraj’s biggest struggle came early in his career when he was arrested in connection with actress Jiah Khan’s tragic death in 2013. Accused of abetment to suicide, the case dragged on for nearly a decade, subjecting him to intense media scrutiny and public judgment. 

The prolonged legal battle, combined with the weight of public opinion, stalled his momentum in Bollywood and took a toll on his mental health.

Sooraj Pancholi’s Bollywood Debut

Despite these challenges, Sooraj made his acting debut in 2015 with Salman Khan’s production Hero, for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. The film’s success was a ray of hope, but sustaining that success proved difficult amid ongoing legal and personal battles.

In 2023, after years of courtroom proceedings, Sooraj was acquitted of all charges due to lack of evidence. The verdict marked a turning point, with Sooraj expressing relief and a desire to rebuild his life and career.

Apart from Hero, Sooraj Pancholi has starred in several movies, including Satellite Shankar (2019), Time To Dance (2021), and Kesari Veer (2025). However, none of his movies could impress the audience.

Even his recently released film, Kesari Veer is a historical action drama based on the story of the attack on the Somnath temple in the 14th century.

Though there were many expectations from the movie, released on May 23, it was considered a box office flop. The film struggled to attract audiences and failed to perform well financially.