Sooraj Pancholi, who faced intense scrutiny following the 2013 suicide of Jiah Khan, shared chilling details of his 22-day ordeal in solitary confinement at Arthur Road Jail. In a candid conversation with Hindi Rush, Pancholi recounted the traumatic experience, revealing the harsh treatment he endured.

Pancholi said, "It's all hazy. I was just a 21-year-old boy at the time. I was sent to Arthur Road Jail and put in the 'anda cell' (solitary confinement). I was in the same cell where they had put Kasab (26/11 convict Ajmal Kasab). They treated me like I'd done a bomb blast." He further elaborated, "They put me where they put Kasab. I didn't even have a pillow; I'd sleep on newspapers. They treated me terribly, like I'd committed some horrible crime. I'm not exaggerating. It was only after four or five years that I understood what I'd been through. It felt like a dream when it was happening. The CBI investigation happened... They kept me in the 'anda cell'. It was difficult."

In 2013, Pancholi was accused by Jiah Khan's family of abetting her suicide, leading to his arrest and a media trial. He spent 22 days in jail before being granted bail. The case dragged on for years until 2023, when a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Mumbai acquitted him of all abetment charges.

Reflecting on the public and media perception in an interview with SCREEN, Pancholi addressed being misunderstood, saying, "I agree 1000 per cent. The media talking about it without any kind of knowledge of the truth added to it. I am very calm in life now; what has to happen will happen. Not everything is in your control, I just want to do my best as an actor, brother, boyfriend, and friend. I want to give it my all. The rest is up to God and destiny." He also expressed pride in his resilience, stating, "I am very proud because I stood up for myself and still chose a path in a field that will keep bashing you, but I will prove everyone wrong, I know I will. I am very proud that I didn't run away from it and fought for it; I took care of myself and overcame it with faith and hope."

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Now, Pancholi has made a comeback with Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath, a film that delves into the heroic tale of Hamirji Gohil, a warrior who battled the Tughlaq Empire to protect the Somnath Temple. In the film, Pancholi portrays Veer Hamirji Gohil, while Suniel Shetty stars as Vegda Ji, a warrior dedicated to upholding 'Dharma' on the battlefield. Directed by Prince Dhiman and produced by Kanu Chauhan, the film offers a dramatic exploration of courage and sacrifice.

See Also: Sooraj Pancholi Gets Emotional About Returning To Films At Kesari Veer Trailer Launch: 'I Had To Clear My Life...'