29 July,2023 10:48 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sonu Sood, Pic/Instagram
Sonu Sood has been captivating audiences with his on-screen performances for the last two decades. He has carved out a niche in Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada film industries with his exceptional performances; and his also known for his philanthropy. As we celebrate his 47th birthday tomorrow on July 30, here's a glance at five of his most acclaimed roles in Indian cinema -
1. Dabangg
In Salman Khan's blockbuster hit, 'Dabangg' (2010), Sonu took on the villain's role as Chhedi Singh. His captivating performance as a mischievous yet formidable antagonist garnered much appreciation from audiences and critics alike. It's in this film that he shared the screen with the likes of Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, and Sonakshi Sinha, and still managed to make a lasting impression with his distinctive character portrayal.
2. Jodhaa Akbar
Sonu's versatility was evident when he played the character of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's cousin in 'Jodhaa Akbar,' a period drama directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. Despite being part of a star-studded ensemble featuring Hrithik Roshan in the lead role, Sonu held his own, further adding a layer of depth to the intricate narrative. His performance in this film reiterated his prowess as a capable and compelling actor.
3. Ramaiya Vastavaiya
In 'Ramaiya Vastavaiya,' Sonu essayed the role of Shruti Haasan's elder brother, Raghuveer, reflecting the classic 'strict and protective brother' archetype. Even in a film that was primarily a launch pad for Girish Kumar, the son of Ramesh Taurani, Sonu made his role memorable, touching hearts with his affectionate portrayal of an elder sibling.
4. Simmba
Sonu yet again showed his talent in handling diverse roles when he featured in the cop-action drama 'Simmba' (2018) alongside Sara Ali Khan and Ranveer Singh. His faceoff with Ranveer was one of the movie's highlights, allowing Sonu to demonstrate his skills in depicting intense, adversarial roles. Despite having an image of playing negative characters, his performance in 'Simmba' further proved his dexterity in adapting to a variety of roles, making it a box-office success.
5. Singh Is Kinng
In 'Singh is Kinng' (2008), one of the major blockbusters of that year, Sonu took on the challenging role of Lakkhan Singh, the king of the Australian underworld. This film, co-starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, witnessed Sonu's portrayal of a complex, nuanced character that significantly contributed to the narrative. His stellar performance in this film cemented his standing in Bollywood and escalated him to mass popularity.
