Actor Sonu Sood‘s journey of helping others during the pandemic earned him widespread admiration and the status of a real-life hero. Even long after the crisis had ended, he remained steadfast in his efforts to support those in need, with hundreds still visiting his residence in the hope of receiving assistance. Recently, Sonu spoke about the Income Tax raid on his home, triggered by allegations of evading Rs 20 crore in taxes. In his words, he recognised that the Income Tax authorities were simply carrying out their duty, and he knew that facing challenges was an inevitable part of the process.
During a recent conversation with Jist, Sonu revealed something surprising about his lifestyle. He shared that not a single cupboard in his home had locks, nor did the front gate ever remain closed. “In my house, when we wake up in the morning, we open the gate so anyone can come in. This has been the case for many years now. I am comfortable saying this on camera, it’s completely okay,” he explained.
Sonu recounted the day in September 2021 when the IT officials visited his residence. He revealed that they could see everything, as they were doing their duty. Even at that time, thousands of people were queuing up outside his house for help. The actor acknowledged that this experience was a significant moment in his life. He reflected on the challenges he faced, emphasising that obstacles are inevitable on any chosen path. Despite facing trolls and difficulties, he remained focused on his work, eventually overcoming the hurdles. He noted that even after four and a half years, people continue to queue up outside his house, a testament to his consistent efforts and resilience.
In a 2023 appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, Sonu stated that the raid did not yield any incriminating evidence. Regarding the funds his company received in 2021, he clarified that the majority, 80 per cent, was derived from his personal earnings. He had directed the brands he worked with to route payments to his foundation, rather than paying him directly.