Journalism of Courage
Over the last festive weekend,Dabangg ensured that theatres across the country were reverberated with hooting,clapping and cheering. While most of the resounding applause went out to Salman Khans character Chulbul Pandey,the audience also reserved some for his arch enemy Chhedi Singh,played by Sonu Sood,especially every time the latter went shirtless to show off his chiseled body. Sood clearly realises that,for he meets us at the gym,dressed in a fitting vest and a pair of shorts. Ive had six packs ever since college days when they werent in fashion, he smiles. And his friend and director Abhinav Kashyap has very well exploited the actors fitness mania,having portrayed him as a wrestler,local politician and a goon.
Having wrapped up his workout,we head for his home in Lokhandwala. En route,he is complimented by many for his acting in Dabangg. With a huge smile now playing on his lips,Sood recounts that he is the first actor Kashyap approached for the films casting. Abhinav,who co-wrote the film,was the one who recommended me to Mani Ratnam to play Abhishek Bachchans brother in Yuva,and we have since been friends. He told me a bit about the character but didnt reveal the script till he had completed it.
Once home,he takes us up to the terrace,a place he visits to get away from the mad rush. Its currently under renovation, he explains,apologetically. Though fit enough,Sood has changed into denims for the photographs.
Born and brought up in Punjab,Sood graduated as an engineer from Nagpur University. Though a film-buff,acting didnt feature in his career plans until he became popular as a model. Having been a part of blockbusters like Jodhaa Akbar,Singh is Kinng and now Dabangg,the actor agrees that his resume looks impressive,but insists that he is yet to realise his dreams. Its been a decade-long journey and many filmmakers say that my real potential remains untapped. But then I wonder why they dont tap it if they know my potential, complains the 37-year-old,who has also been starring in films down South.
After Dabanggs success,Sood is hopeful about being offered good roles. Meanwhile,he will shoot for Budhha alongside Amitabh Bachchan. Ironically,many say that the actor with his height,body language and hair-do resembles Bachchan in his yesteryears. The actor confesses to having grown up on films like Sholay,Deewar and Don and enacts his favourite actors lines as he poses for photographs. I play a cop in Budhha whereas Mr Bachchan is from the underworld.
And then there is the sequel to Dabangg,the mention of which instantly cheers him up. Abhinav has already been asked to write it. I was at Salmans iftar party till 4 am during the weekend,discussing possibilities and we may relocate it to Mumbai. Grey shades have always worked for me. And Dabangg tapped my energies well. Now,with Dabangg 2,I am hopeful of getting an even meatier role as Chhedi Singhs twin brother who seeks revenge, he flexes his muscles,with a twisted smile playing on his lips.
