My learning has progressed with every new director: Sonu Sood
He came from the small town of Moga in Punjab and worked his way into movies featuring stars like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, and even international star Jackie Chan — actor Sonu Sood has come a long way, and says working with new directors has added to his skill and knowledge of the craft.
“My acting journey has been quite interesting. Coming from a small town like Moga to working with Jackie Chan, it has been quite a journey, even though there are miles to go,” Sonu says.
“My learning has progressed with every new director I’ve worked with and the different languages I’ve had to learn for my films. Whatever I am today and the knowledge I have about my craft are through the sheer experience I’ve had in front of the camera,” he adds.
Sonu, 44, started out as a model before entering showbiz with Tamil film Kallazhagar (1999). He then starred in Hindi films such as Yuva (2004), Jodhaa Akbar (2008), Dabangg (2010), and Happy New Year (2014). His next projects include Rohit Shetty’s Simmba with Ranveer Singh, a film that has the actor all psyched up. “My new role in Simmba is an exciting one. The prep has already begun, and I can’t wait to face the camera,” he says.
Sonu is also returning to the period film genre after almost a decade with Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, that has Kangana Ranaut in the lead role. “I enjoy acting in period films. I started my journey playing Bhagat Singh and acted in Jodhaa Akbar and Kurukshetra. These films are challenging, but give you a lot of scope to mould yourself as an actor,” Sonu explains his inclination for the genre.
Even so, it is his versatility with parts and the ease with which he adapts to commercial film genres, that he is known for. How does he want to be remembered by fans? “I’d love to be remembered as an actor who came from nowhere and worked hard to to find a place in the industry. If I am able to leave a mark as a filmmaker as well as an actor, I think my job is done.
Whatever I am today and the knowledge I have about my craft are through the sheer experience I’ve had in front of the camera.
SONU SOOD ACTOR