EXCLUSIVE: Sooraj Pancholi Comments On Actors Like Babil Khan, Prateik Smita Patil Feeling Pressure To Live Up To Their Legacy; Reveals Former Removed Viral Breakdown Video As “Someone Told Him To Do It”

Sooraj Pancholi is an Indian actor who appears in Hindi-language films. The son of actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, he debuted with the 2015 romantic action film Hero, for which he won a Filmfare Award for Best Newcomer. He also starred in the 2019 action drama film Satellite Shankar opposite Megha Akash. In his FIRST podcast post getting acquitted in his 12-year-long legal battle, with Bollywood Bubble, Sooraj Pancholi defended how Bollywood puts pressure on actors like Prateik Smita Patil and Babil Khan.

Sooraj Pancholi Comes In Support Of Babil Khan

When asked how difficult it must be for actors to carry forward their parents’ legacy, citing an example of Babil Khan, Sooraj Pancholi said, “See, I know Prateik personally. Babil, I haven’t met yet. I get where that boy is coming from.’ People don’t realise how difficult it’s been for him. He’s made it all on his own. Yes, his mother (Smita Patil) was a part of the industry, but he was very young when she passed away. And from what I know, he had zero support from anyone in the industry. He’s really worked very hard to get to where he is today.”

Continuing, he said, “As for Babil—he’s still very young. I think he’s barely 23. To try and fulfil his father’s legacy and step into his shoes… I can’t even imagine the kind of pressure that must bring. The pressure does get to you as an actor. Even today, when I look at legacy and big names, it’s hard just to be yourself and stay relevant. I had different issues. That’s why this particular issue wasn’t that big for me. But I think every actor, even the top stars today, faces some kind of pressure. You’re constantly under the spotlight.”

Sooraj Pancholi Praises Babil Khan’s Courage

Pancholi said, “At the same time, we’ve chosen to be part of this industry, so we can’t really complain, either. It’s a very debatable space. It’s a tough spot, but it’s also the life we chose. And I think it takes a lot of courage to show your emotions openly. If Babil chose to post something emotional, and then deleted it—I’m sure it wasn’t because he wanted to. I’m sure someone must’ve told him to remove it. But it takes real courage to show that emotional side to the world. I just hope, and I really mean this—I hope he continues. More power to him. I know he’s a very, very good performer. I’ve seen his work. He has a long, long way to go, and I’m sure he’ll make his Baba (father) very, very proud.”

Watch The Full Interview

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sooraj Pancholi Fully SUPPORTS Ban On Pakistani Artists In Bollywood Following Pahalgam Terror Attack; BLASTS, “Why Are We Paying For Their Bullets?”