Recently, Sonu Sood got a first hand taste of the celebrity status he has gained post the super success of Jodhaa Akbar and Singh Is Kinng. He visited his home town in Punjab and was shocked to find that throughout his short stay there, there were 150-200 people thronging at his residence to meet him or at least have a glimpse of him.
On being queried, Sonu at first makes light of the happenings in his life. "It's ok, let's not make a big deal about it. It happens. I should consider myself as a real star once I start delivering hits all by myself. I am hoping Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi' proves to be a major happening in my career as a solo lead."
Sonu Sood acknowledges though that it has been the Singh Is Kinng effect due to which his presence in the home town was celebrated to such an extent.
"I strongly feel that Singh Is Kinng really helped me. After all, it was a huge commercial success, though it was only after visiting Punjab that I realized the impact the film has made. It is amusing to see people running behind you and absolute strangers visiting you at home. That's the magic of Singh Is Kinng ", says Sonu who had a good kick start to the year with Jodhaa Akbar.
"I guess I have been successful in getting the right balance of films on my plate.
There is a large commercial audience which wants to see you in a Singh Is Kinng kind of a setup while there are others who appreciate you more if you get to do an intense role in Jodhaa Akbar. It's ok, as an actor you have to cater to both the segments of society", he reasons.
What made him refuse Mukesh Bhatt's Jashn in that case? Wasn't this film (which is being directed by Raksha Mistry and Hasnain Hyderabadwala) allowing him to cater to any particular segment of society?
"Somehow I was not convinced about the script", admits Sonu, "I am sure Vishesh Films make great movies with great music. But I have to decide my own course too. I have some good movies of mine lined up and now for me to sign a film, it has to be something really exciting; something really better. In any case, why such a hue and cry about me choosing 'not' to do a film. In democracy, you are allowed to choose, right?"