Actor who worked with Salman Khan in Rs 215 crore blockbuster film refused to be a part of its sequel. ‘If you say yes for money, you will always struggle on set.’

Sonu Sood is one of the finest actors in Bollywood. Beyond films, he is also known for his philanthropic activities. The 52-year-old rose to overnight fame after appearing in the 2010 blockbuster Dabangg, headlined by Salman Khan. The cop action comedy struck the right chord with the masses, raking up a sum of Rs 215 crore worldwide, according to a report by Sacnilk. Sood slipped into the shoes of antagonist Chhedi Singh in the movie, a character that earned him much recognition. But do you know that he initially refused to be a part of the project?

Sonu Sood on Dabangg

Sonu Sood, in an interview with Divya Jain on her YouTube channel, opened up about working in Dabangg. The actor also revealed that despite walking out of its sequel, Dabangg 2, Salman Khan personally invited him to watch the film during its special screening. The actor also admitted that he shares a warm bond with the Bollywood superstar.


Sonu Sood shared that he refused to be a part of Dabangg because he failed to understand the role at first. But after having a discussion with director Abhinav Kashyap, his character was tweaked based on some suggestions given by Sood. The actor disclosed that some humorous elements were added to Chhedi Singh so that his stance as a villain became even more entertaining.

When the host asked Sonu Sood whether he had reservations playing an antagonist, the actor had a straightforward reply. He confessed that playing a positive or negative character does not matter to him. His priority is to make people smile and entertain them.

Sonu Sood on refusing Dabangg 2

Although Sonu Sood agreed to Dabangg, he later declined its sequel, Dabangg 2 (2012), offered to him by Salman and Arbaaz Khan. The actor, who wears his heart on his sleeve, admitted that he did not find the script suitable for him and conveyed the same to the Khan brothers. Although Sood was hesitant at first, he decided to be upfront about the matter and spoke openly to Arbaaz Khan.

‘He (Arbaaz Khan) said it’s good, we will do it, as we did in the first one. But I knew that I won’t be able to repair it much, so I excused myself,’ recalled Sonu Sood, adding that he extended his best wishes to Arbaaz and the film team, promising to be the first person to see it when it releases. Later, Salman Khan called Sood for the first trial show of Dabangg 2.

‘Chhedi Singh, jo tune picture chhodi, dekhna chahega? (Chhedi Singh, will you watch the film that you left?)’ said Salman Khan at that time, as quoted by Sonu Sood, and they watched the film together. Prakash Raj played the role of the villain in Dabangg 2. In other news, Sood was last seen in the crime action drama Fateh, which premiered last year.