Sooraj Pancholi's Hero: Lesser known facts

Sooraj Pancholi: No one can ever be Salman Khan
Sooraj Pancholi has got a great start in Bollywood with Hero. Since Salman Khan is producing the movie, a lot comparisons are being drawn between the actor and his protege. However, in an interview with Dnaindia.com, Sooraj stated that no one can ever be Salman Khan, there can only be one of him. The report further quoted him as saying that he doesn't want to be the next 'someone.' He reiterated that he just wants people to know him as Sooraj Pancholi.
Click on the next slide to know as to what did Salman Khan have to say about the lavish budget of Hero...

Lavish budget for 'Hero' like my other films, says Salman Khan Actor Salman Khan claims that he didn't compromise on the budget for his production Hero just because it features newcomers and allotted it a sum on par with his other big-budget films. the Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor further claims that he did not want any stone to be left unturned for Athiya Shetty and Sooraj Pancholi because their journey starts from this film onwards. "So we paid attention to everything from the music to selection of the director to Nikhil spending days and nights with these two, and they going through their training in dancing, action and other such things. I was working on Bajrangi... but my concentration was more on this than Bajrangi... because I've seen my life journey but their careers start now, it shouldn't be that fingers should point at me, that I've put them into trouble."The film is releasing on September 11 and Salman admits that releasing the music just a week prior to the release wasn't a great idea. "Obviously the music has picked up and become a big hit, but I think we erred as we should've released the music at least four months before. "Hero" is the second film under the banner of Salman Khan Films after the blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan.

‘Ye halva nahi tha for Sooraj and Athiya’

Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty are gearing up for the release of their debut film, Hero. While many may think that it must have been an easy ride for the starkids, Salman Khan clarifies it by saying that, ‘Ye halva nahi tha’ for both of them, reports Indiatoday.in. He further revealed that he had not signed them on because they are Aditya Pancholi and Suniel Shetty’s kids but because he thought that they were capable of pulling it off. He further said that both Sooraj and Athiya had been through auditions and tests before being finalised.

Read on to find out as to what did Sooraj divulge about Athiya during the promotions of their film…

Sooraj Pancholi: Because of Athiya, I looked like a hero

Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty are taking the media by a storm with the aggressive promotions for their debut movie Hero. The two debutantes look confident and are really looking forward to the release of the film and the public responses on their debut venture. In a report on Movies.ndtv.com, both Athiya and Sooraj interacted with each other during a college event. Addressing the crowd of young girls Athiya said that Sooraj is funny and naughty; she further revealed all the pranks he played on the her during the shoot of the film. On the other hand, Sooraj said that for him Athiya is the biggest support in the entire film industry and because of her he is looking like a Hero in the film. Well guys! Your support for each other is apparent. The movie Hero is directed by Nikhil Advani and is a remake of Subhash Ghai's 1983 film Hero stating Jackie Shroff in the lead.


Click to the next slide to know what Nikhil Advani said about Salman Khan directing a film...

Nikhil: Salman should’ve directed a film 10 years ago

Salman Khan has been completely involved in the process of editing his production venture, Hero. The film's director, Nikhil Advani, too, is happy with the manner in which the film has shaped up thanks to Salman's presence at the editing table. While Salman has edited out 30 minutes of footage from the film, Nikhil has been quoted in a DNA report as saying that he had insisted that Salman assists him in editing the film since he knew that it would add immensely to the film. He asserts that Salman has turned Hero into another entity altogether. Nikhil Advani beleives that Salman has an impeccable sense of narration. In fact, Nikhil is so impressed with Salman that he thinks that he should have directed a film 10 years ago.

Meanwhile, check out as to why is Athiya Shetty fond of Michael Jackson...

While the world celebrates The King of Pop, late Michael Jackson’s 57th birthday today by reminiscing his hit songs, B-Town’s new entrant Athiya Shetty open up about her favourite MJ moment as she tread down the memory lane.

According to a report on Bollywoodlife.com, Athiya discussed about how her childhood passed by as she and her brother fought over Michael Jackson and Spice Girls. The Hero actress told Bollywoodlife.com that while she was obsessed with Spice Girls; her younger brother adored the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, as did the others in her family. In fact, reportedly, Athiya and her brother even had posters of MJ and Spice Girls stuck on the wall of their bedroom!

While Athiya reminisces her childhood days, find out what Sooraj Pancholi did before an MJ concert...

As Athiya reminisced her days when she eventually started liking the Pop artist, actor Sooraj Pancholi revealed his cute secrets of dressing up as Michael Jackson. According to a report on Bollywoodlife.com, apparently, Sooraj used his sister’s several strands of tresses and stuck it on a hat which he wore along with white socks and a suit when he went for the star’s concert. He reportedly said that he remembered watching Daler Mehandi perform in MJ’s concert as he sat on Salman’s shoulder and cheered. However, he added that he had no recollection of Michael Jackson’s performance and he went to sleep by the time the pop star came on stage.

This revelation sure tells us that the Hero stars were adorable in their childhood days. As the release dates of their debut film is nearing, we can’t contain our excitement to see these two star kids to create magic like their parents on screen! Find out why Salman Khan chopped off the kissing scene from the film...

Salman Khan chops off Sooraj and Athiya's lip-lock scene

Salman Khan has never kissed on-screen and hence he thinks that there is absolutely no need for his proteges, Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty to lock lips either. A Mumbai Mirror report claims that there was a lip-lock scene between the two actors in one of the songs from their debut film, Hero. However, reportedly when Salman saw the scene, he immediately asked for it to be chopped off. Director, Nikhil Advani, has been quoted in the report as saying that, "It was just a peck... A brush of the lips...But even before I could see it, Salman did, and insisted on editing it out. His argument was that in all these years, he had never kissed on screen, so there was no reason for his 'children' to lock lips." Apparently Salman had also asked Nikhil to not make another D-Day. Recalling the brief he was given, Nikhil has been quoted as saying that, "His brief to me was to not make another D-Day. He wanted a larger-than-life film. He was launching two new faces and wanted to give them the platform he had got. He told me we had to emulate the scale of Salaam-E-Ishq in terms of music and grandeur."

Sooraj's co-star, Chetan Hansraj, is all praise for him. Read on to know why...

Co-star Chetan Hansraj is all praise for ‘Hero’ Sooraj Pancholi

TV hunk, Chetan Hansraj, is playing the role of villain in Salman Khan’s production venture, Hero. The actor had worked with Salman in the 2012 film, Bodyguard, and was appreciated by the superstar for his work. Talking about debutante, Sooraj Pancholi, Chetan was quoted in an DNA report as saying that he has a great physique and his attitude, rawness and behaviour show all the signs of a great actor in him. Chetan reportedly plays the villain in the film. Well, Sooraj definitely has the industry rooting for him.

However, Salman Khan has cut Hero by 30 minutes. Know why…

Salman Khan cuts ‘Hero’ by 30 minutes

It seems that Salman Khan is taking a keen interest in his next production, Hero, which will launch Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty in lead roles. Apparently, Salman Khan has actively participated in the editing of the film. According to an IANS report, Hero's director, Nikhil Advani, was quoted as saying that, "I told him that if you don't sit on the edit, I cannot finish this film. You need to sit on the edit, to tell me what is right and what is wrong, what is working, what is not working'. He sat, he cut out 30 minutes of the film. The film is now 2.04 hours. Someone recently asked me what is Hero in one word and I said, ‘Salman Khan’."

Read on to know as to why had Salman never visited the sets of Hero...

Salman didn't visit the sets even once

It is customary for producers to drop by on the set of their films, but Salman Khan is quite obviously, different. According to a Bombay Times report, the Bollywood superstar didn't visit the set of his next production venture, Hero even once. He meted out all the necessary advice to the debutantes Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty, before the film started rolling. A source was quoted in the report as saying that, the idea was not to intimidate the youngsters, who can't help but be enamoured by his presence. Apparently Salman would directly coordinate with director Nikhil Advani, if he had any inputs as he comes from the school of thought where being a hands-on producer means giving his actors and director their space.

While Salman had placed complete trust in the newbies, Athiya's mom has put her under house arrest. Read on to find out why...

‘Hero’ girl Athiya Shetty under house arrest?

In a precautionary move by her mom, Mana Shetty, debutant, Athiya Shetty has been told not to step out in the public eye until the release of her film, Hero, as reported by Filmfare. Sunil Shetty’s daughter is all set to light up the silver screen with Aditya Pancholi’s son, Sooraj Pancholi in Salman Khan’s production venture, Hero. Call it a house arrest or an effort to protect her image, Athiya has been told to refrain from outings with friends. So no movies, coffee dates or days out for the girl till her film, Hero, hits the theatres on September 25. Now that’s a lot of time to stay put at home!

While Athiya’s mom is taking every safety measure to ensure her daughter doesn’t fall prey to rumours, her debut film was reportedly in legal trouble recently. Know more…

Makers of Sooraj Pancholi's 'Hero' in legal trouble?

Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty's debut film Hero is making news ever since the trailer was launched. However, according to a report on Mid-day.com, the family members of the original scriptwriter of Hero (1983) have apparently filed a complaint against Salman Khan and Subhash Ghai for allegedly not paying them royalty. The report quoted a source saying that scriptwriter Ram Kelkar's family was assured a royalty payment when the duo announced a remake of the classic movie. The source further stated that the promised dues have not reached them yet.

Read on to know who is Athiya Shetty's real life hero...

Athiya Shetty’s debut film, Hero, opposite Sooraj Pancholi hits the screens in a month’s time. The girl has become quite popular since the release of her film’s trailer and is very much active on micro-blogging website, Twitter. The newbie took to Twitter to wish her father, Suniel Shetty on his birthday. Attaching along a childhood picture with him, she posted, “Some things never change ❤ Happy Birthday Papa!!! Love you so much. #MyHero,” [sic] Well, Sooraj might be her on-screen hero but in real life, her father is her hero.

Read on to find out why Athiya and Sooraj were on a strict no-dating clause during the shooting of their film…

No dating clause for Sooraj-Athiya

Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty look ready to storm into Bollywood. While the chemistry between them is evident in the trailer of the film, Hero, you would be surprised to know that they were on a strict no-dating clause during the duration of shooting for their debut film, as reported on Bollywoodlife.com. According to the report, Sooraj and Athiya's parents weren't very comfortable with the idea of the two dating each other given their age and the fact that they were just starting out in the industry. The no-dating diktat is applicable even for the period of film promotions.

Read on to find out what is Sooraj Pancholi's nickname...

Sonakshi Sinha’s nickname for Sooraj Pancholi

The industry is raving about Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty’s Hero. After watching the recently released trailer, Sonakshi Sinha, too, was all praise for the film’s leading man. Impressed with the trailer, she took to mircro-blogging site, Twitter, to post, "New age hero @soorajpancholi9 !! Trailer looking good eh... mr. Bhola! All the best :)” [sic] Hero is produced by Salman Khan and is all set to hit the screens on September 25, 2015.

Read on to know what advice Salman Khan gave Sooraj Pancholi as he worked for his Bollywood debut...

Aditya Pancholi to Sooraj: Don't follow me if you want to be a star

Aditya Pancholi, who was once praised for his acting ability but is now in the news for all the wrong reasons, advices his son, Sooraj Pancholi, to not to follow him if he wants to be a star, reports PTI. "I told him not to follow me. Every father tells his son to be like him but I don't want him to be like me. If he doesn't follow me then he will become a star," he said. The actor was quoted in the report as saying that, "I have made so many mistakes in life. My temper and behaviour, all this doesn't do any good to anyone. I told him to do the opposite of what I did in my life till now." Aditya also thanked superstar Salman Khan, who is launching his son Sooraj in his home production film Hero. "I felt very happy and proud watching the trailer. This film happened because of Salman Khan and we are grateful to him. We are very happy and excited as this is a big break for him. We couldn't have asked for anything better. It is a big thing that he is launched by a superstar like Salman," he said.

While Aditya Pancholi is advising his son, Sooraj Pancholi, to not follow in his footsteps, read onto why Sooraj broke down at the trailer launch of his debut film...

When Salman Khan's 'Hero' broke into tears...

Sooraj Pancholi, who is making his Bollywood debut with Salman Khan Productions' Hero, got emotional at the trailer launch of the film. After the film's trailer was unveiled, the young lad stepped on to the stage and had tears in his eyes. He hugged Salman, who got moved by this gesture. When quizzed about what made him emotional, Sooraj said, "This is a dream launch, I don't think I could have asked for anything better. There are people out there who are more talented and good-looking, but they haven't made it here, I have."

Read further to know about Sooraj's second Bollywood project...

The trailer of Sooraj Pancholi’s debut film Hero has just released, and the actor has already signed his second film, or so claims a report on Bollywoodlife.com.

The report states that Sooraj has signed his second film with Drishyam producer, Kumar Mangat Pathak. Reportedly, the film will be an all out action film with a love track. While the name of the director is still not known, the hunt for Sooraj’s female lead is on, the report stated.

While Sooraj is already in demand before the release of Hero, his first look in the film is striking. Click further and check out…

The first look of Sooraj Pancholi's Hero is out! The film is produced by Salman Khan and Subhash Ghai and directed by Nikhil Advani. Sooraj Pancholi packs a punch and has the words, 'rebels', 'love' and 'freedom' tattooed on his fingers. Going by the first look, the film looks like a complete treat for action buffs with a fair bit of masala thrown in.

Let's take a look at another smouldering look of Sooraj Pancholi from a poster of Hero...

Salman Khan releases a new poster of 'Hero' featuring Sooraj Pancholi

Salman Khan is launching Sooraj Pancholi in his home production, Hero which is directed by Nikhil Advani. The actor recently took to Twitter to announce the release date of the film and also share a poster of the film featuring Sooraj Pancholi. The actor tweeted, "Back off, HERO coming on 4th September @HeroTheFilm.” [sic] Sooraj is the son of Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, while leading lady Athiya is the daughter of Suniel and Mana Shetty. The first look of the film was unveiled in May this year, which featured the title of the movie and the words , ‘Love. Rebels. Freedom.’ This film, which is a remake of Hero, is directed by Nikhil Advani, and also stars Govinda, Anita Hassanandani, Vinod Khanna and Kader Khan as the supporting cast members.

While Salman has ensured that Sooraj's first film grabs maximum attention, read on to know why he has decided to put a hold on the promotions of Hero till Bajrangi Bhaijaan releases...

Salman Khan is all set for the release of Kabir Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan. He also plans on promoting Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty’s debut film, Hero. However, according to a report on BollywoodHungama.com, Salman has decided to put a hold on the promotions of Hero till Bajrangi Bhaijaan releases. The first trailer of Hero will be attached to Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Salman is perhaps hoping that the audience that crowds in for his films will see his association with Hero and also buys tickets for the other film that stars newcomers.
However, the film Hero may not release on its scheduled date.

Salman Khan’s production Hero, which marks the debut of Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty, was slated to release on July 3, 2015. But the release date has been postponed now, reports Mid-day.com. The decision has reportedly been taken to avoid any clash at the box-office. The report quoted a source as saying that apart from the desire of a solo release, the makers had to work on some other aspects too. On the other hand, director Subhash Kapoor, whose Guddu Rangeela is hitting the screens on July 3, is happy about getting a solo release in a year when so many films are releasing, the report concluded.

Click further and check out the lead pair of Hero posing for a hot photoshoot…

Indian movie goers are looking forward to Athiya Shetty and Sooraj Pancholi’s debut, ever since Salman Khan made the announcement of launching the duo. Athiya and Sooraj will be seen in Hero, a remake of the 1983 film of the same name, and the two have recently posed for a hot photoshoot for Filmfare. The cover page of the magazine reads “Hot Blooded Affair” and the newcomers look way too sizzling on it. Hero has been directed by Nikhil Advani and is slated to release on July 3, 2015.

Read on to find out why Salman Khan has planned to stay away from promotions of Hero…

Actor Salman Khan has been in the news lately ever since he has been convicted in the 2002 hit-and-run case. The High Court ruled out the possibility of the actor going to jail, by granting him a bail. Known to lend a helping hand to many in the industry, especially to newcomers, it seems that Salman will now stay away from the promotions of the film Hero, a remake of the 1983 classic by the same. The film will mark the debut of Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty. According to a report, Salman is only doing this so that the newcomers can be in the limelight and not Salman. Hence, he will take a backseat from the film's promotions.

While this seems to be a generous act on Salman's part, read on to know how he mentored the young Pancholi for his big debut.

Aditya Pancholi's son Sooraj Pancholi is gearing up to make his Bollywood debut this year opposite Sunil Shetty‘s daughter Athiya Shetty in the film Hero. According to a report on Missmalini.com, it’s a dream debut for Sooraj because Salman Khan himself is mentoring this newbie. The report states that Salman has asked his manager Reshma to look into Sooraj’s work. Even when Salman isn’t around, he makes it a point to call Sooraj and check on him regularly, the report further states. Apparently, Salman narrates stories from his life to inspire Sooraj and sometimes the calls are so long that the phone has died on them, the report concludes.

Here are some lesser known facts about the film...

The first look of the film Hero, featuring Sooraj Pancholi, has garnered a very good response. Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab's son, Sooraj Pancholi, makes his debut with Hero - a remake of the classic by the same name, which featured Jackie Shroff in the lead role. Directed by Nikhil Advani, the film has been produced by Salman Khan. Also making her debut opposite Sooraj is Suniel Shetty's daughter Athiya Shetty. Interestingly, Jackie Shroff also made his debut with Hero, way back in 1983. The film also stars Govinda and Vinod Khanna besides Salman Khan, who will make a special appearance in the film.

According to a TOI report, TV actor Sharad Kelkar last seen in Goliyon Ki Raas Leela - Ram Leela, will play the role of Sanjeev Kumar from the original. He will be seen as Inspector Damodar Mathur and another TV celeb, Anita Hassanandani, will keep him company. According to a report in The Indian Express, a source close to the project was quoted as saying, "Nikhil has completely re-written Ghai’s Hero. The plot is a different animal now. The characters are different. The hero Kishen (originally played by Jackie Shroff) is more aggressive and urban. And Salman wants the action to be far more stylized."

Suniel Shetty's daughter, who apparently is a fantastic dancer, promises to deliver ‘something special’ in the film. A Bollywoodhungama.com report states that a special song has been created for her to dance to, in the film. The site also carried a report where a source was quoted as saying, "This dance number was earlier meant to feature both Athiya and her co-star Sooraj Pancholi to showcase their dancing skills. But then our director Nikhil Advani realised how capable Athiya was of carrying-off an entire song-and-dance routine all by herself." Apparently, composers Sachin-Jigar have been briefed to come up with a new song for Sooraj and Athiya to shake a leg to, together.

Sooraj Pancholi has worked hard on his physique and undergone rigorous training to get his look right in the film. According to a report in movies.ndtv.com, Sooraj Pancholi even borrowed Tiger Shroff's gym trainer to get the perfect body to flaunt in his action sequences in his debut film, Hero. While Athiya will be paired opposite Sooraj, it is alleged that Salman Khan will also launch Suniel Shetty's son Ahaan. Athiya has studied filmmaking and liberal arts from the prestigious New York Film Academy.

Anahita Adajania has styled the look for Sooraj and Athiya in the film. Director Nikhil Advani was ecstatic when he took to Twitter to post about his lead pair, "Mere do anmol ratan. Don't think this is what @Anaita_Adajania had in mind when she started styling. @HeroTheFilm." [sic] A proud Suniel Shetty couldn't help beaming and was quoted saying, "I have full faith in the project. In any case it is entirely Salman Khan’s baby. He has taken over the project completely. I’ve taken the backseat as far as Athiya’s launch is concerned. We’re letting Salman take all the decisions on her and Sooraj’s behalf."