Suniel Shetty: Salman has been a rock to Sooraj

Suniel Shetty, daughter Athiya Shetty, Salman Khan and Sooraj Pancholi

Actor Suniel Shetty says superstar Salman Khan stood like a rock with newcomer Sooraj Pancholi after he got embroiled in actress Jiah Khan's suicide case.

Suniel Shetty, daughter Athiya Shetty, Salman Khan and Sooraj Pancholi at the trailer launch of upcoming film 'Hero'

At the trailer launch of Salman Khan's debut home production film 'Hero' last evening, Suniel's daughter Athiya appeared confident while Sooraj got emotional.

Both the young actors are making their Bollywood debut with the Nikhil Advani-directed film, which is set to hit screens on September 11.

"Sooraj has been through a lot in the last few months ..I feel it too. Salman has been a rock for him. It is natural for Sooraj to get emotional when you come up on your own... I think it was a natural emotion... It needed to come out. People needed to see that side of him," Suniel told PTI.

Jiah, the 25-year-old British-American actor, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her Juhu home in 2013. Her relationship with Sooraj, son of actor couple Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, was under the

scanner after Jiah's mother Rabia alleged that Sooraj was behind her daughter's death.

Last evening when the trailer of "Hero" was unveiled and the biggest high for Suniel was the attendance at the event as he thinks it shows love and affection.

"It is a beautiful moment. It is overwhelming to see them both (Athiya and Sooraj) on screen. I am very happy that people are seeing Athiya¿s acting side as well besides her fashion side. She has done a good job," he said.

Star kids are often compared to their parents.

On this Suniel said, "Athiya has no stress because her mother is not an actress. Aahaan (his son) might have a problem. But that is ok. But I always want to be known as Athiya¿s father or Aahaan's father.. I am happy with that."