Sonu Sood tops 50 South Asian celebrities in the world list, overtakes Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood recently has been named the No.1 South Asian celebrity in the world for his relentless efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sood has overtaken Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prabhas to become the number one South Asian celebrity on the Eastern Eye's 50 Asian celebrities in the World list.

It celebrates artists who made a positive impact with their actions or inspired people in a unique way.

“As the pandemic broke, I realised it was my duty to help my countrymen; it was an instinct that came from within,” said Sood, expressing his gratitude for the honour. Sood is known for his efforts at ferrying Indian migrant workers amid the coronavirus lockdown.

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He further added, "Eventually, this was something I came to Mumbai for. It was my responsibility as an Indian, which I did. I think all the love of the people which I received was simply their wishes and prayers. Once again, I won't stop till my last breath."

Eastern Eye entertainment editor Asjad Nazir, who compiled this list said that Sood deserved to win the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award because no other celebrity did as much to help people to stride through the coronavirus lockdown.

Nazir said that the actor's efforts that started as helping migrant workers go back to their native places evolved to a "spectacularly philanthropic mission that made a difference to so many during the pandemic". These efforts included paying for surgeries, donating food, setting up scholarships, advocating women's rights and purchasing a tractor for a farmer so that his daughters could focus on their education.

Reportedly, Sonu Sood has recently mortgaged two shops on the ground floor and six flats in Housing Society, located along AB Road near Iskcon Temple in Juhu, Mumbai. A fee of Rs 5-lakh was paid in order to raise the Rs 10 crore loan. The loan agreement was signed on September 15 and was registered on November 24. All the properties mortgaged belong to Sonu Sood and his wife Sonali.

Canadian YouTuber,  social media star, comedian and TV personality Lilly Singh came in second for her “pathbreaking journey, remarkable output and entertaining audiences most when they needed it”.

Indian singer Armaan Malik came in fifth for his immense musical output that included barrier-breaking English language songs. Sixth-placed Priyanka Chopra Jonas remains the most famous Indian star in the world, while the rest of the top 10 includes pan-Indian star Prabhas (7), Hollywood power player Mindy Kaling (8), highest-placed Indian TV star Surbhi Chandna (9) and Pakistan-born Hollywood heavyweight Kumail Nanjiani (10).

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