Sonu Sood on Bollywood: “To survive here physically, mentally is not easy”
Sonu Sood has come a long way from making his debut in a Tamil movie in 1999 to now working opposite Jackie Chan in his latest film. The star says one requires strength to survive in the industry.
Sood featured in several south Indian films before appearing in Hindi movie ‘Shaheed-E-Azam’ (2002). He then got recognition as Abhishek Bachchan’s brother in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Yuva’ (2004). “To get good roles and good films is difficult for an outsider,” Sood said. He went on to say, “To survive here physically, mentally is not easy. Because you don’t know anyone here, everything is new to you. You just have to keep on. It is like staying underwater. How long you can hold your breath is important.” Sood, whose lead antagonist turn in Abhinav Kashyap’s ‘Dabangg’ (2010) opposite Salman Khan brought him several accolades, says he had the blessings of his parents to survive here, reports Times of India. “It is maddening, it is crazy but I think it also then makes you tougher. It makes you feel you are a survivor. I had blessings of my parents with me to reach where I am,” he said.
The 43-year-old star is currently preparing for the release of his latest film ‘Kung Fu Yoga,’ which features him opposite global superstar, Chan. The 62-year-old recently visited India as part of the film’s promotions. “When I got Jackie here, I said give those ten-twelve hours to me, I’ll give you the most memorable trip of your life. We were running around, promoting the film all over.” Sood went on to say, “When he was leaving, he held my hands and said ‘Thank you so much’. He thoroughly enjoyed the trip and was very happy with his experience here.”
Sood’s biggest take away working with Chan was the dedication that the latter puts in his craft despite all odds. “He is very dedicated. Sometimes he might say his legs, hands are paining but as soon as the camera rolls, he is jumping from one corner to another, performing all the stunts. That’s what he is. An unbeatable guy who never gets tired. The love for cinema and his craft is what I learnt from him,” he said.
Directed by Stanley Tong, the multi-lingual action-adventure comedy film is scheduled to release on 3rd February. The film also stars Bollywood actress Disha Patani and Amyra Dastur.
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