From Bollywood’s quintessential villain to a national symbol of hope and humanity, Sonu Sood’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference, writes GYANESHWAR DAYAL
Tweets like these flooded his social media handle. And he ready came for help. Genuinely. It was a gesture people reciprocated with warmth and Sonu Sood became a household name. It was indeed a turning point in the life and career of the star. And since then he did not look back.
Sonu Sood’s journey in Bollywood is a testament to resilience, hard work and the power of perseverance. From humble beginnings to becoming a household name, Sonu’s story is not just about acting but also about his extraordinary contributions to society through his philanthropic efforts. His rise to fame and his journey of selfless giving have made him one of the most admired figures in India, both on and off the screen.
Born on July 30, 1973, in Moga, Punjab, Sonu Sood was not always destined for the glitz and glamour of Bollywood. Growing up in a middle-class family, Sonu’s early life was filled with academic aspirations. He completed his engineering degree from the Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering in Nagpur. However, despite his technical background, his heart was always inclined towards acting.
Sonu moved to Mumbai with dreams of making it in Bollywood. Like many aspiring actors, his journey was not without struggle. He started his career with small roles and often faced rejection. His initial years in the industry were difficult, and he struggled to find a breakthrough. He appeared in a variety of roles, including in films like Kahan Hai Tu(1999) and Shaheed-E-Azam (2002). These films, although not major hits, helped Sonu gain experience and sharpen his acting skills.
Sonu Sood’s breakthrough came with the film Yuva (2004), directed by Mani Ratnam. Playing the character of a strong-willed, determined man, Sonu’s performance was well-received. This marked the beginning of his rise in the industry. His portrayal of negative roles in films like Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005) and Dabangg (2010) further solidified his presence in Bollywood. In Dabangg, his character, Chhedi Singh, was menacing, and his performance opposite Salman Khan earned him widespread acclaim.
The turning point in his career came when Sonu Sood was offered roles that showcased his versatility. Whether as the villain or a complex character with shades of Gray, Sonu's consistent hard work and dedication to his craft saw him rise through the ranks of Bollywood’s A-list stars. His powerful performances in films like Jodha Akbar (2008), Simmba(2018) and Raju Chacha (2000) earned him several awards and nominations.
What sets Sonu apart is his ability to evolve with the changing dynamics of the film industry. He has played a range of characters, from a villain to a hero, from action-packed roles to romantic parts. His commitment to delivering quality performances, regardless of the scale of the film, has made him a dependable actor in Bollywood.
While Sonu Sood’s acting career has been remarkable, his philanthropic work during the COVID-19 pandemic made him a true hero in the eyes of millions. When the pandemic caused widespread suffering across the globe, Sonu didn’t just stay confined to his home; he became the guiding light for thousands of people in need.
Sonu’s philanthropic efforts began when he started helping migrant workers stuck in different parts of India due to the lockdown. With his own funds and resources, Sonu arranged transportation for thousands of migrant workers to return to their homes, despite facing logistical hurdles and government restrictions. His initiative gained massive media attention, with people praising him for his quick and effective response to the crisis.
In addition to helping migrant workers, Sonu Sood extended his support to the medical sector by arranging hospital beds, oxygen supplies, and treatment for those suffering from COVID-19. He provided financial aid to families who had lost their loved ones during the pandemic and launched multiple campaigns to help students, farmers and the underprivileged access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Through his organisation, the Sood Charity Foundation, Sonu has continued his philanthropic efforts, focusing on education, healthcare and helping the underprivileged. He believes in the
power of education and aims to provide quality education to children who do not have access to it. His efforts have not gone unnoticed and he has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious International Humanitarian Award in recognition of his selfless work.
Sonu Sood’s success in Bollywood is a result of his unwavering dedication and hard work.
He didn’t come from a film family and had no Godfather when he reached Mumbai from his hometown Moga with just `5000 in his pocket. He worked his way up to build his career from the ground up. His perseverance is a reflection of his commitment to his craft and his belief that success comes with consistent effort.
What sets Sonu apart from many others in the industry is his work ethic and focus. He has worked in several regional film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi cinema, which allowed him to understand the nuances of different audiences and cultures. This versatility has been key to his success, as he is equally comfortable playing a hero or villain in different languages and genres.
In an industry where many actors rely on luck or industry connections to secure their place, Sonu has demonstrated that talent, dedication, and hard work are the true pillars of success. His journey is an inspiration to aspiring actors and those who believe in the power of perseverance.
Sonu Sood has not only made a place for himself in Bollywood but has also become a hero for countless people across the country. His legacy, both as an actor and philanthropist, will continue to inspire generations to come.
IN CONVERSATION WITH SONU SOOD
Could you tell us what drew you to the script of Fateh?
This film is a very timely film as it deals with the cybercrimes which has become a menace in the country and people should know about it. So I thought why not make a film which would indeed not only entertain but also inform people about the dangers lurking in the digital domain. Fateh is a story of a common man and has a message for everyone that be aware of fraudsters around and do not fall prey to these scamsters.
How do you prepare for a role in a film?
Well acting comes naturally to me. I have always loved acting and so when I hear a character in the film I get the idea how to go about it. I can switch on and off between the roles and that is really important because Bollywood works like that. Yes, understanding of the role must be there so that you can do justice to it.
You do a lot of philanthropic work. So what do you prefer, action for the people in their dire times or action on the screen?
See, life is more than just lights camera action. When there are no lights or camera action continues in the real life. It is a great feeling when you can help someone in need when there is no light no camera. It is important to be sympathetic and have empathy, because cinema is one aspect of life not the other way round.
You have portrayed a range of roles, both positive and negative. Which type do you prefer and why?
That’s correct I accept all types of roles I think I can do justice to. But now on I want to do positive roles. I love playing positive roles and that is the kind roles I would be doing now on.
You are known for action. Is Fateh the one?
Yes of course, the film is an action film and people get to see a lot of action sequences which are world class and are at par with Hollywood films. We can say that we make action sequences which are world class and perfectly choreographed.
