Odisha: Plumber airlifted by Sonu Sood opens shop in actor’s name
Prashant has taken the actor’s permission to use his name and photograph for the workshop.
BHUBANESWAR: Prashant Kumar Pradhan believes one must show gratefulness in deed, not just in words. The 32-year-old plumber got a fresh lease of life after Bollywood actor Sonu Sood flew him and 168 other Odia migrants back home from Kerala on May 29.
In a bid to express his gratitude to the actor, Prashant has opened a welding shop and named it after the Bollywood actor. ‘ Sonu Sood Welding Workshop’ – the signboard at the entrance says it all.
“I was working as a plumber in a company near the Kochi airport. I was earning around Rs 700 per day. After the lockdown, I lost my job and money started drying up,” Prashant, a native of Chinchiri village under Rajnagar block of Kendrapada district, said. “I tried to get a ticket on a Shramik Special train, but failed. District officials and local leaders also couldn’t do much either. I thought I would not never be able to return home,” he added.
“But then, Sonu Sood appeared as an angel in our lives. He arranged for a special flight to take us home,” said Prashant. Once home, he started looking for a job to meet the expenses of his family. After a few attempts and several days later, Prashant finally decided to open a welding shop at Hatina, around 140 km from Bhubaneswar.
Prashant has taken the actor’s permission to use his name and photograph for the workshop. “In the beginning, Prashant was hesitant to seek my permission. He is a good man. I am glad I could be a part of his journey in this difficult time. I have endorsed so many brands, but this is something special and very close to my heart,” Sonu told TOI over phone.
Sonu wished Prashant luck for his new endeavour. “The welding shop will do really well and Prashant will be a great entrepreneur. Whenever I come to Odisha or Kendrapada, I will visit his shop. I will also try my hands at wielding,” the actor added.