Bridge to China
Manika Ahuja
Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai, which translates to Indians and Chinese are brothers, is a slogan that has been on the tip of everyone’s tongue right from the days when India and China negotiated the five principles of peaceful co-existence in 1954.
Well, with actor Salman Khan and lead protagonists of the recently released flick Kung Fu Yoga — Jackie Chan and Sonu Sood—proudly reiterating the popular slogan in a short video tweeted by Salman a day ago, seems like the message of brotherhood has gone up a notch higher!
True to the essence of the video, Moga lad and the much-loved Chedi Singh from Salman Khan-starrer blockbuster Dabangg, Sonu, has indeed shared Bhai-Bhai moments aplenty with famous actor Jackie Chan during the making of the film. When we asked Sood to share some notable instances, he recollected, “I swear by the Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai slogan, as I believe art has no boundaries when it comes to showcasing one’s talent. Jackie is one of the most down-to-earth people I have ever come across. He is extremely humble, supportive and took care of us when we were shooting in China.”
What’s more, Chan even donned the chef’s hat and cooked scrumptious Chinese delicacies to treat his ‘guests.’ “Yes. Chan used to cook really nice food for us. Oh, and did I tell you that it is a rarity to find Indian food in China? So, one fine day, Jackie, came up to us and said, ‘I know you are missing Indian food so let me take you to an Indian eatery here.’ He kept his promise by driving us all the way to one in Beijing. He joined in by eating naans and butter chicken, which he enjoyed. That was very special!”
Biggest opening
Coming over to the movie’s reception in Jackie’s hometown, China, he says, “It is the biggest opening for a Jackie Chan-starrer. It is a huge hit in Malaysia and Singapore too.” As for his expectations from Indian cine-lovers, he says on an optimistic note, “Things are looking good. I hope and pray that the same magic happens in India also.”
For a film that makes a mention of martial arts in its very title, preparations were ‘arduous’. “It was very challenging. We perfected our moves with Jackie Chan’s stunt team for almost a year. I remember waking up at 5 in the morning every day for training and shooting in -15 degrees celsius temperature in Beijing. It has been a great learning experience,” shares Sood, who learnt Chinese marital art forms — Wushu and Tai — Chi during his training sessions.
Fit as a fiddle
While Sood’s well-sculpted body is no secret, there sure is a secret that helps him maintain it so well! “For me, fitness is like brushing your teeth everyday in the morning. I hit the gym every day. Irrespective of whether it is for a film, it has been years that I haven’t cheated on my diet. That is what keeps me fit.”
Of negative shades
Right from his performance as the corrupt political leader Chedi Singh in Dabangg, to his role as the antagonist in Arundhati, Sood’s portrayal of negative characters has fetched him critical acclaim. “I love playing both positive and negative characters. The challenge lies in trying something new and that is what I strive for,” he says.
manikaahuja@tribunemail.com
