The journey has just begun
One constant that has invaded my life ever since Covid-19 cast its shadow last year is that my phone keeps on buzzing non-stop with calls from people desperately seeking help. We get nearly 40,000 messages and calls every single day from people who want help for family and friends. I feel charged with energy as I know there are hundreds and thousands of lives that need to be saved. It feels like I have a responsibility towards them. What began with helping desperate migrant labourers trying to reach their home states after the lockdown was suddenly imposed last year has now turned into a full-fledged mission of helping people and saving lives.
I try to stay alert and remain on my toes all the time. There are, however, moments when I feel helpless and anxious, particularly when I’m not able to help them.
It saddens me when I think of how many innocent people, who deserved to live, lost their lives just because they were unable to get an oxygen cylinder, an injection or a hospital bed. These are basic infrastructure facilities that they should have got.
I’m never going to forget this phase of my life. Every single day of the last one year will forever remain etched in my memory. I have seen people die in front of me — the lives I tried to save but couldn’t.
Each day I come across incidents that completely shake me. Recently, I received a call from a girl who was at a crematorium. She had just performed the last rites of her mother, who had Covid-19, and was seeking help for her brother, who was struggling for life on a ventilator. I had never imagined I would be shouldering responsibilities of such magnitude.
During my shooting days, my co-actors would often tell me that what you can do, no one can, but I never thought I would be doing something so fulfilling. At my end, I’m trying to do the best I can. Whenever I’m in doubt, my late mother’s words inspire me: “Kabhi muthhi khol kar dekh. Shayad tere hathon ki lakeeron mein kissi ki jaan bachana likha ho.”
My mother would always say you can consider yourself as successful the day you are able to bring a smile on the face of an unknown person. And this is what keeps me going. I feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that the families are together because I was able to reach out to them at the right time.
The weight of expectations people have from me sometimes unnerves me. Though I try my best to help, there are times when I fail. Sometimes, it’s not possible to reach out to so many people, however hard I may try. But no matter what or how long it takes, the effort is to make sure that help reaches the needy.
This phase of my life has brought me immense satisfaction. The next few years, I would like to continue the same. The whole country is like my family today. Every single life I have managed to save, every single family I have touched has brought joy to my life. I know their wishes and prayers are with me.
Whosoever needs me, whenever, whether the pandemic is there or not, I’ll just be a phone call away. The responsibilities I take I’m never going to give up. Even when I was Covid-19 positive, I was helping people at home. It doesn’t matter what stage or state I am in, I’m there for everyone who needs me.
I have already formalised this mission in the form of Sood Charity Foundation. An entire team is helping me carry forward this mission. I have trained the team to help, reach out and trust an individual. For them as well as for me, every single day is a learning process. We plan to develop proper infrastructure and have an efficient system in place which can touch many more lives. The foundation I have floated is the most precious thing I’ve done in my life. Whether I’m there or not, the coming generations are sure to get help from this foundation. People will remember that it started during the pandemic, and the philanthropic work will be carried on from one generation to another. A lot of people have joined me in my endeavour. Many brands I have worked with are pouring in aid. I channel them so that their help can reach more and more people.
Today, everyone is helpless — whether rich or poor. These tough times have taught us that there’s nothing above being a pure soul and doing good to others. The pandemic has taught people empathy. We often take our loved ones for granted. These times have taught us to value our relationships much more and realise that nothing in the world is more precious than your family. Shopping, money, all material comforts are meaningless when your loved ones are not with you to share those moments.
I miss my parents very much but I know wherever they are, they must be watching me and feeling happy that I’m making them proud. When I was leaving Moga to become an actor in Bollywood, I had told my parents that I was going to Bombay to make them proud. Today, finally, it has happened but it wasn’t with the 100 movies that I did in different languages, but by bringing a smile on many faces that needed my help. My mom and dad have been my icons. They taught me empathy as a kid. I hope I will be able to pass this on to my children as well.
There are many more things that I want to do. I want to open orphanages, schools and hospitals. My dreams are big. The journey has just begun but there are miles and miles to go.
To my fellow Punjabis, I would like to say that Punjabis are known to help people. Woh bahut logon ki madad karte hain… Please karte rahiye. These are the times when we all need to come forward and help others. I feel proud that we Punjabis are helping people.
— As told to Seema Sachdeva
