Actor and humanitarian Sonu Sood is set to receive the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the 72nd Miss World Festival in Telangana on May 31, 2025. The Miss World Organisation is honoring Sood for his extensive philanthropic work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The award recognizes Sood's commitment to social upliftment through his foundation, the Sood Charity Foundation.

The 72nd edition of the Miss World Festival is being held in Telangana from May 7 to 31, 2025. The event promises to be a glittering affair, showcasing not only beauty and talent but also purpose and unity.

Sonu Sood expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating that it reinforces his purpose of bringing hope, support, and dignity to those in need. He dedicated the award to the volunteers, supporters, and those whose lives have been touched by the Sood Charity Foundation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sonu Sood emerged as a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families across India. Through the Sood Charity Foundation and its community-led initiative, the Sonu Sood Charity Club (SSCC), he spearheaded impactful initiatives in various sectors, including education, skill development, healthcare access, and crisis relief.

Some of Sood's notable COVID-19 relief efforts include:

• Helping Stranded Migrant Workers: Sood facilitated the safe return of migrant workers and students to their home states by arranging transportation, especially during the lockdown.
• Providing Medical Aid: His team distributed medical aid, including oxygen concentrators and medicines, to those in need.
• Promoting Education and Employment: Sood worked towards providing free education and employment training to those affected by the pandemic.
• Opened his hotel: Sood opened the doors of his hotel in Juhu, Mumbai to provide a place of stay for health workers.
• Feeding the Hungry: Sonu launched Shakti Annadanam in the name of his late father, Shakti Sagar Sood, with the objective of feeding at least 45,000 people every day in Mumbai.

Julia Morley, Chairperson and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, lauded Sonu Sood's compassion, tireless dedication, and the impact of his foundation, stating that they perfectly embody the spirit of "Beauty With A Purpose".

In addition to receiving the Humanitarian Award, Sonu Sood will also serve as one of the official judges for the grand finale of the Miss World pageant. He will join a distinguished panel to help crown the next Miss World.

Sonu Sood also announced that the Miss World Organisation and the Sood Charity Foundation are collaborating to spread awareness for a cancer-free world. This partnership aims to amplify the message and bring hope to millions globally.

Telangana is hosting the 72nd Miss World Festival, with the opening ceremony having been held on May 10, 2025. Miss India Nandini Gupta will be representing India at the pageant this year.

Telangana Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, along with other dignitaries, attended the press meet announcing the event. They emphasized the opportunity to showcase Telangana's rich cultural heritage and its emergence as a hub for international tourism.