Sonu Sood steps down as Punjab's 'State Icon', says 'this journey has come to an end'

Bollywood star Sonu Sood, well known and admired for his philanthropic work especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, has stepped down as the "State Icon" of Punjab, the actor announced on Friday.

The decision comes ahead of Punjab elections.

"This decision was mutually taken by me and the Election Commission of India (ECI), in light of my family member contesting in Punjab Assembly Elections," Sood informed.

Sood took to his official Twitter account to inform his over 10 million fans to make the announcements. The 48-year-old began his statement by saying "Like all good things, this journey has come to an end, too"

"Like all good things, this journey has come to an end too. I've voluntarily stepped down as the State Icon of Punjab. This decision was mutually taken by me and EC in light of my family member contesting in Punjab Assembly Elections. I wish them luck for future endeavours," he tweeted.


On January 4, Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer S Karuna Raju had informed in an official statement that the ECI revoked Sood's appointment as a "state icon".

While the actor, who comes from the Moga district of Punjab, last November had clarified that he had no plans to join politics himself. However, he had that his sister Malvika was contesting the elections.

During the beginning of pandemic, Sood captivated the nation with his social work as he stepped up to help migrant workers, people who lost their jobs and those struggling with health supplies.

The actor had arranged transport facilities for migrant workers stuck in various places while returning back their homes amid joblessness amid the Covid lockdown.