Sonu Sood tops Global Asian Celebrity 2020 list

Post his charity efforts during the lockdown, the actor is being offered larger-than-life roles

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has been named the number one Asian celebrity on the planet for 2020. Sonu topped the 50 Asian Celebrities In The World list, published by the UK-based Eastern Eye newspaper.

The actor has been honoured for his philanthropic activities during the Covid-induced lockdown, especially helping migrant workers reach their hometowns.

Talking about the same, Sonu Sood shared: “Thank you, Eastern Eye, for recognising my efforts. As the pandemic broke, I realised it was my duty to help my countrymen, it was an instinct that came from within. Eventually, this was something I came to Mumbai for, it was my responsibility as an Indian which I did and I won’t stop till my last breath.”

Meanwhile, the actor who is in the limelight for the charity work he has been doing during lockdown, says the kind of roles coming his way have changed.

Sonu, who became popular playing the villain in Bollywood films, turned hero in real life for many stranded migrant workers when he organised transport and resources for them to reach home amid the pandemic-induced lockdown.

Asked how he wants to take forward his career in Bollywood, Sonu said: “The kind of roles that have been offered are different. They are larger than life, and real-life hero roles. Things that I have done in real life, they are trying to put that in my scripts, too, which is different. I have to make sure that I live up to the expectations and do justice with whatever I do.”

The actor continued: “There is a huge amount of responsibility. I came to the city to become an actor, and I will keep on doing what I enjoy the most. There will be new roles, and some new stories.”

At present, Sonu is seen hosting Bharat Ke Mahaveer. The series brings stories that represent the spirit of solidarity in the country, and celebrates Indians who have shown extraordinary kindness during the coronavirus pandemic.

Talking about his decision to be part of the series, Sonu said: “I wanted to connect with every single individual who did something during these tough times for a common man… I wanted to understand how the whole drive started. And it was very inspiring and a great learning experience.”

The series airs on Discovery channel, and Discovery Plus app, and comes in partnership between the United Nations in India, NITI Aayog and Discovery channel. IANS