Sooraj Pancholi talks about staying offline in digital age: 'I envy actors who don't use social media...'

Sooraj Pancholi on social media

Sooraj Pancholi, who has starred in four films and assisted in directing two, has spent nearly 15 years navigating Bollywood’s evolving landscape.

The actor recently talked about how social media has drastically changed stardom and how the industry has changed from a close-knit creative community to a more business-oriented ecosystem.

He admits to being unusually reserved online, especially for someone of his generation and told Hindustan Times, “Honestly, if it were my decision, I wouldn’t even have social media. There are many actors who manage without it—and I really envy them,” Sooraj says. Still, he acknowledges its potential: “Social media is undeniably powerful. With enough reach, you can shape how people perceive you. That kind of visibility can be bought—sometimes even your reputation can be managed.”

Pancholi admires the savvy approach of younger actors. He wishes he had adopted it himself earlier. For him, social platforms serve only as tools for damage control. “I tell myself, ‘Let me focus on the work first,’” he explains, emphasising that a strong track record matters more than managing one’s online brand.

The actor also weighed in on a concern that social media might have ruined the mystique of film stars. “Hard work hasn’t changed, but everything is out in the open now. Without social media, old-school superstars would still feel mysterious.”

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He likens our craving for quick access to cinema with food-delivery culture: “It’s like biryani—once reserved for Eid, but now just 20 minutes away via Zomato or Swiggy. We have it all the time, yet do we appreciate it as much?” he asks, highlighting how instant availability can diminish value.

The period drama Kesari Veer, Sooraj's most recent endeavour, sadly did not do well at the box office. But he views it as a teaching moment in his continuing exploration of a Bollywood that is evolving.