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