He’s played Aishwarya Rai’s brother, and Akshay Kumar’s best friend, but that’s not enough for Sonu Sood.

The actor now wants to move on to doing solo hero roles, and it seems the offers are pouring his way.

“I have never been the type to grab at any role just because it has come my way. Even after my first film (Aashiq Banaya Aapne) I sat at home for some days till some good offers came my way,” he says.

It was just a game of patience according to the actor whose next film was Jodhaa Akbar.

“I think my patience paid off, because I did get a call from Ashutosh Gowariker’s office for Jodhaa Akbar and it is a role that I have got a lot of praise for. I am glad that I got a chance to work with a cast of this calibre,” he adds.

Sonu admits that he has had enough of supporting roles and he is looking at doing more lead roles. “It’s not like the offers are not coming. I am doing big banners like Sooraj Barjatya’s next film, which for me is a big thing.”

The movie, which is titled Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi stars him opposite Isha Koppikar and centres around the lives of a couple who have “ambition” and want to get somewhere in their lives.

“It is the story of how they balance the rest of their lives with their  marriage and a twist that happens which changes everything for them,” Sonu says.

For someone who doesn’t have a family background in films, does he feel that he has had to struggle to get to where he is?

“Not really. I don’t think you need to do anything  other than work hard and hope for the best. That’s what I did, and I think I have achieved some success in life.”