Showing posts with label Sonu Sood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sonu Sood. Show all posts
Sonu Sood on helping Nepal flood victims on ground: "All the relief camps are full of heartbroken people"
8:36 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 3, 2026)
Sonu Sood is walking the talk about being there for those in need. He reached Kathmandu on Tuesday to help the victims of the horrific Nepal floods.
Talking to HT City from ground zero, he says, “Yes I am here, at a place called Nuwakot, it’s among the most affected areas. Meeting those families, the survivors was heart-wrenching. We are trying to do a lot of relief work for them- from arranging food supplies, medical help to shelters. We have been to many camps, met families. We have noted down their details too.”
Sonu took to Instagram on Tuesday and shared a carousel of pictures where he is seen meeting the children who have survived the floods.
He wrote in the caption, “They lost their homes, their families, their childhood…but together, we will help them find a new beginning. Nepal, you are not alone.”
The actor, who had garnered immense goodwill for helping people during the Covid outbreak too few years back, adds as he speaks to us, “The situation on ground is not good. All the relief camps are full of heartbroken people, especially Nuwakot. The debris here are unreal. Whole houses have been buried under the slush. I visited the miracle green house too which has survived, and met the family living in it. A lot of people have lost their livelihoods. It is important for us to come together in this hour of need. If you find any details or connection to some survivor, try to help them. Our charity is doing their bit. You can also get in touch with us, we will do whatever we can.”
Sonu Sood opens up about his initiative offering free shelter to stranded travellers in Dubai amid Iran-Israel conflict
9:46 AM
Even as the UAE sponsors travellers’ accommodation amid the West Asia conflict, Sonu Sood joins forces with real estate company to house stranded passengers in Dubai
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 6, 2026)
Soon after Iran’s attacks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi led to temporary closure of airspace, the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Civil Aviation Authority on March 2 announced that it would bear the expenses of food and accommodation of all affected travellers in the emirates. Now, actor Sonu Sood has also come forward to lend support to those stranded in Dubai, amid the US and Israel’s war with Iran.
“We want to provide safe and free accommodation to the families and individuals in need, in Dubai,” the actor told mid-day.
Sood revealed that he sprang into action on March 4 after the real estate development company, Dugasta Properties, of which he is a brand ambassador, agreed to give him on-ground support. The company has 11 properties in Dubai, the doors of which have been thrown open to travellers since Wednesday.
Breaking down the process, Sood explained, “Those affected can DM [direct message] me or the real estate company on Instagram. A lot of people have contacted us. My NGO, Sood Charity Foundation, is coordinating over phone calls. They speak to the passengers, get details of their flights and how many days they need to stay before they can return to their country, and arrange their stay.”
Even as the actor lauded the UAE’s relief measures, he highlighted that in such a crisis, the demand sometimes outweighs the supply.
“The UAE government has been doing a wonderful job, but many may not get accommodation because of lack of hotel space. Hundreds of families have reached out, asking for help,” said Sood, emphasizing that the efforts are aimed at people across nationalities.
Helping Rajpal Yadav is our responsibility-Sonu Sood
8:16 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (February 11, 2026)
Senior actor Rajpal Yadav has been going through a tough time amid legal and financial trouble, and he recently surrendered before the Tihar Jail authorities in a cheque-bounce case. Reportedly, before surrendering to the authorities, the actor broke down and said, “Sir, kya karoon? Mere paas paise nahin hain. Aur koi upaay nahin dikhta.”
When asked if he had considered seeking help from colleagues or industry friends, Yadav replied, “Sir, yahan hum sab akele hain. There are no friends. I have to deal with this crisis on my own.”
Sonu Sood, who has worked with Yadav in many films, shared a note on social media, urging his fellow industry members to help him. Sonu wrote, “Rajpal Yadav is a gifted actor who has given years of unforgettable work to our industry. Sometimes life turns unfair, not because of talent, but because timing can be brutal. He will be part of my film, and I believe this is the moment for all of us..,producers, directors, colleagues to stand together. A small signing amount, adjustable against future work, is not charity, it’s dignity.”
Reflecting on the need to help the actor, he further wrote, “When one of our own is going through a tough phase, the industry must remind him he’s not alone. This is how we show we are more than just an industry.”
On the work front, Yadav, who has been part of films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Darna Mana Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Garam Masala, Chup Chup Ke and Partner, will next be seen in Bhooth Bangla and Welcome To The Jungle.
The case so far:
Rajpal Yadav surrendered to the police after the Delhi High Court directed him to do so in connection with multiple cheque bounce cases. The actor, who had taken a loan for his directorial, Ata Pata Laapata, in 2010, was unable to repay the loan. In 2018, a magisterial court sentenced him to a six-month jail term. In 2019, a sessions court upheld the verdict.
When the actor and his wife approached the Delhi High Court in 2024 for relief, the court temporarily suspended the sentence, taking into consideration the fact that the actor and his wife were not habitual offenders. It allowed time for resettlement. However, the actor was unable to repay the debt. The Delhi High Court, on Wednesday, rejected Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav’s plea seeking an extension of time to surrender before jail authorities.
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Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 11, 2026)
Actor Sonu Sood took to social media on Tuesday to share that Rajpal Yadav will be part of his upcoming film, adding that the actor would be given a “small signing amount, adjustable against future work”. The announcement comes just days after Rajpal surrendered at Delhi’s Tihar Jail on Feb 5 in connection with a cheque bounce case.
Speaking to us, Sonu says, “Helping him is our responsibility as colleagues, and I hope we can make this happen. It’s a little too early to talk about the film as it is in the final writing stages.”
The 52-year-old, who previously worked with Rajpal in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2004), adds, “A lot of people in our industry have worked with Rajpal bhai. He will be a part of my film, and I request all producers to do the same so that he can come out of the tough phase he is facing.”
The cheque bounce case stems from a Rs. 5 crore loan Rajpal took in 2010 to fund his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata (2012). The amount later reportedly swelled to nearly Rs. 9 crore, which he was unable to repay, following which he surrendered last Thursday.
Farah Khan ki jawani: How a 60-year-old became YouTube’s hottest star
10:02 AM
Farah Khan swaps filmi glam for chappals and pressure cookers and finds viral fame — with a little help from her cook, Dilip
Mohini Chaudhuri (THE TIMES OF INDIA; November 23, 2025)
Earlier this year, YouTube hosted its annual FanFest in Mumbai to celebrate its biggest creators in beauty, comedy, gaming, music and more. In attendance were screaming fans, waiting to get face-time with their virtual heroes. Everything about this annual event was ‘Gen-Z coded’, except for one aberration. Making her debut among the hottest digital stars was 60-year-old filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan.
“I felt very weird to be there with teenagers running around. But after five minutes, I started to feel good. Some of the creators were barely 20 and making so much money. There’s something to learn from them. We just live in our film industry bubble. This world is far bigger,” says Khan.
Fully committing to the vibe of the event, Khan came in an oversized sweatshirt and did a quick jig to her popular song ‘Sheila Ki Jawaani’. The kids who pulled out their phones to capture the moment may not even be fully clued into Khan’s illustrious body of work. To them, she’s the fun YouTuber with famous friends they discovered last year.
“The data shows that my target audience is 18-25 years. Also, 49% of viewing is done on TV screens which means it’s becoming a dinner-time watch for families,” says Khan.
Viraj Sheth, co-founder and CEO of Monk-E, which represents leading influencers, says Khan’s cooking videos and daily-life vlogs have bridged the generation gap.
“She feels like a ‘cool-mom’ figure who’s self-aware and genuinely having fun. It shows that relatability and humour still beat filters and transitions,” he says. “She has cracked the format all YouTubers dream of: access to the biggest celebrities, tours of their homes and candid glimpses of them cooking.”
That said, with the rich and famous now voluntarily turning into podcasters or vloggers, access is no longer a premium commodity. But authenticity is. There’s an overload of celebrities showing us their skin-care regimen and secret smoothie recipes, and viewers instantly sniff out anything that feels disingenuous or performative. Khan understands this better than most.
“So many celebrities ask, ‘Can you pay for our hair and make-up?’ and I say, ‘Please don’t do this’. People want to see you as you are in your house. I don’t even get my own hair and make-up done. I come in normal clothes that I’ve bought online, and chappals. We start shooting from the time I ring their doorbell. Nothing is scripted, there are no retakes,” says Khan.
Cracking the code
Thanks to her, we know which celebrity has the noisiest mixer-grinder or can’t turn on the gas. Khan ribs Ashneer Grover about having too many photos of himself in the house, musician Shankar Mahadevan for struggling with his state-of-the-art oven, and actor Sonu Sood for running out of paneer.
“Even when we were shooting with Shilpa (Shetty), we burnt the cashews for the payasam. She said, ‘Let’s start again.’ I said, ‘Not a chance.’ This is the best content,” says Khan. She further humanizes her wealthy guests by gifting them humble household items — one can watch Karan Johar look excited about receiving a pressure cooker and induction stove.
Secret sauce
The other crucial ingredient to Khan’s secret sauce is Dilip — her cook of 12 years who accompanies her to celebrity homes. Khan has unknowingly given us one of the greatest underdog stories of the internet. “Someone jokingly said, ‘He’s the country’s first nepo-cook’,” she laughs.
Viewers are deeply invested in Dilip’s rise, cheering on as he jets off to the Maldives on his first international trip or stars in a commercial with Shah Rukh Khan. One of the highest-watched videos on Khan’s channel is a tour of Dilip’s new home in his village in Bihar.
“It all started in my kitchen with me cooking my Yakhni pulav. I thought, oh god, now I have to do all the cutting and chopping too. So, I caught Dilip. Also, I needed to roast someone and this is how I actually talk to him,” she says.
“I don’t think he has fully understood what has happened, which is good. I don’t want him to become ‘dedh shaana’ (oversmart). But he’s very excited about the money he’s making. We’ve got him a chartered accountant now.”
Brand magnet
And he must need one. Khan and Dilip have hit the endorsement jackpot with their fun Tom-and-Jerry-esque act. From clay face masks to dishwashing liquid, they’re selling it all. “I kid you not, we now get brands that want both of them, and not just Farah. It’s the everyday banter between them that brands see massive value in because it appeals across demographics,” says Sheth. Khan says she personally tests every brand before collaborating. “I tell all the brands, let’s be authentic about it. Whenever they don’t listen, the reel doesn’t do as well,” she adds.
The barrage of brand collaborations has sparked online chatter about Khan becoming one of the country’s highest-paid creators. Khan added fuel to it when she recently revealed on a podcast that she’s earning more as a content creator than she did from Bollywood.
“People are obsessed about this which is why I should not have said it. My son came and asked me, ‘Are you really worth this much!’ It’s all exaggerated. All I meant was that for all the films I’ve made so far, the IP doesn’t belong to me. I got a fee as a writer or director. But this YouTube channel is my IP. It belongs to me, and Qyuki Digital Media has a stake. There is something very empowering about that,” she says.
And to Dilip’s fans who are worried if he’s being fairly compensated, Khan ends by saying, “Please tell people that Dilip is very happy and don’t worry, I am a fair and generous person.”
Sonu Sood on riding bike without helmet in Spiti: "It was for a shoot"
8:53 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 28, 2025)
Sonu Sood found himself in the midst of trolling after a 2023 video of him, where he is seen shirtless, leading a group of bikers through the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, went viral. In the video, the actor, known for promoting road safety, is seen riding a motorbike without a helmet or safety gear.
When contacted, the 51-year-old explains, “I always promote road safety and the importance of wearing protective gear. As for the video in question, it was a shot from a project I was shooting for.”
After the video went viral, many X users tagged the state police, insisting they acted against the actor. A user wrote: “So will @himachalpolice take any action on @SonuSood for riding naked without a helmet in Spiti? No protective gear, no clothes – for god knows what he is trying to promote. Are celebrities above the law? (sic).”
The Lahaul-Spiti police issued a statement confirming they were looking into the matter. They wrote on X: “A video is going viral on social media in which a Bollywood actor is seen violating traffic rules in the Lahaul-Spiti district. According to preliminary information, the video appears to be from the year 2023.”
Mention this to the actor, and he says, “It’s a miscommunication and we will convey [the details to the police authorities].”
Later, Sonu also took to X and addressed the issue. He wrote on his official account, “Safety First. (Helmet emoji). We always abide by the laws, an old clip without the helmet was a part of our script. So kindly ignore. RIDE SAFE. RIDE SMART. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET.”
Many feel uncomfortable wearing seat belts, which is a shame-Sonu Sood
8:23 AM
With the safety feature helping his wife survive an accident last month, Sonu Sood plans to raise awareness around road safety through social media and campaigns
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 15, 2025)
Outside of his films, Sonu Sood is known for his charitable deeds, from running the eponymous charity club that helps the underprivileged (Help, closer to you, March 26) to sponsoring kidney transplant surgeries for the needy. Now, the actor has taken up another cause. Sood, whose wife Sonali Sood met with an accident last month, wants to use his star power to advocate road safety, especially the use of seat belts.
On March 24, while travelling on the Nagpur highway, Sonali, her sister and her nephew met with an accident. While both Sonali and her nephew sustained injuries, Sood says all the passengers were saved because they were wearing seat belts. With this incident serving as a trigger, the actor wants to highlight the importance of seat belts.
“In India, few people believe that seat belts are important for their safety. Many feel uncomfortable wearing them, which is a shame. There has to be more awareness around the importance of rear seat belts. The only way to do that is whenever someone is sitting in the rear seat, you ask them to wear the belt. When an accident happens, the chances of the person sitting in the rear seat [being flung] to the windscreen are high, and airbags take time to open. That’s why wearing seat belts is important,” he asserts.
The actor wants to ingrain a safety-first approach among people. The responsibility, he says, should be shared by drivers, passengers, traffic authorities, and car manufacturers.
“A car should have all safety measures when it comes on the road, including the beeping mechanism [when someone is not wearing a seat belt]. People should be fined for not wearing them in the rear seat. It should not be a temporary thought, but must become a habit. India should make baby carriers mandatory. The authorities need to be strict about [drivers adhering to] speed limits and avoiding mobile phones while driving.”
To spread the good word, Sood recently posted a video on his social media handle. He plans to increase awareness through videos and campaigns. “I’ll spread the message of safety by conducting awareness programmes and through social media posts,” he shares.
Sonali is doing good now-Sonu Sood
8:39 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 27, 2025)
Monday evening turned tense for actor Sonu Sood and his wife, film producer Sonali Sood, after the vehicle she was travelling in met with an accident on the Mumbai-Nagpur highway.
Sonali was travelling with her sister and nephew when their car rammed into the back of a truck. Soon after, pictures from the accident site went viral on social media.
When we reached out to Sonu for an update on the situation, he told us, “She is doing fine. By God’s grace, she is doing good now.” The actor has been by her side ever since; doctors have placed both Sonali and her sister under close observation.
On Tuesday, the Nagpur hospital that the three were rushed to issued a statement about their condition: “Mrs Sonali Sood, her sister and nephew were brought to the Emergency Department at approximately 10.30pm [on Monday]. All three patients were conscious upon arrival and had stable vital signs. Her nephew was discharged after first aid.”
The hospital further added that both sisters were “recovering well” and that their condition was “stable”.
Salman Khan’s gift to Sonu Sood for his directorial debut Fateh
9:09 AM
Heer lyricist recalls how Khan permitted him to give away the song that he had banked for himself to Sood for Fateh
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 11, 2025)
While promoting the Friday release Fateh on the reality TV show Bigg Boss, Salman Khan had shared an interesting anecdote relating to Sonu Sood’s film. “I have also contributed to the film. The song Heer was very dear to me, but now it’s part of this film,” Khan had told Sood on the show while addressing fans.
Co-lyricist Shabbir Ahmed recalls penning the song during the lockdown and taking it to Khan seeking support. “If he likes a song, he keeps it in his music bank so that he can use it later in one of his movies. Bhai liked Heer, but also gave suggestions on ways to improve it. He wanted me to make it more soulful, and change the lyrics. Because he has great knowledge of music, I changed it accordingly, and he gave me more suggestions.”
Ahmed recalls approaching Sood too at a later date, and says the actor-director “loved” the song. “I told him I had to ask Salman bhai for permission, as it was now his song. Bhai graciously allowed me to give it to Sonu when I told him about Fateh. He said, ‘Sonu helps people a lot. We could compose another song together,’” recalls the lyricist.
I want to show the West what an Indian action film can look like-Sonu Sood
12:50 PM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 3, 2025)
This is special for Sonu Sood. After 25 years in the industry, the actor is set to make his directorial debut with Fateh. The cybercrime-based action film also features Jacqueliene Fernandez, Naseeruddin Shah and Vijay Raaz in pivotal roles. Sonu promises that the Indian audience will witness never-before seen action that matches international standards. Fateh hits the screens on January 10.
‘THERE WAS ALWAYS AN ITCH TO EXPLORE THE TECHNICAL SIDE OF FILMMAKING’
Talking about turning director, Sonu, who plays the titular role of an ex-Special Ops operative, says, “Being an engineer, there was always an itch to explore the technical side of filmmaking. Also, all the directors, producers and actors I have worked with have always said I should try my hand at direction. When the script of Fateh came to me, I could see the whole film in front of my eyes, which made me realize that this should be my first directorial venture.”
‘THE IDEA IS TO MAKE SOMETHING WHICH WILL INSPIRE THE WEST’
Sonu, who is a fan of the action genre, wanted the stunt sequences to match international standards. He says, “I brought together a team of experts from all over the world to make something that would not only surprise the Indian audience, but also the foreign viewers. With Fateh, I want to show the West what an Indian action film looks like. From sound design and editing to lighting, everything is such that Fateh comes across as a game-changer in the action genre. Every single fight scene was written in detail on paper, which makes the action look spectacular.”
‘I wanted to portray myself the way I thought I should be shown on screen’
Talking about juggling acting and direction at the same time, Sonu shares, “While making the movie for three years, I didn’t take up any other project. Through Fateh, I wanted to portray myself the way I always thought I should be shown on screen. Sometimes you have to write your own story, direct your own film and present yourself the way you want to.”
I am fortunate to have Hans Zimmer's song in our film-Sonu Sood
9:26 AM
German music legend Hans Zimmer to make his Bollywood debut with Sonu Sood’s Fateh, not Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayan, confirms the actor
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 2, 2025)
One among a string of developments that were aimed at piquing curiosity around Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayan was the appointment of Hans Zimmer as the score composer of the mythological drama. The film was set to mark the legendary German musician’s Bollywood debut, but that title can now rest safe with Fateh, Sonu Sood’s directorial venture, which, the actor confirms, will mark Zimmer’s first Hindi film work.
“Everyone is a Hans Zimmer-fan, and I am no exception. I’m a huge admirer of his work. He is an Oscar winner and has composed music for some of the greatest Hollywood films. I feel fortunate that we have his song, To The Moon, in Fateh. This marks the first time one of his songs will be featured in an Indian film,” he says, adding that the track has been penned by Zimmer, known for his scores in The Dark Knight (2008) and Interstellar (2014).
News of Zimmer’s association with the project follows that of ace vocalist Loire Cotler’s work in the film, with Sood stating that the Grammy-nominated American musician, who rendered the song, Call To life, was “incredible” to work with. “Her talent resonates on a global scale. Her composition in Fateh perfectly captures our vision and infuses a mystical energy into the action sequences. Bringing her on board wasn’t just a decision; it was essential to deliver a world-class musical experience.”
For his directorial debut, which also has him serve as producer, Sood appears to be leaving no stone unturned. Apart from bringing the best musical talent on board, he also roped in ace action director Lee Whittaker to craft the sequences for the January 10 release that revolves around a cybercrime syndicate.
If Naseeruddin Shah had turned it down, I would have removed the character from Fateh-Sonu Sood
9:47 AM
Sonu on getting the now-selective Naseeruddin Shah to come on board his directorial debut
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 3, 2024)
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s cinematic offerings have been few and far in between in the recent past, but actor-producer Sonu Sood’s Fateh was not an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“When I narrated the script and showed him the rushes, he liked them. He felt that it looked ‘international’, and said he’d love to be part of it. He plays a role that is integral to the story, and is layered and complex. No one else could have done justice to this role. If he had turned it down, I would have removed this character,” shares Sood, who was completing the post-production work on Fateh in the USA last month.
The action-thriller revolving around cyber fraud marks Sood’s directorial debut. The actor, who is also producing the movie, shot with Shah a month ago in north India. “He is a director’s actor. I gave him the liberty to perform in the way he desired, and share his inputs.”
Apart from Shah, the film also features Vijay Raaz, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Prakash Belawadi, and Jacqueline Fernandez. Referring to them as “an ensemble of the best of actors”, Sood says he is grateful to have got them on board.
“As a first-time writer and director, there was a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, so I wanted to work with the best talent. I have tried to [showcase] whatever I have learned in the last 20 years.”
Naseeruddin Shah to play the role of a hacker in Sonu Sood-starrer Fateh
10:31 AM
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 22, 2024)
It looks like Fateh’s star cast just got more interesting, as we have exclusively learnt that Naseeruddin Shah has joined the Sonu Sood-starrer, which is also backed by the latter. A source says that the veteran actor has already shot for most of his part in the film, and “he will play a pivotal role, driving the story forward”.
The film, which also marks Sood’s debut as a director, is based on the real-life instances of cybercrime experienced by people during the Covid-19 phase. “Naseer will play the role of a hacker. He is very excited about the film and is awaiting the audience’s response. The script is relevant, real and relatable, which aligns with Naseer’s choice of films,” says the source, referring to Shah’s films Manthan (1976), A Wednesday (2008) and Kuttey (2023) that touched upon ground realities.
Even though the teaser and poster of the action thriller are already out, details about Shah’s character are still not known. “The details won’t be revealed until the trailer drops. He will have a good screen time in the trailer as well,” the source adds.
We reached out to Sood for confirmation, and he said that he’s excited about the veteran being a part of the movie: “Yes, Naseer sir is a part of Fateh. He’s got a phenomenal role in the film.”
After the pandemic, I’ve got only protagonist roles. Not one negative role has been offered to me-Sonu Sood
8:15 AM
Even as his maiden directorial venture Fateh is yet to release, Sonu on writing his next actioner; credits late mother for interest in screenwriting
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 8, 2024)
It looks like Sonu Sood has enjoyed his time behind the camera as much as in front of it. Even before his maiden directorial venture Fateh has hit the screens, he has begun writing his next.
“People who saw Fateh have loved it, and I’ve got many offers [to direct films]. That has given me the encouragement to start working on my next script, which I will act in, produce and direct too. It will be an action movie, but it will have romance too,” he shares.
Writing, directing and leading a movie can be a handful. The actor-filmmaker says he has turned to writing because of his late mother Saroj Sood. “She always felt I write good stories, and would tell me to keep in touch with my writing.”
With two projects on his plate, Sood has roughly chalked out the timeline—complete Fateh’s post-production, line it up for release by the year-end, and then take the yet-untitled next on floors by early 2025. Right now, his attention is trained on the cyber crime thriller that also stars Jacqueliene Fernandez.
“Next week, I’ll head to the US for the movie’s background music. Action director Lee Whittaker considers it one of his best projects. If I am ready with my next script after Fateh’s release, I can begin filming it. I plan to shoot a lot of the action sequences in the US.”
He also hopes to squeeze in a Telugu movie in which he plays the leading man. “I have asked the makers to rewrite a few portions. I’ll shoot it after Fateh’s post-production is complete. After the pandemic, I’ve got only protagonist roles. Not one negative role has been offered to me, which is a good sign.”
In my gym, everyone knows that if they adopt a stray puppy, I will take them out for coffee or lunch-Sonu Sood
8:38 AM
Sonu Sood advocates adopting stray dogs instead of buying them, offering fans free coffee and lunch with him in exchange
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 21, 2024)
Although editing his directorial debut Fateh is currently his sole focus, Sonu Sood, who has also acted and produced the cyber-crime thriller, takes out time to work out with his gym partner—a puppy named Pyare Mohan. Being an animal lover, Sood has always urged people to adopt stray dogs.
“If we show love to animals, they will always reciprocate with love. I tell people to adopt; don’t shop,” says the actor, who is often seen petting and feeding cats and dogs in public places.
To promote the adoption of stray dogs, Sood has gone the extra mile and offered an informal meet and greet to people who support the cause and put it into action.
“In my gym, everyone knows that if they adopt a stray puppy, I will take them out for coffee or lunch. Many have done so. Just yesterday, someone at the gym came up to me and said that I inspired him to adopt a stray,” beams the actor, who in March this year introduced his social media followers to his furry friend, Snowy—a Labrador living in his Punjab home.
Practicing what he preaches, Sood’s son recently adopted an abandoned Indie puppy. He shares, “Ayaan adopted an Indie puppy [now called Naruto] last year when he was in Alibaug. When he realized Naruto was a motherless, abandoned stray puppy, living on the streets and fending for himself, he decided to bring him home to Mumbai.”
The misconception people have about health is that you need non vegetarian food for a fit body-Sonu Sood
8:35 AM
World Health Day: Sonu Sood discusses how balance and mental health are just as important to fitness as looks
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 7, 2024)
On World Health Day today, actor Sonu Sood, who has inspired many with his impressive physique, stresses that “fitness encompasses more than just going to the gym and visible six-packs”. Despite his toned appearance, Sood reveals his journey “wasn’t always muscular”, crediting dedication and his “Punjabi genes”.
“I was not very muscular in my college days... But I had dedication. When I wanted to become an actor, I knew I had to stay very fit. I started working out when I was in Nagpur. From that day until today, I haven’t skipped my workout ever. I go to the gym every single day. It’s like brushing my teeth; it happens automatically. But good health is surely not just about muscles and abs,” says the 50-year-old, who will be seen next in the film Fateh.
Expounding further, the actor emphasises the importance of holistic health. “Fitness isn’t just physical; it’s mental agility too. A fit body enhances work efficiency. It’s important to not just focus on abs; feeling good matters. Mental fitness is emotional health. In today’s context, mental well-being is as vital as physical health.”
Addressing the impact of social media on mental health, Sood advises balance. “Nutrition and regular exercise are vital. Social media inundates us, affecting our focus and mental fitness. Disconnecting is crucial for self-care. Also, the misconception people have about health is that you need non-vegetarian food for a fit body. I have been a vegetarian my whole life.”
Sonu Sood forgoes endorsement fees in exchange for 50 liver and kidney transplant surgeries of needy patients
7:49 PM
Sonu, who is the face of a south-based hospital chain, forgoes endorsement fees in exchange for 50 liver and kidney transplant surgeries of needy patients
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 4, 2024)
There are innumerable ways to do one’s bit for society. Sonu Sood will vouch for that. The actor-producer, who has constantly thrown his weight behind different causes—from helping migrant workers reach home during the pandemic, to providing medical aid to those affected during Cyclone Michaung last year—has now been brought on board to endorse a hospital chain that has its flagship branch in a south Indian city. The difference is that Sood has forgone his endorsement fees in exchange for 50 liver and kidney transplant surgeries of underprivileged patients.
A source reveals that during one of his trips to Dubai, Sood met one of the hospital chain’s directors. “The director reminded Sonu that in the past, he had sponsored a liver transplant surgery in Kerala and a bone marrow transplant in Bengaluru. When he asked Sonu to be the ambassador for his hospitals, the actor told him that he would come on board if the hospital pledged to conduct 50 surgeries in lieu of his fees,” says the source.
The hospital’s readiness to the arrangement made Sood realize that almost everyone wants to do their share of good.
The actor elaborates, “Everyone wants to do good, but there needs to be a [proper channel] to streamline such efforts. [When I suggested this initiative to the hospital], they said, ‘Let’s do something that can save lives of the needy, who cannot afford those surgeries.’ Those 50 surgeries are worth crores of rupees, but it will get transformed into a mission that will save lives.”
In 2022, he had collaborated with another hospital to sponsor 50 liver transplants.
Among all of us, Salman Khan plays cricket the best-Sohail Khan
4:51 PM
As Celebrity Cricket League kicks off, Sohail on how Salman mentors his team; says superstar doesn’t play matches as injuries can delay shoots
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 23, 2024)
For the next few days, some Bollywood actors will trade their place in front of the camera for the cricket grounds of Sharjah. The 10th edition of the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) kicks off today in the United Arab Emirates with a match between Mumbai Heroes and Kerala Strikers. Like every year, Salman Khan—the brand ambassador for Mumbai Heroes, owned by brother Sohail Khan—will cheer for the team that includes Riteish Deshmukh, Suniel Shetty, Bobby Deol, Saqib Saleem and Aftab Shivdasani.
“Salman stands as our mentor, as somebody who [promotes] us on his social media platforms. He will also attend the first few games, and if we enter the semis, Bhai will attend that match too,” shares Sohail.
Since the amateur cricket league’s inception in 2011, Salman lent his support to the endeavour that comprises eight teams and has actors from different film industries showcasing their cricketing skills. Sohail, however, rules out the idea of the superstar playing for Mumbai Heroes.
“Among all of us, he plays cricket the best. Once he had attended our practice session, but he got injured and had to cancel two days of shooting. It’s a heavy price to pay being a superstar. For us, it is more than enough that Salman bhai is a part of CCL and supports us.”
Sohail reveals that the actors start training two months before the league commences. “We train slowly with our coaches, keeping our age in mind. Any injury on field can hamper [our acting commitments]. In one season, Sonu Sood had injured his leg, and as a result, couldn’t shoot a film for two months. It made us realize that however passionate we are about cricket, we cannot mess with our primary profession..”
Sonu Sood builds home for senior citizens; calls it Saroj Serenity as a tribute to his mother
8:47 AM
Sonu Sood discusses his plans for homes in Mumbai, Bihar, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh for senior citizens in honour of his mother
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 28, 2024)
Sonu Sood is the gift that keeps on giving. After taking the initiative to rehabilitate migrant workers and residents of calamity-stricken areas, sponsoring education for underprivileged children, and empowering women with essential tools to lead productive lives through The Sood Foundation, the actor-philanthropist has taken up another worthy cause. He is building a home for senior citizens and honouring his mother, Saroj, by calling it Saroj Serenity. Aiming to provide a comfortable environment for the elderly, he says that it is a reflection of the values his mother instilled in him. The first home will be built in Nerul, in Maharashtra, and then in other states.
“This project is more than just a building. We will take care of all those parents whose kids are not there to take care of them. My mom used to always tell me that when people grow old, they feel very lonely. And I should do something to support them so they don’t feel lost, alone, or helpless. I have already started Saroj Serenity in Nerul, which will roll out in one and a half years. The homes in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab are in the planning stages,” says Sood, adding that the home will have the best of facilities.
Sood informs that the old age home will have a clubhouse, beautiful paths to walk, and a recreational centre. “It is for those older people whose children are unable to take care of them or are abandoned. It will have gardens, open spaces, and recreational facilities. It will be affordable and free for needy people. The homes will be self-sustainable models,” explains the actor, who is personally taking care of every little detail about the facility’s infrastructure, including the designs and ambience.
Older people are more scared of technology. So, there are less cases of them getting cheated-Sonu Sood
8:38 AM
Sonu Sood, who has turned director and writer with Fateh, breaks down how he developed the cybercrime thriller after one-and-a-half years of extensive research
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 14, 2024)
On Fateh, Sonu Sood is on quadruple duty as actor, director, producer and writer. The demands of the roles don’t weigh him down as he is eager to take the thriller, which revolves around the rampant cybercrime in the country, to a wider audience and make them aware of the menace. As the film is now in post-production, Sood remembers how the idea struck him after the pandemic, when many cybercrime victims approached him for help.
The actor shares, “Whether it was for medical or educational needs, a lot of people tried getting in touch with me. There were [frauds] who told them that clicking on a link would connect them to me. Next thing you know, the money would go out of their [accounts]. It’s sad as they come from financially challenged circumstances. I remember once, a son based in Lucknow wanted an ambulance for his mother, and was told he would get one if he clicked on a link. He had only Rs. 6,000 and that was taken away. Someone connected him to me, and I arranged that ambulance for him.”
After learning of several such instances, Sood began writing the story of Fateh based on real-life cases. It was aided by extensive research conducted by the film’s team. “It took me almost one-and-a-half-years of research to put that on paper. We spoke to the cybercrime officials, ethical hackers who work towards preventing such happenings. The whole team was aligned for the research. I would [and still do] get cases of cybercrime every day. We’ve registered a lot of FIRs throughout India. Cybercrime today is a big issue, so I thought we should make a film on it.”
In Fateh, also starring Jacqueliene Fernandez, Sood plays a tech-savvy agent who helps cybercrime victims. The actor-producer says he wants to reach out to the country’s youth through the movie.
Tell him that the older generation is just as vulnerable to such crimes, and Sood explains, “The percentage of youth getting affected by cybercrime is higher as they are more phone-friendly and technology-savvy. Older people are more scared of technology. So, there are less cases of them getting cheated.”
The surge in audience appreciation for action films post-pandemic is undeniable, as proved by Pathaan, Animal-Sonu Sood
8:16 AM
Sonu Sood reveals his dual commitment to versatility with Fateh, and amplifying his philanthrophy in 2024
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; December 31, 2023)
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; December 31, 2023)
It has been a good year for Sonu Sood, who ventured into production with his upcoming film, Fateh, also starring Jacqueline Fernandez. “Turning producer was creatively satisfying amongst all the experiences I had in 2023. Filming it has been rewarding, offering me unique challenges and opportunities,” says the actor, who has upped the ante in the actioner.
Besides showcasing never-seen-before action, the film has also been shot in novel places. “It is a high-octane cybercrime action film. We have worked with an international crew from Los Angeles. With renowned Hollywood stunt coordinator Lee Whittaker on board, the film is more special,” he adds.
While Fateh will add to the long list of actioners that Bollywood has produced recently, Sood says his choice of stories is rooted in his personal pursuit of versatility. “The surge in audience appreciation for action films post-pandemic is undeniable, which is evident from the success of movies like Pathaan and Animal. While the audience’s taste influences choices, my decisions have always stemmed from a desire to offer diverse and engaging content that resonates with viewers. I also tend to take up things that I have never attempted before,” he explains, adding that in 2024 he aims to challenge himself as a performer while strengthening his philanthropy efforts with the Sood Foundation.
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