Mumbai: Sonu Sood, who has earned immense praise for his philanthropic efforts and his recent film Fateh, recently shared an interesting behind-the-scenes anecdote about the blockbuster film Dabangg. Speaking in an interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, Sonu revealed that the iconic item song Munni Badnaam Hui was originally designed for his character, but was eventually performed by Salman Khan.
Initially Sonu was offered the role of Chulbul Pandey.
Sonu told that Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap had initially approached him for the lead role of Chulbul Pandey. “Abhinav was a close friend of mine. He told me that he was writing a police story with a character called Chulbul Pandey and said we would do it together. I was very excited,” Sonu said.
However, things changed when Salman Khan expressed interest in the project. “When the script reached Arbaaz Khan, he told me that Salman wants to do this film. Salman loved the name Chulbul Pandey. One day, Abhinav received a message from Salman confirming his interest in the role. The rest, as we know, is history.”
With Salman in the lead role, Sonu was offered the role of the villain Chhedi Singh. Initially Sonu was not interested in this character. “Abhinav asked me to play the character of Chhedi Singh, but I turned it down because I did not find the character attractive. Even Arbaaz Bhai tried to convince me, but I was not convinced.
Sonu eventually agreed on two conditions: the character needed to be rewritten, and he wanted an item song for Chhedi Singh. “I told Abhinav, let’s rewrite the role in the next 2-3 days. If I found it convincing I would do it. Apart from this, I also wanted an item number for my character.
Salman Khan has taken over the Munni song
Sonu reveals how the famous Munni Badnaam Hui song slipped out of his grip. “Farah Khan was choreographing the song and I was discussing the steps with her. Then one day Abhinav came to me with a good news and a bad news. The good news was about a scene in Chhedi Singh, and the bad news was that Salman wanted to showcase Munni Badnaam Hui through a raid scene.
Sonu admitted that he was disappointed. “I said, ‘This is my song; How can he take it?’ But this was Salman Khan and it was decided. I told them it was wrong, but in the end everything worked out for the best. People still remember this song and it became iconic.
Despite losing the song, Sonu Sood’s character of Chhedi Singh became one of the most memorable aspects of Dabangg. This film brought her fame and her chemistry with Salman Khan was highly appreciated. Munni Badnam Hui proved to be a chartbuster and the film was a huge success.
Sonu concluded, “Looking back, I think everything happens for a reason. Even though the song was taken away, the role and the film made me who I am today.”
