Ghar Bhejo campaign changed me as a person

Holy ash and turmeric powder are strewn across the cardboard that carpets the floor. A necromancer is all set to perform a ritual.

- MINI P. THOMAS

We are on the sets of Alludu Adhurs, a Telugu film, in Hyderabad. Sonu Sood, dressed in a floral shirt, is ready for his shot. “The movie is about a ghost that comes into the house. It is a lot of fun,” he says, smiling.

Sood’s film journey began with the Tamil film Kallazhagar (1999). He made his Hindi film debut in 2002 with Shaheed-e-Azam. A look at his filmography tells you that language has not been a barrier for him, having worked in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and even Pakistani and Chinese films.

Known largely for his negative roles in films like Arundhati (Telugu, 2009) and Dabangg (Hindi, 2010), he made a positive impact during the pandemic, especially by helping migrant workers return home. And, he continues the good work.

Mallikarjun, a heart patient, came to meet him during the film shoot. Sood paid for his surgery. “He also paid his children’s tuition fees,” says Manee Kondavalasaa, an associate director.

His humanitarian work has earned him more fans, too. Sood received a rousing welcome when he arrived in Hyderabad. And, he has a Telugu connection apart from his films— his wife, Sonali, hails from Andhra Pradesh.

Sood loves being surrounded by people. In between shots, he spends time with technicians and other people on the set. “I have never dreamt of owning a caravan,” he says. “I am not too much into such luxuries.”

Excerpts from an exclusive interview:

Q You are perceived as an embodiment of kindness. Can you play the bad guy convincingly anymore?