The friction between Sonu Sood and Kangana Ranaut has been one of Bollywood’s most-discussed topics over the years. Their once-strong friendship took a hit after Sonu walked out of Kangana’s directorial debut, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, in 2019. Recently, Sonu shared his thoughts on their relationship during an interview with YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra.
From Friends to Strangers
Talking about his past with Kangana, Sonu said, “We were really good friends before Manikarnika. I left the film because of personal reasons, but even then, I held her in high regard. Her family has always been very kind to me.” He mentioned that her parents and sister still treat him warmly whenever they meet, but things are different with Kangana.
He explained that the two haven’t spoken since the fallout. “We’ve never had a conversation after Manikarnika. It’s her choice. I don’t hold grudges, though. If I ever had a bond with someone, I make it a point not to say anything against them, no matter what happens.”
Why Sonu Quit Manikarnika
Back in 2019, Sonu’s sudden exit from Manikarnika grabbed headlines. Reports suggested creative differences as the main reason, with some claiming Kangana’s decision to take over as the director didn’t sit well with Sonu. When asked about this recently, he chose to stay respectful, saying, “She’s not a bad person. It was her call, and I had mine.”
Sonu’s decision to leave sparked a lot of debates in the industry, but he says he doesn’t regret it. “Sometimes, you have to do what feels right for you, even if people don’t understand it,” he added.
Current Projects
While their professional paths diverged, both stars remain busy with their careers. Sonu is gearing up for the release of his action-packed movie Fateh, which is expected to be high on drama and stunts. Meanwhile, Kangana is promoting her ambitious political drama Emergency, where she plays former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Despite their differences, Sonu had no harsh words for Kangana’s work. He acknowledged her talent and said, “She’s doing what she believes in, and I wish her the best for that.”
A Quiet Yet Loud Feud
Though neither Kangana nor Sonu has openly attacked the other, their silence speaks volumes. Sonu’s comments during the interview came across as measured and calm, suggesting he has moved on. However, Kangana, known for her fiery statements, hasn’t addressed his remarks yet.
Their fallout is one of those Bollywood stories that reminds us how friendships in the film industry can be as unpredictable as the box office. While their fans hoped for a reconciliation, it seems both stars are content walking separate paths for now.
What Lies Ahead?
For Sonu, this chapter seems to be behind him. “Life’s too short to hold on to negativity,” he said during the interview. As he focuses on Fateh and his philanthropic work, he appears to have made peace with how things unfolded.
Kangana, on the other hand, continues to polarize audiences with her outspoken nature and bold choices in cinema. Whether their paths will cross again remains to be seen.
For now, fans can only wonder what could have been if their collaboration on Manikarnika had gone as planned. But as Sonu said, “Life goes on, and so do we.”