Mumbai: 2021 started on an unpleasant note for Bollywood actor Sonu Sood as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a notice against him, accusing him of converting his residential building into a hotel without taking permission. The 'Dabangg' star, who emerged as the 'messiah' for migrant workers in 2020, moved the High Court to challenge the BMC notice. Sonu, who maintained a silence over the matter, has finally reacted on his legal tussle with the BMC. The 'Simmba' actor, while exclusively talking to ABP News, opened up about the controversy.

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When asked to comment on the matter, Sood said, "I respect the BMC, who have made our Mumbai 'amazing'. I have followed all the rules from my side and if there is a scope for improvement, I will try to correct it. I have filed a petition for the case in the court. I will sincerely follow the instructions given by the court and walk on the same path. I will obey all laws and regulations."

In an affidavit filed in response to Sood's petition, the BMC called the Bollywood star a 'habitual offender' and said that it took initial action against him but he continued with the development work. When we asked him to comment about the allegations, Sonu said, "Like I have mentioned before, the matter is in the court and I will follow all the rules as per their guidance. There is nothing above the court. I have always followed and respected the rules and will continue to do so."

Sonu Sood met NCP Chief Sharad Pawar amid his row with BMC on Wednesday. We questioned the actor if his meeting with the veteran leader had anything to do with his dispute with the civic body.

Reacting to his, Sood said, "It was a normal meeting. I had plans to meet him since a long time. I met him and took his blessings. He is also doing a wonderful job. He also praised me for helping the stranded migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was just a normal meeting. We didn't talk about my dispute with BMC during our conversation."

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Sonu Sood, known for his acting prowess, was spotted at Kandivali's Thakur Stadium on Thursday (January 14) morning. He visited the stadium to encourage the Under-19 cricket players. The 'R Rajkumar' star spent time with the young cricketers and even tried his hands in bowling.

On a related note, the Bombay High Court has reserved the order on the plea filed by Sood.