Modelling just happened by chance: Sonu

Actor Sonu Sood started out as a model before venturing into showbiz in 1999 with Tamil film ‘Kallazhagar’, and his filmography has recently been enhanced by a project with international icon Jackie Chan. Looking back at his career, Sonu says while acting was always his passion, he took up modelling only to survive in showbiz.

As a model, Sonu had participated in the Graviera Mr India contest in 1996 but didn't get to wear the crown. But just over 15 years later, Graviera chose him as its brand ambassador. Is the fashion industry a platform for models to get into Bollywood?

"Yeah, it is definitely one station closer to Bollywood. I started as a model just to survive. I did not even know a single soul in this city (Mumbai). No connection in Bollywood, never knew anyone, so where to start from... So, I thought modelling (was the best option) to pay those monthly rents and daily expenses," Sonu said.

The 43-year-old Nagpur-born actor, who is popular for his well-chiselled body and fit physique, says he had "no hardcore plans to be a model". "Acting has always been my passion. Modelling just happened by chance. Acting was always the first and the last target," said the actor, a qualified engineer.