Sooraj Pancholi on Playing Hamirji Gohil in Kesari Veer
Sooraj Pancholi shared his experience working with senior actors like Sunil Shetty and Vivek Oberoi.
In an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, Bollywood actor Sooraj Pancholi talks about his comeback film—Kesari Veer, his character, Hamirji Gohil while sharing his experience working with senior actors like Sunil Shetty and Vivek Oberoi.
Reshmi AR
What led you to your comeback movie, ‘Kesari Veer’?
I call it a gift from God. I visited the Somnath Temple with my family and saw a huge statue of a warrior on a horse outside. I asked a local who he was, and they told me about Hamirji Gohil, an unsung warrior who defended the temple against invaders. Within 48 hours, I got a call from my producer for Kanu Chauhan, and he came home with a script about Somnath and Hamirji Gohil. It all fell into place, and I don’t know if it was a gift from God or my mother’s blessings.
How did you prepare for the role of Hamirji Gohil?
I knew I had to do my best working with mature actors like Sunil Shetty sir and Vivek Oberoi sir. I focused on excelling as an actor, not just physicality. I worked on my dialogues, spent time with my director and writers, and did research on Hamirji Gohil. I wanted to prove myself through my performance, not action or looks. That’s where I put my effort, on the acting part.
What did you learn from working with senior actors Sunil Shetty and Vivek Oberoi?
To be honest, whenever I did a scene with them, they would nod saying I am doing well, and that kept me getting better. They gave me tips, knowing every actor is different. Their positive reaction improved my performance. It was a blessing working with such trained actors, it made me perform better.
How did you prepare physically for the role of a warrior in ‘Kesari Veer’?
The physicality is why I got the film. I had to go to the gym, eat well, and follow a diet. For sword fighting, I had a base from martial arts training, but I trained extensively for this film with people like Kevin. It was challenging, with many injuries, especially on fingers and knuckles, due to the heavy sword. We shot the film in 70 days, despite having a 100-day schedule. Now, let’s see how the audience responds. I did my best, and I hope my work gets appreciated.
What next after ‘Kesari Veer’?
I woud love to do a romantic film, not a rom-com, but a heart-breaking, intense love story with no action or dance. Something raw and nice, like ‘Kabir Singh’ or ‘Tere Naam’.
How does it feel to have overcome personal challenges and to have emerged stronger in your career?
I am extremely proud of myself. I do have a very strong support system, which is my family and friends. But it is only you who can take you out of the dark. When I sometimes look at myself in the mirror, I ask myself, how the hell did you do it? But I think I just had the right people at the right time and I was motivated. I kept a positive mindset. It is all up to you and I am happy that I took care of myself.
