Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recently said he will make sure Suraj Pancholi's acting career is not negatively affected by the June suicide of his girlfriend/Bollywood actress Jiah Khan, which the actor is accused of abetting. 

Ghai said he and producer Salman Khan are committed to have Pancholi star in the remake version of the 1983 film Hero, whatever the outcome of his connection to Jiah's suicide case. Ghai also ensured that Pancholi's association with Jiah's case has nothing to do with his film debut or the actor's role in the movie.

Speculation began in late June that Pancholi would not be cast in the film as scheduled because of his arrest in connection to Jiah's death. He was accused of allegedly abetting her suicide by her mother. However, a judge ruled on July 1 that Pancholi could not be held solely responsible for the "impulsive" act by 25-year-old actress, who hung herself in her Mumbai apartment on June 3. He was released on bail earlier in July.

Ghai defended Pancholi's innocence.

"Suraj is not at fault and why should he be punished for it? He is a wonderful and potential actor. We had committed to him and we will stand by it," Ghai said. "How can we go back? Salman is not the person who will go back on his words. We are making a film with [Suraj]. I don't know when it will go on floors. I have to discuss it with Salman. But definitely we are making the film with Suraj."

Pancholi is the son of actor couple Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab. He will star in the film opposite actor Suniel Shetty's daughter, Athiya Shetty. The Hero remake film will be titled Tu Mera Hero Hai. Ghai also said that he has plans to meet Salman next week to discuss scheduling details.  

Tags: Jiah Khan Suraj Pancholi