Having staunchly kept his turban on, Diljit Dosanjh made new records in Punjabi industry, as he created new audiences for this regions cinema
For one who rose to unprecedented heights of success in a film industry that was a laggard amongst all, Diljit Dosanjh has done well by staying close to his inception, whether its about keeping his pagg on, or still revering music, or about staying the humble bloke he is, as depicted in the Jatt & Juliet series. One of the first turbaned Punjabi actors to have touched new highs, the contemporary cinema, and second renaissance of Punjabi films, is much indebted to this effervescent actor whose acting is rousing a new interest in the modern youth of the state. And for beginners, dont refer to him as a singer-turned-actor...for Diljit argues, "Singing is the front of my profession; its not a backup plan." In an interaction with Chandigarh Times, the livewire Diljit tells us why the real life character of an ordinary man, Mukhtiar Chadha fascinated him so much that hes on his way to making a film themed on him.
I havent met a man as amazing as Mukhtiar
Mukhtiar Chadha is my friend who stays in Delhi and I know him since five years. He rides a scooter and can do about anything under the sun...just anything. He is a simple man, very endearing. When I told him we were making a film on him, he didnt believe me and when he came to the shooting sets on the first day, he broke down into tears! I play Chadha in the film and this is one of those films that didnt really need a female lead though we do have an actress in the film, her role is limited. It is directed by a guy called Gifty and hopefully will release this year. This film got my interest so much that I sang all songs in it myself...kise hor nu gaan hi ni ditta mein. (I didnt let anyone else sing). I spent a lot of time in Delhi, with the people of Delhi, to learn their Punjabi dialect. In fact, at one point I had got so involved with this project that for days I did not even leave my room.
Jatt & Juliet 2 was not shot as a sequel to the first
When we were shooting for Jatt & Juliet 2, the director, Anurag Singh did not tell us that this was going to be a sequel. The only brief given to us was that, go and have fun on the sets. Since I guess we did the same thing in the first film, Anurag must have realised having fun translates into fun on screen too. This film is not a continuation of the first story, it is an entirely different plot. In this one, I play a constable in Punjab police...a lively constable. But then, Punjab police in real is also very lively (laughs)!
There are no formula for success
If anyone thinks they have set a formula for success, thats not true. Because if that were to happen then people would only be copying that formula and every following film would be a copy alone.
Finally, my dream film has found a producer!
I never gave up hope for my pet project, 1984 despite it lying in cold storage for at least 2 years now. Finally, the co-producer of Jatt & Juliet 2, Gunbir Singh Sidhu has shown the guts to produce this film, badi himmat dikhai aina ne...It will be directed by Anurag himself. And when I say, badi himmat dikhai, I also mean that despite seeing the hashar of such film, as we saw with the recent Sadda Haq, Sidhu saab was ready to come on board. But we arent aiming at depicting any controversy in this film, though its set in 1984 Punjab. Its just a touching narrative.
I am never giving up singing
Its a misconception that singers in Punjab use music as a backup in case their acting fails. For me, singing is the front, its not the backup, it was acting that happened by chance. I have just returned from a world tour where we covered US, UK, Australia, Canada...and everywhere people want to hear me sing. It feels nice that Punjabi music is so coveted across the globe. I am soon starting my own music production company...its all part of the job, you see!
I can play a villain in Bollywood, but no second fiddle
After I turned down offers from some Hindi filmmakers who wanted me to play second fiddle in their films last year, I have been approached again. I am yet to meet them, so can comment only after I hear their proposal. But one thing I am sure of, I wont play the second lead in any film. I told them, tussi meinu villain bana deo, but deyo an important role.
Im happy that I am overworked
I had asked rabb for one thing only, that dont keep me idle. I am very scared of sitting without work. Now I maybe overworked, there is too much pressure...but then now I cannot complain.
Source : Times of India