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Sonu Sood: “Working with Jackie Chan is dream come true”

Blatantly handsome and supremely talented, Sonu Sood belongs to that rare breed of actors who can pull off any character with nonpareil aplomb. The actor, who started his acting career with a Tamil film, has appeared in several Telugu and Kannada films since then. But the kind of fame and recognition Hindi films brought for him is coveted by many. After acting in over fifty movies and producing a few, the versatile actor is now gearing up for the release of his first Indo-Sino production, ‘Kung Fu Yoga’ wherein he will essay an important role also.

Poised to release on 3rd February, 2017, the film boasts of an impressive lineup of actors like the international superstar Jackie Chan, Disha Patani and Amyra Dastur. In a freewheeling chat with our correspondent, Mohnish Singh, the actor talks enthusiastically about his flick, his experience working with the legendary actor, Jackie Chan, and why box-office numbers are important for any producer.

How was your experience working with Jackie Chan in your first international production?
It’s a dream come true when you work with someone of that stature. I have always loved Jackie Chan’s films. On 31 st of Jan, 2009, a friend of mine send me an article saying what if one day you will work with Jackie Chan. I just forgot about the interview. When you actually want something in your life God makes sure that it happens. Today, I am happy that it did happen and I am distributing the film in India. So the whole journey was special and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.

Is Kung Fu Yoga a career defining film for you?
I don’t know. I leave up to the audiences to decide when they see the film. It will always remain a special film for me as it is produced under the name of my father. So it’s very close to my heart.

As you mentioned you are distributing the film in India. In how many screens will the film be released?
I am planning to release it in 1400 to 1500 screens which is a big release for a Jackie Chan’s film. Last Jackie Chan’s film was about 300 to 400 screens.

How was your experience working with Disha Patani and Amyra Dastur?
They are very sweet. It was actually very tough to survive in China without the desi khana. Being a vegetarian it becomes all the more difficult. In the first schedule, it was difficult but then in the second one we used to cook for them too. When you come together for a movie you discuss friends and many more things and that’s the best part of life.

How much do the Bollywood box-office numbers affect you?
They do matter as they give you the required confidence, power to produce or distribute your next film. The most important thing is that your work has to be loved. Whatever you promise through the trailers, it has to be delivered in your film.

This is the first Indo-Chinese film and you’re an Indian representing your country. How does it feel?
I feel very nice and blessed. I think my parents have done something good in life that made me choose this film.

Reportedly, you replaced Aamir Khan as he was the first choice for the film.
There were many names that were offered the film.

How much is Hollywood important to you when you have your co-stars like Priyanka Chopra doing great there?
It makes you feel important and it makes you feel nice. The journey from a local train without ticket to flying in a private jet with Jackie Chan has not been bad.

Couple of days back Salman Khan met Jackie Chan. What was the meeting all about?
I met Salman Khan a couple of days back in Spain. I told Jackie Chan about it and he said let’s produce a film together. That’s how it happened and you never know when something is in the pipeline.

Do you have any plans to venture into TV production?
I would love too. Anything that I haven’t explored or tried, I would love to do it.

You’re an actor, producer. Will we see you directing any film in future?
All the directors say that one day you will want to direct a film. How the sound is taken care of and how the editing is done and how the camera is handled, so I am very keen to know about it.

So is there any other international film lined up after this?
Not yet, but as I said there are always talks about. If there is something meant to happen it will happen.

‘Kung Fu Yoga’ releases this weekend.

Interview by Mohnish Singh for BizAsiaLive.com
Twitter: @Mohnishmania
Facebook: Facebook.com/mohnishmania