Diljit Dosanjh needs no introduction.The musician cum actor is already a popular and known face in the Punjabi Entertainment Industry and is also accredited as the one who has changed the portrayal of Punjabi actors in Bollywood. He made a smashing debut in Bollywood with ‘Udta Punjab’ and then went ahead to do critically acclaimed movies like ‘Phillauri’ and ‘Soorma’. And now, he is all set to make his presence felt with ‘Arjun Patiala’ alongside Kriti Sanon. In an conversation with IWMBuzz, Diljit opens up about the film, his experience so far and a lot more…
Q) So Diljit, what would you like to reveal to us about ‘Arjun Patiala’ ?
Diljit –Comedy film hai paaji. Hasi Mazak wala film hai. I had actually asked the makers that what is the subject matter of the film. They bluntly told me there’s no subject matter and it is just to make people laugh. I was taken by their confidence. Kriti is a nice human being. It was nice working with her.
Q) So what actually drove you to do the film?
Diljit – (Laughs) I like the people paaji. Bande mujhe kaafi acche lage and hence I went ahead with it.
Q) Would you like to produce any movie, be it Bollywood or a Punjabi film?
Diljit – Yeah. I would love to produce a Punjabi movie. Kaafi paise banate hai wolog. So why not?
Q) Why do you think Punjabi movies are still behind and by a long margin from Bollywood?
Diljit – Not really paaji. Now things are improving there too. But one can’t deny the fact that Mumbai has always been the hub of films. Hindi is a language which is spoken throughout the country and hence the appeal is a lot more. That’s why hindi movies make more business and people always run where there’s business. Simple reason paaji.
Q) You are the only Punjabi actor who has actually broken the stereotypical image of portraying Punjabis in hindi films. Was that a decision taken before joining the hindi film industry?
Diljit – No to be really honest.no it was not. But yeah I was sure about not doing roles like the friend of hero or stuff like that. In Punjabi industry, things were going good so why will I compromise on that here? I only had one thing in my mind that if they accept me the way I am, it is fine otherwise I won’t.
Q) Do you actively prepare before performing a scene or are you more natural that way?
Diljit –Paaji, thoda sa toh prepare karna hi parta hai. But I try to keep things as simple as possible.
Q) This is the 2nd time you are playing a cop after ‘Udta Punjab’. Which was more difficult?
Diljit – ‘Udta Punjab’ anyday. It was my first film and in general as well, it was difficult. So yeah ‘Udta Punjab’
Q) Who are your favourite all time comedians?
Diljit – For me, it is Mehmood ji, Kader Khan sahib and Govinda ji.. They are simply exceptional artistes in their own right. Unbelievable potential.
Q) How do you see your Bollywood journey of 2.5 years?
Diljit – Good actually. I am lucky because I feel whatever I am getting, probably I don’t deserve this either. Got to work with Kareena Kapoor Khan in ‘Udta Punjab’ and a debut here in Bollywood like that. Then ‘Phillauri’. Even ‘Soorma’ which was a biopic that was critically acclaimed, I am lucky I feel because I haven’t learnt acting or anything like that. God has been kind.
Q) Do you have any specific wish to work with anyone here in particular?
Diljit – No, I don’t have any such wish. I am happy to work with anyone as long as the content is good.
Q) What do you find different in the lifestyle of Mumbai and Punjab?
Diljit- Both are nice. But Mumbai has a lot more traffic. Space is an issue here. Punjab is more wide and open. Both are good though.
Q) Do you find putting up with concerts difficult now?
Diljit – Yes to an extent. It is very busy now. Hence not able to make as many songs as before.
Q) Lastly Diljit, if you had to select any 1 between acting and music, what would you choose?
Diljit – Music. Anyday.