Sonu Sood, a celebrated Indian actor, producer, and model, has significantly contributed to the film industry and is widely recognized for his philanthropic endeavors. His career spans across multiple film industries, solidifying his status as a versatile and impactful figure.
Wiki/Biography
Sonu Sood was born on Monday, July 30, 1973 (age 51 years; as of 2024) in Moga, Punjab. His zodiac sign is Leo. He completed his schooling at Moga’s Sacred Heart School. After his 10th standard, he briefly worked at his father’s showroom, gaining valuable experience in fabrics and sales. He then pursued Electronic Engineering at Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering in Nagpur. His academic success continued through college, even as he explored his interest in modeling and acting encouraged by his friends during his second year.
Following graduation, he moved to Mumbai, starting with modeling assignments. To support himself, he worked at a South Mumbai firm. Before achieving acting success, he was a top 5 finalist in the Grasim Mr. India contest.
Physical Appearance
Height: 6’2 ¾”
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Family & Caste
Sonu Sood comes from a Hindu family.
Parents & Siblings
His father, Shakti Sagar Sood, was an entrepreneur, and his mother, Saroj Sood, was a teacher. He has an older sister, Monika Sood (a scientist), and a younger sister, Malvika Sachar. Malvika entered politics in January 2022, joining the Indian National Congress.
Wife & Children
Sonu Sood is married to Sonali Sood. They have two sons, Ayaan Sood and Eshaan Sood.
Career
Sonu Sood’s acting journey began in 1999 with the Tamil film, “Kallazhagar.” He then played a villain in the Telugu film “Hands Up!” His Bollywood debut was in 2002 with “Shaheed-E-Azam,” portraying Bhagat Singh. He gained prominence after playing Abhishek Bachchan’s brother in “Yuva.”
His 2005 Telugu film, “Super,” brought him significant popularity, leading to roles in numerous Telugu films like “Athadu,” “Ashok,” “Arundhati,” “Ek Niranjan,” and “Shakti.” Notable Bollywood films include “Aashiq Banaya Aapne,” “Dabangg,” “Happy New Year,” “Gabbar Is Back,” and “Simmba.” He also starred in the English film “Rockin’ Meera” (2017) and the Chinese film “Xuanzang.”
Controversies
Fraud Allegations
In 2013, film producer Sheetal Talwar filed a fraud case against Sonu Sood concerning a property rental on Yari Road.
Stepping out of Manikarnika
Sonu Sood’s departure from “Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi” sparked controversy. Kangana Ranaut attributed his exit to unwillingness to work under a female director, but Sood clarified it was about competence, not gender.
Converting a Residential Building into a Hotel
In January 2021, the BMC (Mumbai’s civic body) filed a complaint against Sonu Sood for converting a six-story building into a hotel. This building had been used for quarantining medical professionals during the initial COVID-19 lockdown.
Income Tax Raids and Tax Evasion
Income Tax Department raids in September 2021 targeted multiple Sonu Sood premises. Allegations of tax evasion involving a real estate deal and other financial transactions surfaced. The actor was accused of evading ₹20 crore, with accusations of routing unaccounted income through bogus entities and violating the FCRA.
Issue of An Arrest Warrant
A Ludhiana court issued an arrest warrant for Sonu Sood in February 2025 for failing to appear in court to testify in a money fraud case related to the Rijika Coin investment scheme.
Car Collection
Sonu Sood owns a Porsche and an Audi Q7.
Favourites
| Category | Favourite |
|---|---|
| Food | Aloo Paratha |
| Actor(s) | Amitabh Bachchan, Sylvester Stallone |
| Actress | Sridevi, Raveena Tandon |
| Film | Dabangg |
| Musician | R. D. Burman |
Facts/Trivia
- Hobbies include playing guitar, working out, and kickboxing.
- Arrived in Mumbai with just ₹5500.
- Shared a one-room apartment with six others initially.
- First salary was ₹4500.
- Earned ₹500 from his first modeling gig.
- Auditioned for “Josh” but didn’t get the role.
- Worked in films across multiple languages.
- Was once mistaken for Asmita Sood’s brother.
- Couldn’t do “Zanjeer” remake due to injury.
- Stopped praying for four years after his mother’s death.
- Is a fitness enthusiast.
- Became friends with Jackie Chan during “Kung Fu Yoga.”
- Owns “Shakti Sagar Productions.”
- Featured on several magazine covers.
- His Audi Q7 once caught fire.
- Has a deep faith in Lord Ganesha.
- Actively helped migrant workers during the 2020 lockdown.
- A temple was dedicated to him in Telangana.
- Launched a free online IAS coaching program.
- Received a large-scale pop art tribute in 2023.
