Sonu Sood has made a significant mark in Bollywood, thanks to his unwavering dedication and talent. Known for his standout performances in popular films, Sonu Sood has also garnered admiration for his humanitarian efforts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we celebrate his 51st birthday on July 30, let’s take a look at his journey, notable films, upcoming projects, and impressive philanthropic work.
Sonu Sood’s Journey
Born on July 30, 1973, in Moga, Punjab, Sonu Sood grew up in a modest household. His father, Shakti Sagar Sood, owned a garment shop, while his mother, Saroj Sood, worked as a teacher. Sonu also has a sister, Monika, who is a scientist. He initially pursued engineering at Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering in Nagpur, where he began his career in modeling.
In 1996, Sonu married Sonali Shirdhar from Andhra Pradesh. The couple met during Sonu’s engineering studies, and their relationship blossomed into marriage.
Sonu’s acting career began in 1999 with the Tamil film Kallazhagar. This was just the start of his diverse film career. He appeared in several regional movies like Nenjinile, Hands Up, and Majunu before making his Bollywood debut in 2002 with Shaheed-E-Azam, where he played Bhagat Singh.
His breakthrough came with the 2004 film Yuva, where he played Abhishek Bachchan’s on-screen brother. He received acclaim for his role in the 2005 romantic thriller Aashiq Banaya Aapne. Over the years, Sonu has featured in numerous big-budget films including Jodhaa Akbar, Shootout at Wadala, Dabangg, Singh is Kinng, Happy New Year, and Simmba. His versatility is evident in his portrayals of both heroes and villains, with his negative roles being particularly memorable.
Sonu also gained popularity as a judge on the reality show MTV Roadies in seasons 19 and 20.
Notable Films
Dabangg
Sonu Sood’s portrayal of Chedi Singh in the 2010 hit Dabangg is unforgettable. His performance opposite Salman Khan earned him widespread acclaim. Directed by Abhinav Singh Kashyap, the film also featured Sonakshi Sinha, Arbaaz Khan, Vinod Khanna, and Mahesh Manjrekar in important roles.
Arundhati
In the 2009 Telugu film Arundhati, Sonu Sood played a powerful antagonist. His performance was highly praised, earning him the Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Award for Best Villain and the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu.
Aashiq Banaya Aapne
The 2005 romantic thriller Aashiq Banaya Aapne, directed by Aditya Datt, featured Sonu Sood alongside Emraan Hashmi and Tanushree Dutta. The film, centered around a love triangle, remains memorable for its catchy soundtrack.
Shootout at Wadala
In the 2013 film Shootout at Wadala, Sonu portrayed the gangster Dilawar Imtiaz Haksar, inspired by the notorious Dawood Ibrahim. Directed by Sanjay Gupta, the film also starred John Abraham, Manoj Bajpayee, Anil Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor, Ronit Roy, and Kangana Ranaut.
Simmba
Sonu Sood joined Rohit Shetty’s cop universe in Simmba, where he played the antagonist opposite Ranveer Singh. The film, which also featured Sara Ali Khan, was well-received for its high-octane action sequences.
Sonu Sood’s Upcoming Movie: FATEH
Looking ahead, Sonu Sood is set to star in the crime thriller Fateh alongside Jacqueline Fernandez. This film will also mark his debut as a director. The release date for Fateh has not yet been announced, but it’s highly anticipated.
Humanitarian Efforts
Beyond his film career, Sonu Sood has gained recognition for his humanitarian work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He played a crucial role in helping those affected by the lockdown, earning him the reputation of a real-life hero.
As we celebrate Sonu Sood’s birthday, it’s clear that his contributions to both cinema and society have left an indelible mark. Here’s to his continued success and his ongoing impact on the world!
