Sooraj Pancholi has recently spoken about the profound impact the Jiah Khan trial had on him, particularly concerning his family. The actor, who was acquitted in 2023 of abetment to suicide in connection with Khan's death in 2013, described the immense difficulty he faced in maintaining eye contact with his parents during the legal proceedings.
The trial, which spanned a decade, placed an enormous strain on Pancholi and his family. He confessed that the weight of the accusations and the constant media scrutiny made it nearly impossible for him to face his parents, actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab. The shame and the emotional burden were so heavy that he often felt overwhelmed in their presence.
In an interview, Pancholi has opened up about the lack of support he felt from the media during the trial. He articulated that he underwent a full trial to prove his innocence, answering every question and accusation in detail. Despite being acquitted due to lack of evidence, he felt the media did not give due attention to this fact, perhaps because it didn't offer the sensationalism they were seeking. He believes his silence during the trial might have been a mistake, as it prevented his side of the story from being heard.
Pancholi also touched upon the controversial letter that was recovered from Jiah Khan's home, which formed a significant part of the prosecution's case. He highlighted that this letter was later declared fake in court, raising questions about the basis of his initial arrest.
Even after being cleared of all charges, Pancholi still grapples with the question of who might have framed him. He has alluded to the possibility that it could be related to his father, Aditya Pancholi, and his relationships with others in the industry. The actor admitted that he was confused about why he was targetted in the case.
Despite the trauma and challenges, Sooraj Pancholi is now trying to rebuild his life and career. He has spoken about finding love again and being in a relationship where his past is not a constant topic of discussion. He has also expressed a desire to make his father proud, acknowledging that while he doesn't agree with all of his father's actions, he remains his primary support.
The Jiah Khan case remains a sensitive topic, and Sooraj Pancholi's recent statements offer a glimpse into the personal toll it has taken on him and his family. While he is moving forward, the scars of the trial and the media scrutiny are likely to remain with him.