He may be known for his beefy built and six-pack abs, but the first thing that strikes you about Sonu Sood is his humility. It's always been this way, ever since he made his Bollywood debut as Bhagat Singh in Shaheed-E-Azam (2002). Though he won recognition for his portrayal of a political goon in Mani Ratnam's Yuva (2004), Sonu's struggle in Bollywood was far from over. In fact, he calls Dabangg the turning point in his career, as it opened new avenues for him. We caught up with the actor, who is turning producer with the upcoming horror comedy, Tutak Tutak Tutiya. Sonu has dedicated the film to his late father Shakti Sagar Sood, after whom he has named his production house. Excerpts...

You had once said that being a producer is a thankless job. So, what prompted you to venture into it?
That's what I've heard many producers say, but I wanted to change that notion. Now that I have turned producer, I want people to say that working with me is a pleasure.

Why did you choose Tutak Tutak Tutiya as your production debut? You are making the film in three languages - Hindi, Tamil and Telugu...
Actually, director A L Vijay was keen to cast me for this film. At that point, I was planning to get into production. I liked the script so much that I decided to produce it. As for making it in three languages, the idea was to reach a wider audience after Prabhu Dheva and Tamannaah came on board. It was challenging, as we had to take three takes of every shot. We have also cast different supporting actors in each version. It wasn't easy, but I'm happy after seeing the result.

Barely a week before the film's release, you were served a legal notice for allegedly plagiarising the song, Rail Gaddi. As a first-time producer, were you worried?
I've already stated that I have acquired the rights for the song. Also, this wasn't the first notice. Earlier, I was accused of copying the story. The person sought compensation, but I told him to ask for his 'dues', if the story indeed was his. Eventually, he admitted his mistake.

You hail from a small town in Punjab and you're a qualified engineer. What drew you to Bollywood?
I was never a filmi guy. I was a serious student, who wanted to score well and make my parents proud. But destiny brings you where you belong.

Were your parents disappointed when you decided to pursue acting?
I thought being their only son, they would want me to join the family business and run their clock showroom. But they encouraged me saying, 'If this is your dream, you have our blessings'.

From asking producers for a role to becoming one yourself, life has come a full circle...
I could reach here today because of my parents' support and blessings. I wish my mom and dad were around to see this day. I wish I could sit with them and watch my first movie as a producer.

Godfathers play a huge role in shaping careers of newcomers. Do you see yourself as a mentor to new talent in the industry?
No one gives time to newcomers. I don't want others to go through the trying phase I've been through. I would consider it an achievement, if I can bring about a change in someone's life by giving them a break in the industry. When I see a newcomer, I remember myself from years ago. I'm glad that the song Rail Gaddi (sung by new talent Navraj Hans) is doing well.

Talking about your struggling days, did you set a deadline to achieve your goals in showbiz?
Yes, I came to Mumbai with the intention of landing a break within a year. But before I knew it, three-four years had passed. Finally, I bagged a commercial that required me to simply stand in a group, along with 19 others. They paid me Rs 2,000 per day. The struggle was a learning experience and the rejections I faced made me stronger. I had come to Mumbai to make my parents proud and I am glad that I didn't let them down.

As a struggler, what was the meanest thing you heard?
People were not ready to spare even two minutes to see my photographs. That's when I questioned myself if I was doing the right thing. Among the many who refused to see my pictures was a director who approached me after I became successful. When I reminded him about his earlier rejection, he said it couldn't have happened. Anyway, I didn't do his film, as I didn't like the script.

What kept you going during the struggling phase?
My mom's letters pushed me to go on. I needed perseverance to achieve my dreams.

B-Town is known for its camps and groups, but you seem to be friends with almost everyone...
I try to be what I am, and I won't try to please someone to maintain a relationship. I'm not pretentious. People are smart enough to see who is real and who is not. So, I'm good friends with everyone.