Kathmandu, Sep 4: Actor Sonu Sood, who has travelled to flood-ravaged Nepal to support relief and rehabilitation efforts, has responded to criticism over his visit, inviting a journalist who accused him of using the humanitarian work for “marketing” to join him on the ground and help disaster victims.
The actor’s response came after a journalist questioned the attention surrounding his Nepal visit and suggested on social media that the relief effort was being used to promote Sood’s image.
Responding to the criticism without engaging in a prolonged confrontation, Sood addressed the journalist as “brother” and invited him to Nepal to work together for those affected by the devastating floods.
«“You are a good person, brother! Come to Nepal, both brothers will work together,” Sood wrote on X.»
The actor has since been sharing glimpses of his activities from flood-affected areas, highlighting the scale of destruction and the urgent needs of survivors.
On Thursday, Sood posted a video showing himself inspecting areas devastated by the floods. He pointed to the extent of the destruction, saying the impact had reached even four-storey buildings.
In another post, he shared photographs from the Trishuli River and described the devastation left behind by the floods, which have destroyed homes and disrupted the lives of thousands of people.
«“Standing here today at the Trishuli River, where the floods have left behind unimaginable loss..broken homes, broken families, and lives changed forever,” he said.»
Sood said Nepal was not alone in its struggle and pledged to continue supporting affected families as they attempt to rebuild their lives.
«“Nepal is not alone. I stand with its people, and I will do everything I can to bring hope, rebuild homes, and help families begin again,” he said.»
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Sood said his immediate focus was to meet flood victims, understand their requirements and provide whatever assistance was possible.
He said relief material had been brought from India, including blankets and food supplies, for people affected by the disaster.
«“We are here to meet the victims of the flood. We got lots of stuff from India. We just want to be with the people who are in need and will try to bring their lives back (on track),” he said.»
Sood also stressed that humanitarian assistance would have to continue beyond the immediate aftermath of the disaster. While acknowledging the logistical difficulties involved in transporting relief material from India to Nepal, he said his team intended to keep sending assistance in the coming months.
The actor described helping people affected by disasters as a collective responsibility.
«“I think it’s everyone’s duty to do their part,” he said.»
Sood’s visit comes as Nepal continues to deal with the devastating consequences of flash floods that struck the country on August 26. The disaster began in Rasuwa district before surging through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river corridors and affecting several downstream districts.
According to the latest update from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the death toll has risen to 1,259, while around 4,216 people remain missing or out of contact.
The scale of the ongoing rescue and relief operation remains immense. Authorities have so far rescued 11,993 people, while 5,135 injured people have received medical assistance.
Of those provided medical care, 301 were treated in hospitals, while the Nepali Army and Armed Police Force provided medical assistance to 3,206 and 1,628 people respectively.
With rescue operations, medical assistance and rehabilitation continuing, Sood’s presence in the affected areas has added a high-profile public voice to the humanitarian response. His invitation to the journalist who criticised his visit has also drawn attention to his stated focus on working directly with flood victims rather than engaging in a prolonged social media exchange.
The actor has maintained that his priority is to stand with affected communities, provide essential supplies and contribute to efforts aimed at helping families recover from one of Nepal’s most devastating recent flood disasters.
