Actor, film producer, model, humanitarian, and philanthropist Sonu Sood wears many hats. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he became a saviour for needy people across the country by lending a helping hand to ease their problem. He arranged flights for people stuck in various places, medicines, oxygen, food among others. Even after the pandemic, he continues his social work and always comes ahead to help whenever he notices a needy person.
Sonu Sood was in Bhubaneswar recently and The News Hashtag got an opportunity to interact with the real life hero. Excerpts–
Covid Pandemic changed your image. How do you see your journey during the pandemic?
I reinvented myself during the pandemic. I always thought after being an engineer doing movies in all languages was something special. But connecting with the common men and changing their life and saving a life, is the most special experience I have ever had. This is just the beginning of a journey, the journey is on and I am on a mission.
It was not easy to connect with so many people in need across the country. How did you connect all the dots and pursued your mission?
I had helped a few thousand people during the initial period, they became my volunteers. Whenever I needed help to send oxygen, medicines or other help, they became my partner. That was a period when everyone started connecting and the kind of network we created I think was magical. Now whole India is connected and we are trying to help as many people as possible.
From the reel hero you have turned into a real hero. How do you see yourself?
Its phenomenal. I can’t put it into words how special I feel. I miss my parents more, I wish they were around to see what’s happening. It is only because of their blessings that I am able to help all these people and its something magical.
You arranged a flight to rescue 117 girls from Odisha who were stuck in Kerala. Please share about that experience.
I have a special connection with Odisha. During the pandemic, the first flight I sponsored to airlift stranded people was for the girls from Kendrapada, Odisha stuck in Kerala. I don’t know how it happened but I am happy to have helped these girls. They were in Ernakulam and were working in a stitching factory. When I learned about these girls and their plight, the only thought was to help them. I arranged a flight from Ernakulam to Kochi from Kochi to Bhubaneswar and then buses from Bhubaneswar to Kendrapada. God guided us and we did our bit.
You have been associated with both the Bollywood and South Indian film industry. How do you see yourself in both the industries?
I started my journey from the south and I have learned the craft from there. Now I am doing films in all the languages as I always believe language does not matter. It is only about entertainment and entertainment has only one language.
There has been a debate about both the industries, what’s your take on it?
I am from both industries. I think that good films work, does not matter of which language they are.
What are your upcoming projects and initiatives?
Samrat Prithviraj is releasing in a few days. Then there is another production called Fateh, two south movies and lots of charity works.
You have also started a coaching institute for UPSC aspiring candidates. Tell us something about that.
Here we take 21,000 students in the institute in all the fields like IAS, IPS, CA courses among others. My mom was a professor and giving something back to the society in the education sector is something special for me.
What would you like to say to your fans?
The biggest lesson I learnt is that you don’t have to be successful or to have money to help people. You just can be a source to connect people and life changes.
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