Bollywood is the place where many regional industry actors have tried their luck to survive in the second biggest entertainment arena in the world. From the past couple of years, we have been witnessing many Punjabi stars getting recognised in Bollywood for their talent and performances in films. Actors like Diljit Dosanjh, Hardy Sandhu, Guru Randhawa to name a few, have made their secured place in the industry with their versatility.
Now, a new Punjabi singer turned actor has entered the industry with ‘Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi’. Yes, we are talking about none other than, Jassie Gill who tickled everyone’s funny bones with his impressive performance as Khushwant Singh Gill in the Sonakshi Sinha starrer. The 29-year-old Gabru Jawan caught everyone’s eyeballs with his good looks, charming smile and tantalizing personality.
Interestingly, Jassie also bagged his second film Panga opposite Queen actress Kangana Ranaut. Recently, Sumit Rajguru from Free Press Journal had a candid chat with every girl’s heartthrob Jassie and asked him about his career, preferences, preparation for roles, life beyond the camera and more. Excerpts –
Tell us what changes you can see in your life after Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi?
After the success of Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, I feel blessed that in my first movie, I got the opportunity to work with a brilliant star cast. Also, my performance was appreciated by the cast and the industry people. These compliments and appreciation made it one of the happiest moments of my life. It’s nothing less than an achievement when people say, ‘Your performance was so good that we couldn’t believe that it was your first movie’. This has boosted my confidence to work harder.
Nowadays, Punjabi singer turned actors are trying their luck into Bollywood, so are you also following the same agenda?
Yes, it has been a trend since the long-time where Punjabi singers and actors have entered Bollywood. It is not about trying luck because every actor wants to prove his or her worth. I grabbed the opportunity that came my way and I am working hard to give my best so that the filmmakers are satisfied with my work. I believe if you work hard and perform well then good projects will surely come your way.
If given a choice to choose only one thing between acting and singing, what will you choose and why?
It is very difficult for me to choose between singing and acting. I have achieved success because of singing and now acting. It was singing that helped me get into Punjabi movies and then I got offers to even act in Punjabi movies. Also, my singing talent got me an opportunity to work in Bollywood movies. Singing is my natural talent and I am born with it. Later, I discovered my acting talent. When I sing, I do it from the bottom of my heart and can improvise it on my own. But, when I act I follow the instructions of the filmmakers and have the ability to perform what they are expecting out of me.
Initially, newcomers probably face casting couch in the film industry, have you ever had gone through such experience?
No, I didn’t face anything like that. I got a call from Colour Yellow Productions for Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi and Aanand sir signed me. He had seen my songs and thus offered me to act in the movie. Before I start shooting for the film I had bonded well with Mukesh Chhabra sir and I feel I am lucky that I met good people in the industry. So yes I never had to face such a situation.
Who is your favourite Punjabi star and why?
It has to be the one and only Gurdas Maan. I respect him a lot and got to learn many things from him. I have also worked with him and I have been to his house to take blessings from him before I began to shoot for my first movie. He is a legend and I feel he is the biggest star from Punjab.
You have a lot of female fans who love your looks and personality, so tells us some traits you are looking for in a life partner?
I feel very happy when I receive such compliments. But when I think of my life partner I would love to have someone who can take care of me and my parents.
As for Panga, how did you get the role, are you excited to work with Kangana Ranaut?
My upcoming film is Panga also featuring Kangana Ranaut and directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. I am very excited to work with her in my next. I was very happy when I got the offer for this movie. I gave my screen test and was offered to act in the movie. This movie was offered to me even before the release of Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi. So I feel very lucky that before the release of my first movie I was offered another project to work on. I am also working on my looks and this time it will be different.
What kind of preparations are you doing for Panga?
I have started prepping for Panga and it’s going well. I will be changing my look a little for the movie and I am working on it. I am working hard for the movie. Every day, I spent time reading scripts. I find the script interesting and am very excited to work on it.
Lastly, tell us the three wishes you want to fulfill with your career in films?
My first wish is to give my best performance in the film. I always try to give my best but, I want to do a film where people appreciate my performance saying, “This film is a huge success because of Jassie.” My second wish is an opportunity to work with great actors and directors in Bollywood. People like Aamir Khan and Anurag Kashyap are my favourites. I would love to work with them in the future. My third wish is to sustain in this industry for a long time. I want to perform well and don’t want to take retirement from my work. I want to do good work and want me, people, to know me for that. I want to be the role model for people in my family and my state. I hope I am able to encourage and boost people to work hard.
