Jack of all trades

Jasmine Singh

As a kid, Punjabi film writer, director and actor Amberdeep Singh would often be found playing imaginary cricket, “And, in that imaginary cricket, I was the one who was balling, batting and fielding. Today, when I write, direct and act, I get the same feeling, the difference is this is real and very real,” Amberdeep opens up. 

 With his film Laung Laachi starring Neeru Bajwa and Ammy Virk, all set to hit the screen; the writer, director and actor of this film doesn’t find juggling roles hard, in fact, he enjoys it, like he used to his cricket! “I am often asked how can I write and direct and even act at the same time, and trust me I really do not have an answer to it. All I know, is that it comes naturally, it feels okay.”

Amberdeep, an ex-student of Theatre Department, Punjabi University, Patiala moved to Mumbai on 2001, “for rozi roti,” as he calls it. Though he had moved to the city of dream to be an actor, Amberdeep ended up writing punches, gags and scripts for comedy shows, Comedy Nights with Kapil and Comedy Circus for a long time, till he moved to Punjabi cinema.

“Writing about Punjabi characters for Punjabi films came naturally to me, I am from Abohar, Punjab so giving shape to characters for like a natural thing to do,” adds Amberdeep who has written successful films like Angrej, Goreyan Nu Daffa Karo and many more. The best ones have always been with his friend and guide singer-actor Amrinder Gill. 

However, Laung Laachi sees him work with a new team. “And before you jump to any conclusion, I am working with Amrinder Gill very soon,” Amberdeep knows what’s coming. “In this industry, it is important to work with a team, but it is also important to work with new people and experiment.”

So, Laung Laachi is an experiment in this regard. He laughs, “Yes, and a fun experiment,” adds Amberdeep who will be playing Neeru Bajwa’s love interest in the film. Now, this is some experiment! He laughs, “It was Neeru who actually approached me for the film, I had the story which I narrated to her, she liked it and well, there we were. She was the one who suggested that I should act as well.” Amberdeep shares his nervous takes opposite Neeru Bajwa, “She asked me to be myself, do my best and enjoy.” Enjoy is actually a word that this artiste uses a lot. “You might want to know, which part I enjoy the most, and, I will tell you I do everything with complete heart and enjoy it thoroughly. And when I am enjoying, there is no way I wouldn’t give my best.” 

jasmine@tribunemail.com