Sonu Sood Opens Up on Rejecting Dabangg 2 and His Bollywood Journey
In a revealing interview, actor Sonu Sood shared insights into his career decisions, particularly his refusal to reprise his role in the sequel to the blockbuster film 'Dabangg'. While his first major negative role in Hindi cinema came with the 2010 Salman Khan hit 'Dabangg', Sood disclosed that he initially turned down the project before accepting it after script revisions.
Initial Refusal and Script Changes for Dabangg
During a conversation on Divya Jain's YouTube channel, Sonu Sood explained that he first declined 'Dabangg' due to discomfort with the character. "I refused Dabangg at first because I didn't really understand the part," he said. However, after discussions with director Abhinav Kashyap, they made significant changes to the role. "We sat together and we changed that character a lot, we added some humour to it and that is how it became entertaining," Sood recounted, highlighting his collaborative approach to shaping the antagonist.
Rejecting Dabangg 2 Offer from Salman and Arbaaz Khan
Sonu Sood also revealed that he received an offer for 'Dabangg 2' from Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan but chose to decline it. "For Dabangg 2, Salman and Arbaaz wanted me on board. I didn't understand that script when I heard it the first time," he stated. Despite initial hesitation, Sood decided to be upfront about his feelings. "I told him that I do not understand this role. He said it's good, we will do it, like we did in the first one. But I knew that I won't be able to repair it much so I excused myself," he explained, adding that he wished the team well and even attended the trial show at Salman's invitation.
Strong Rapport with Salman Khan and Gracious Invitation
Sood spoke fondly of his rapport with Salman Khan during the filming of 'Dabangg'. Even after rejecting 'Dabangg 2', Salman Khan generously invited him to the premiere trial. "I remember when they had the first trial show of the film, Salman bhai had called me. He was very generous and he said, 'Chhedi Singh, jo tune picture chhodi, dekhna chahega?' I said I would love to see it. He said come on then and we watched it together," Sood recalled, showcasing their enduring friendship.
Philosophy on Villain Roles and Avoiding Money-Driven Films
Addressing doubts about taking on villainous parts, Sonu Sood emphasized that character impact matters more than morality. "I wasn't too bothered if he is positive or negative. I said if he brings a smile to people's faces and entertains them, then he is great," he noted. Shifting to his career choices, Sood clarified that he avoids projects driven solely by financial gain. "I have never done a film for money. Because if you say yes for the money, then you will always struggle on the set," he asserted, underscoring his commitment to meaningful roles.
Replacement in Dabangg 2 and Industry Impact
In 'Dabangg 2', Prakash Raj stepped into the shoes of the main antagonist, replacing Sonu Sood. This decision highlights Sood's selective approach to film roles, prioritizing script quality over mere participation in successful franchises. His candid revelations shed light on the complexities of Bollywood negotiations and the importance of artistic integrity in an industry often driven by commercial pressures.
Sonu Sood's journey from initial refusal to iconic villainy in 'Dabangg', followed by his principled stand on 'Dabangg 2', offers a glimpse into the actor's dedication to his craft and his willingness to make tough choices for the sake of quality entertainment.
