The year 2020 can be called as the year the country woke up to the persona of Sonu Sood. The actor who had gained fame playing a baddie opposite mainstream Hindi film heroes became the hero we needed during the coronavirus pandemic. His exemplary work in helping stranded migrant workers reach their native towns when the country underwent lockdown made him a messiah for the poor, so much so, that a temple was made in Telangana on Sonu.

In an exclusive interview with PeepingMoon.com, Sonu spoke about his philanthropic work and the need to do more and miles to reach before he can take a nap. He also lamented the fact that he wished his parents would have been alive to see the love coming his way due to his charity work. Sonu said, “I miss my parents more. I wish could make them feel what’s happening with me. This all makes me feel very embarrassed, or when people come to shoots, try to touch my feet. Actors tell me it’s difficult now to hit me, audience will curse them for doing so. And I will admit, I don't have time to read scripts. I ask makers to make narrations comprehensive, I would rather use that extra time in doing what I am doing - serving people. I do want to explore myself as an actor but now time is a key factor to decide all my commitments.”

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Talking about his memoir I Am No Messiah and why is it titled so, he said, “The help has to continue, the number is only going to increase, multiply every single day.”He also revealed that he does not have time for script narrations anymore and several scripts are being changed as filmmakers feel the audience will not accept him as the bad guy anymore. Sharing an incident, Sonu said, “I was playing a grey shade hero in a Telugu film. But the makers had to re-write and re-shoot the film because makers believe audience won't accept me in the role of a villain anymore.”

(Transcribed By: Vandana Srivastawa)