Early Life
Sonu Sood was born on July 30, 1973, in Moga, Punjab, India, into an upper-middle-class family. His father, Shakti Sagar Sood, owned a textile business, while his mother, Saroj Sood, was a teacher. After completing high school, Sonu helped out at his father’s business before pursuing a B.Tech in Electronic Engineering at Nagpur’s Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering. Following his graduation, he moved to Mumbai in search of a job, sharing an apartment with six other men during his initial days in the city.
Acting Career
Sonu Sood made his acting debut in 1999 with the Tamil film “Kallazhagar” and also starred in “Nenjinile” that same year. He ventured into Telugu cinema in 2000 with the film “Hands Up!” and appeared in Tamil movies such as “Sandhitha Velai” and “Majunu” by 2001.
In 2002, Sonu made his Bollywood debut with “Shaheed-E-Azam.” He gained significant recognition in 2005 with his role in the Bollywood film “Aashiq Banaya Apne.” His career includes notable performances in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films such as “Super,” “Ashok,” “Arundhati,” “Jodha Akbar,” “Anjaneyulu,” “Ek Niranjan,” and “Dabangg.”
Sonu expanded his reach into other film industries as well. He debuted in Kannada cinema in 2011 with “Vishnuvardhana” and entered the Mandarin film industry in 2016 with “Xuanzang.” The same year, he also made his Urdu film debut with the Pakistani movie “Ishq Positive.”
Lifestyle and Achievements
Sonu Sood has earned a reputation as one of India’s most beloved celebrities, not only for his acting talent but also for his humanitarian efforts. He has won several awards, including Best Supporting Actor for “Arundhati” and the IIFA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for “Dabangg.”
Sonu Sood is known for his humility and dedication to helping others, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. His fan base spans across India, encompassing both Hindi and Southern Indian cinema.
Humanitarian Initiatives
Sonu Sood’s humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic have garnered widespread admiration and respect. Here are five heart-warming initiatives by Sonu Sood:
- Accommodating Health Workers: During the nationwide lockdown in March 2019, Sonu offered his hotel in Mumbai’s Juhu neighborhood as accommodation for health care workers, including doctors, who faced long shifts and the risk of contracting COVID-19.
- Feeding the Hungry: The pandemic led to job losses and food insecurity, especially among those in the informal sector. Sonu stepped in to provide meals for many contract and migrant workers who struggled to afford even three meals a day.
- Transporting Migrants Back to Their Home: The lockdown forced thousands of migrants to return to their hometowns, often on foot due to a lack of transportation. Sonu arranged free transport facilities, ensuring these migrants could reach their destinations safely.
Sonu Sood’s unwavering commitment to helping those in need has made him a true hero in the eyes of many, embodying the spirit of compassion and selflessness. His contributions extend beyond the silver screen, making a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals across India.
