JOIN USHaving worked in over 60 films in a career spanning nearly 17 years, Sonu Sood has now turned producer, which he thinks is a "thankless" job yet immensely enjoyable.
The "Happy New Year" star produced the upcoming horror- comedy "Tutak Tutak Tutiya".
When asked if he spoke to his friends Shah Rukh Khan or Farah before turning producer, Sonu told PTI, "Frankly not. Even if I would have spoken to them they would have told me 'don't get into it, it is not an easy job'.
"I know it is difficult, a thankless job. But I knew that this is something which is achievable, you just need the right people," he said.
Sonu said that when he first came to Mumbai, after doing engineering, in pursuit of becoming an actor, all he had was Rs 5,500 in his pocket and "a huge support from my family, they said just go and achieve your dream".
"But I knew that when you have dreams in your eyes, it takes time to happen, but they do come true. Now, after doing 60-65 films in various languages, this is my first film as a producer. I thoroughly enjoyed it because I had people who I love the most and know the most," he said.
"Tutak Tutak Tutiya" also stars Prabhu Deva and actress Tamannaah Bhatia. The 43-year-old actor feels the "Rowdy Rathore" helmer is "magic" in front of the camera and is a very good actor.
"I believe and I know he (Prabhu Deva) is a great actor. He is magic in front of the camera and someone who always tries to explore himself. In every take, he surprises you as an actor, which is the best thing, especially for a genre like this, for you have to experiment and challenge yourself in every scene," he said.
Directed by A L Vijay, the film will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu on October 7. Sonu is not at all apprehensive about how will the audience lap up the film.
"I am really proud of what I have created. I really enjoyed the whole process and to see the trailers, songs and people talking about the film, it is a tremendous feeling.
"I share a huge comfort level with Tamannaah, Prabhu sir, so I knew I could not go wrong with them. I had that much conviction and faith, on top of a very brilliant script. There is nothing to worry," he said.
Though he may be assured of the project in hand, the actor does feel that often a critic's remark can hurt artistes, but then one must move on and do good work.
"I won't say you can ignore criticism but when you are an actor, one has to be prepared enough that these things are bound to happen. The critics are doing their job, so it is ok. It might affect you for a day or two, but you move on.
"You are here because you believed in yourself as an actor, producer or director. It is not that a particular critic writes you off and you get sad. You have to always do good in life and focus on that. This is the rule of the industry," he added.