Sonu Sood all set for the Dabangg sequel

He has featured in many big-starrers, but it is with Dabangg that actor Sonu Sood has finally got his due. The City Of Life star has earned rave reviews for essaying the corrupt politician, Cheddi Singh, in the comedy.

"Dabangg has been a turning point in my career. It has taken me a step ahead and portrayed me in a different avatar. It has helped people know that I can do action also," Sood, 37, said.

Salman Khan plays the lead in Dabangg, but Sood's performance was noticed and appreciated by audiences as well as critics.

"It feels really nice when you are recognised for your hard work. When you are not from the industry it is difficult to convince the people that you are capable of doing well. It feels great that after years, my hard work has finally paid off. I am receiving lots of film offers," he added.

A self-confessed fitness freak, Sood is flooded with compliments for the six-pack abs he flaunts in the film. Asked how much hard work he put in to attain the sculpted body, Sood admits he leads a very disciplined life.

"When you are acting alongside someone like Salman Khan, you have to be in great shape.

"I dedicate three to fours hours daily on gymming and workouts. I also keep changing my workout schedule every 10-15 days. Sometimes I do cardio, sometimes kickboxing, which helps me stay fit.

"Diet also plays an important role. You need to cut down on carbs, high-protein and get used to non-tasty food," said Sood.

Producer Arbaaz Khan has started work on a sequel to Dabangg.

"In the sequel, I will be playing the role of the twin brother of Cheddi Singh, who will return to take revenge on Chulbul Pandey [Khan]. Abhinav Kashyap [director] is working on the script. They plan to shift the film from Uttar Pradesh to Maharashtra," he said.

Meanwhile, Sood is gearing up for his next movie, Buddha, which has Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.

"I play a cop in the film and you will be seeing me with a leaner yet muscular look. I have already started working out," he said.