Sooraj Pancholi on Salman Khan’s fondness for him: ‘He did so much for me when I had no scope of any happiness’

In an exclusive interview with SCREEN, Sooraj Pancholi talks about his equation with Salman Khan, recalls the night he was offered Hero.

3 min readMumbaiMay 25, 2025 02:15 PM IST

Sooraj Pancholi on his bond with Salman Khan

Sooraj Pancholi on his equation with Salman Khan. (Photos: Sooraj Pancholi / Instagram)

Actor Sooraj Pancholi was launched in the film industry by Salman Khan in 2015 with the movie Hero. At the time, Sooraj was dealing with the accusation of abetting actress Jiah Khan’s suicide, and Salman’s unwavering support left a deep emotional impact on him. During his very first media appearance at the film’s trailer launch, the overwhelmed newcomer broke down in tears as he hugged Salman. In the latest episode of SCREEN’s Dear Me Season 2, Sooraj reflected on Salman’s fondness for him and shared cherished memories of working with him during Ek Tha Tiger.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SCREEN (@ieentertainment)

Also Read: Sooraj Pancholi reflects on facing a humiliating media trial, says Salman Khan asked him only once: ‘Sooraj, have you done something wrong?’

Talking about Salman Khan’s ‘unconditional’ support for him, the actor said, “He did so much for me when I had no scope of any happiness. He came there as a messiah and helped me. He was there for me unconditionally. I bonded with him on the sets of Ek Tha Tiger. I was the last AD and got a lot of time to spend with him; that’s where he got some kind of liking for me. I don’t know why. I don’t know why he wanted to help me, and he stuck by his words. Today, whatever I am is because of his push.”

Sooraj also revealed how Salman had offered him his debut film Hero as a birthday gift. Recalling that incident, Sooraj shared, “During Ek Tha Tiger, we were in Mardin, Turkey, in the mountains. It was cold. I had gone to sleep, and at 4 am, there was a knock on the door. My roommate saw through the peephole that Mr Salman Khan was standing outside. So he woke me up. We opened the door, and he asked both of us to come to his room at that very moment. We walked to his hotel, and then he sat me down, made me meet Reshma Shetty, and said she would manage my work from now on.”

Also Read | ‘Both Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Kabir Khan scolded me during shooting’: Sooraj Pancholi

“He wished me a happy birthday and gave me the contract for my first film. As an assistant director, he had put me on the film. He called me and asked me to come to Yash Raj. There, he made me meet Kabir Khan and asked him to take me as an AD on the film. My father and he aren’t friends. They know each other due to the industry, but I don’t know why he has this liking towards me. I still question it and ask him sometimes, ‘Why me?’ And he just smiles,” the actor added.

Sooraj Pancholi’s lastest film Kesari Veer hit screens on Friday. The movie also stars Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi in important roles.

Nawaz Javed Kochra

Nawaz Javed Kochra is a seasoned entertainment journalist at The Indian Express Online, bringing nearly a decade of expertise to the forefront of cultural reporting. With a focus on the television and Over-The-Top (OTT) landscapes, he has established himself as a prominent voice in the industry, known for his high-profile celebrity interviews and insightful coverage of the Indian entertainment sector. Experience & Career Nawaz holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Mumbai University, providing him with a rigorous academic and ethical foundation. In his 11-year career, he has navigated through several of India's leading media houses, building a portfolio that spans digital, print, and broadcast media: The Indian Express: Currently leads coverage of TV and OTT content, producing both written analysis and popular video interview segments. Former Roles: He began his career at the iconic Stardust Magazine and later held key positions at Zoom TV, Zee Multimedia, MissMalini, Bollywood Bubble, and Raindrop Media. Expertise & Focus Areas Nawaz’s beat is characterized by a blend of exclusive access and trend analysis. His core areas of expertise include: Reality Television: Specialized coverage of major franchises like Bigg Boss, providing behind-the-scenes insights and winner profiles. OTT Ecosystem: Tracking the shift from traditional cable to digital streaming platforms, with a focus on web series and digital premieres. Celebrity Profiles & Interviews: Nawaz is celebrated for his ability to foster candid conversations with industry stalwarts, from music composers like Amaal Mallik to other TV legends. Investigative Entertainment News: Reporting on sensitive industry developments, including legal disputes and personal stories of resilience within the acting community. Authoritativeness & Trust With a reputation built on years of networking and credible reporting, Nawaz Kochra is a "known face" in the Mumbai media circuit. His work at The Indian Express adheres to the publication's "Journalism of Courage" standard, ensuring that even entertainment reporting is approached with accuracy, sensitivity, and transparency. His educational background and extensive tenure across diverse media platforms provide him with the authoritative perspective required to analyze the rapid evolution of Indian show business. ... Read More

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

Loading Recommendations...

Jun 07: Latest News

Live Blog