Living a dream

Manpriya Singh

It’s been five years since Guru Bhullar shifted base from Bathinda to Mumbai. But the rustic charm of Punjab is yet to leave the guy just as the rehearsed speeches of the cineworld are yet to happen to him. “I have always wanted to be on TV; I don’t know how or in what capacity, but I’ve always been driven by the dream of seeing myself on the big screen,” as raw as refreshing and as earnest as it gets, the unabashed Punjabi munda shares his journey from the land of farms to the city of film sets.

Soon to be seen in the upcoming film, Uri, Guru plays the character of a Sikh soldier who goes to Pakistan with Vicky Kaushal and his team for the surgical strike. It’s not so much about the length of the role as its significance that matters; with no filmy background, landing a role like this wasn’t easy. “Once you decide you want to do something, then there’s no point looking back and there’s no place for regrets. Just dive head-on and keep giving it your best.” Which is what he did at umpteen auditions for various roles, till a few stints with Colors channels and commercials came his way and finally work flowed. But not before he had done his customary round of casting directors and production houses.

“I shifted base because a friend of mine had some connections in the television industry,” shares the artiste who enrolled for a crash course in acting and also has been learning singing since a couple of years now. “My first single Chunni Naal Salaah came out with Speed records, while my second Chadra was with T-series.” As for his latest Sip Sip, it came out only 15 days back.

On working with Vicky Kaushal

Even before the actors assume the status of a star, the stories of their starry tantrums make way to the media. But not with Vicky Kaushal, as Guru says, “He has absolutely no airs about him. We stayed in the same hotel for four to five months, spent significant amount of time with him; he is a very normal, regular guy who mingles with everyone and is genuinely down-to-earth.” He adds, “Also, he is extremely hard-working.”

For all the aspirants out there

Among his mantras for all those aspiring for a break in TV or films, on top would be ‘never give up’. “Have lots of patience. Keep trying, keep auditioning and then don’t expect, just forget about it. Mumbai is a city that gives work to everybody, so don’t think of role as big or small.” Struggling along with staying fit for the profession didn’t come easy. But nothing ever usually does.

manpriya@tribunemail.com