I don’t want to feel like a victim: Sooraj Pancholi

Sooraj Pancholi wants life to move forward, and he is ready to defend himself. “Keeping the emotions intact for the person who has passed away, we do need some movement forward. It’s been a long, long time and I can’t afford to lose more time,” says the actor, who is charged with abetting the suicide of actor and ex-girlfriend Jiah Khan in 2013.

Sooraj says, “I went to court without any presumption. I knew that there was something I was going to be charged with, but I’m ready for any charge against me, because until I have a charge, I cannot defend myself. The trial begins from the 14th, and finally there will be progress. For so many years, we’ve never ever delayed the court process.”

He and his family are hoping for a fair trial, as Sooraj explains, “It usually is ‘innocent until proven guilty’, but with my case, it started with ‘guilty until proven innocent’. I just hope that people state the facts. If it’s bad, write against me; but if it’s in my favour, please write that as well.”

Now 27, he is hopeful that justice will be served. “I have lost my 20s in this bargain, but I don’t want to feel like a victim. I don’t want any sympathy. I just want my trial to be fair — whether it goes against me or in my favour. I’ve been shown as a criminal since day one; it’s not a good thing to live with. Four years of my prime have gone in attending court proceedings and nothing has happened. I want my case to end, fairly.”