In an exclusive interview to #TheGirlUpKarnataka, actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood has opened up to some questions posed by Vedha and Team.
It is known that Sonu Sood has been the hero of India ever since the outbreak of Covid-19 last year.
You have been doing great charity work that even the governments think twice about doing. Don't you get pestered by the number of requests coming from different corners of the nation? How do you manage them all and on what grounds do you actually choose to help them?
Sonu Sood: I believe that it is my responsibility to help everyone in need. We are all living in tough times. I wanted to come out and help whatever the way I can- giving them jobs or providing them with oxygen and hospital beds. The government is also doing quite a lot. But we cannot throw everything onto the shoulders of the government alone. I feel I am blessed to bring so many smiles on so many faces.
You are a villain on screen and hero off screen. What drives you to do unending charity work?
Sonu Sood: It doesn't really matter what you play on screen. Whatever we play there lasts for only those two hours. What's important is what role you can play in real life. I have been on screen for the last 19 years but I discovered the real purpose of my life. I am glad that The Almighty is directing this movie and I am given the real role.
Is your mood for social service something new? Or have you had it in you from childhood?
Sonu Sood: My mom was a professor and my dad had a shop in Punjab that deals with food drives. We grew up in such an environment. Even my wife and kids also love supporting society by giving back. It's not something new that has come. I was always involved in doing my bit, but it grew to a different level because the need is huge.
Veganism is becoming widely popular in the world now. We read in some news columns that you are Vegan. Do you have the bent to promote vegetarianism? If so, why?
Sonu Sood: I was always a vegetarian and never tasted non veg in my life. I believe in that and that is my style of staying healthy. I am still into fitness with this food and one needs to experience the beauty in it. I never felt the need to eat non veg. I enjoy being a vegetarian and I get all the energy from that.
Considering the charity work you have been doing, there are many appeals in the nation that you need to be honored with Bharat Ratna. What is your comment on this, even though we all agree with it?
Sonu Sood: The real reward is when I see a smile on the face of the needy when we try to do something for him. Millions of people across the nation have become my family. They pray for me and wish for me. That;'s the biggest award I have received in the last two years. I am proud that I have family not only in Punjab and Maharashtra but in every corner of the nation.
What is your advice on the new age girls of India? Do you wish them to be traditional and uphold the Indian culture and Heritage OR do you want them to be practical and live life as they wish to?
Sonu Sood: I think everybody has the right to live as they want. I truly believe that the new age women in the country are the real leaders who motivate us and inspire us to work hard. Big salute to every single Indian woman across the country.
