Punjabi stars lost in B-town?

Gurnaaz Kaur

When he played the cop who gets caught in the world of drugs in Udta Punjab, people beyond Punjab noticed his talent; next came bagging the lead role in Soorma. Diljit Dosanjh has now become a household name. We can confidently say that about Jassie Gill too, who showcased his acting prowess in Happy Phirr Bhaag Jayegi and has Panga, opposite Kangna, in his kitty now.

While we have these artistes making their way in Bollywood’s acting lane, many other stars of Punjabi cinema are yet to steal the hearts in the Hindi film industry. So, what’s the missing link?

Slow & steady

Says Jassie, “It’s a slow process. Punjabi actors are grabbing small and meaningful roles, and once they win the trust of the directors and production houses, it will take them towards the lead roles. I have been lucky because my song Nakhra got noticed and I was called for a screen test and audition, which I cleared.”

“Movies, in the end, are a business. While the audience accepts new and experimental projects, they mostly seek the same subjects, such as comedy, from Punjabi actors. And if a movie is appreciated, but doesn’t do well commercially, the actor will not be noticed,” he adds.

Sea change

Pawan Malhotra, who has tasted success in both the languages, opines that Punjabi films need to focus on stories that need to be told. “There are two factors here. One being that Punjabi films are mostly about comedy, while Hindi is not limited to any one genre. Another point is that the audience matures with time. If you look at the films of 80s vis-à-vis today’s content, there is a sea change. Punjabi cinema too is undergoing that change. Just that directors and producers should look for the right stories. A Bhaag Milkha Bhaag or a Sarbjeet comes from the land of Punjab, why shouldn’t the region explore more then?”

Right connections matter

The art of knowing how to sell yourself also comes into picture here. Being connected, having the right network also pays, thinks Mandy Takhar, who has spent almost a decade in Punjabi cinema and still hasn’t gone towards Bollywood. “I think I am not connected enough. No one reaches out to you, you have to seek work. There are managers and PR teams who source work, and even today I have no such team. Getting work is about being at the right place, with right people and encashing the right situation. I think I am just bad at networking, but I have now started exploring my options in other language films.”

No comparisons

After having reached a certain height, it would only be fair to hope you go upwards on the ladder and that’s what Sonam Bajwa believes in. “I have done some really experimental and out-of-the-box films in Punjabi and am still working on some such projects. So, when I get an offer from Bollywood, which I keep getting, I just want it to be the dream debut. I haven’t come across such an interesting project yet, but, soon, most likely within this year, you’ll hear about me signing a Bollywood film.”

Sonam thinks this also is the case with other A-listers in Punjabi film industry. And it seems Mukul Dev seconds the thought. He makes a point, “Punjabi industry has legends like Gurdas Mann, who may have never ventured into Hindi cinema but they are still where they are. Therefore, it’s not one above the other.”

In fact, the actor says there is influx from both sides. “So many Punjabi stars have played roles in Hindi films and even Hindi actors are open to associate themselves with Punjabi films because both the industries are doing so well. Language is no barrier; I have done Telugu, Bengali and Punjabi films as well.” Bollywood is surely looking towards Punjabi actors. Their emphasis is on authentic, realistic roles and they are confident Punjabi stars will do justice to them. It’s just a matter of time!