ETIMES EXCLUSIVE: IS BOLLYWOOD THE ULTIMATE BENCHMARK OF SUCCESS FOR PUNJABI ARTISTS?
In recent years, Bollywood has served as a significant platform for Punjabi artists, catapulting many into mainstream recognition across India. Diljit Dosanjh, with his charismatic presence and versatile talent, stands as a prime example. From his impactful debut in ‘Udta Punjab’ to memorable roles in ‘Phillauri’ and ‘Good Newz,’ Diljit has seamlessly transitioned from Punjabi cinema to carving a niche in Bollywood.
Jimmy Sheirgill, another prominent figure, has not only excelled in Punjabi cinema but also left an indelible mark in Bollywood with notable performances in films like ‘Mohabbatein,’ ‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.,’ and ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ series. His journey reflects the cross-pollination of talent between Punjabi and Hindi cinema.
Moreover, Punjabi music has long been an integral part of Bollywood soundtracks, contributing to the industry's vibrant musical landscape. Artists like Yo Yo Honey Singh, Guru Randhawa, and Badshah have dominated the charts with their catchy tunes, underscoring the cultural influence of Punjabi music on a national scale. However, despite these successes, there remains a prevailing stereotype that a Punjabi artist's ultimate validation comes from achieving recognition in Bollywood. This perception often overshadows the thriving Punjabi film industry, where artists like Gippy Grewal, Dev Kharoud, Neeru Bajwa, and Amrinder Gill have flourished without necessarily aiming for Bollywood stardom. ETimes delves into the discourse of thriving Punjabi film industry without necessarily aspiring for Bollywood fame.
"Superstars see no boundaries"This debate raises intriguing questions about cultural identity, artistic validation, and the evolving dynamics of regional versus mainstream cinema in India. As Punjabi artists continue to make waves both in Hindi and their regional industries, the discussion around Bollywood as the benchmark of success for Punjabi stars invites deeper exploration into the complexities of India's diverse entertainment landscape.Sharing his piece on the debate, Punjabi star Ammy Virk, who will soon be seen in the Bollywood film ‘Bad Newz’ shared, “I still haven't stepped properly in Bollywood. Gippy paji (Gippy Grewal) ne konsi ki hai Bollywood ki filme, Amrinder Gill ne konsi ki hai (how many Bollywood films did Gippy Grewal or Amrinder Gill do? ) Tarsem Jassar, Gurnam Bhullar, Jayy Randhawa, Dev Kharoud, how many Hindi films did they do? Yet, they all are superstars. And they are working so well that their movie openings are crossing crores. They are doing three to four films every year, obviously, they are superstars, which is why they are doing it. So yes, it is just a stereotype."
Breaking the 'regional' barrierSonam Bajwa has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in B-Town and her experience has been extremely inclusive. Sonam Bajwa, who has been a part of many Bollywood tours that included artists like Akshay Kumar, Nora Fatehi and Mouni Roy among others, said, "In Mumbai, nobody ever made me feel this way that I didn't belong there. I have done many tours and no artist or staff member ever made me feel that I am a regional artist. And wherever I have performed, be it in India or outside, the enthusiasm and love of the audience has never made me feel differently either. I never felt that actors traveling with me have done Bollywood movies, and I have only done regional ones. So, I don't feel any less that I have not done a Bollywood film."
READ ALSO: Sonam Bajwa calls Ammy Virk a secure actor; says, “he is content with his work” - Exclusive
She acknowledged the allure of a larger platform and wider audiences that come with working in Hindi cinema and added, "Yes, we all want a bigger platform and wider audiences, and that happens when you work in a Hindi language film. Having said that, my house runs because of Punjabi cinema, I have been recognized because of the same, it has brought me all the love, and as before said, people's love never made me feel that I am any less in any way."
Filmmaker Pawan Gill, known for directing hits like ‘Honsla Rakh,’ ‘Kudi Haryane Val Di,’ ‘Super Singh,’ and ‘Puadaa,’ shared insightful perspectives on the topic. His experience as an assistant director with Yash Raj Films in his early career underscores his understanding of both regional and national dynamics within the Indian film industry. Agreeing with Sonam’s words, he asserted, "Hindi film industry is a national industry with a wide reach all across the country, so all actors from all across the country seek a wide appeal, but in today's time's regional cinema in its own languages is getting this wide appeal in dubb of Hindi of their film so specifically making a Hindi film is no longer the benchmark."
Reflecting on the industry's diversity, he added, "Yes everyone loves the diversity of work, and Hindi cinema being national, it's great for any talent to work in that industry."
How important is Bollywood's stamp of validation?
‘Jatt & Juliet 3’ director Jagdeep Sidhu added a different perspective to the chatter, stressing that Bollywood does define success for Punjabi artists, "It's not that those who go to Bollywood are the only successful ones. But Bollywood is our national industry, and everyone wants their films to reach a larger audience. This applies to every field; just like a sportsperson starts at the state level and aims for the national stage, we make films in our regional languages. If we excel there, naturally, people from Bollywood take notice."
READ ALSO: ‘Jatt & Juliet 3’ director Jagdeep Sidhu: I am my own critic - Exclusive
Sidhu emphasized that crossing over to Bollywood doesn't automatically validate one's success in Punjab's film industry, likening it to a cricketer performing well for Team India while still needing to excel in Punjab's Ranji matches independently. His words underscore the individual merit required to thrive in both Bollywood and Pollywood, highlighting the diverse challenges and aspirations within India's film industry landscape.
The final word: Success triumphs allMonica Gill, known for her roles in Hindi films like ‘Firangi’ and ‘Paltan’ alongside her prominent presence in Punjabi cinema, shared that the ultimate benchmark for success should not be any industry, but one's own satisfaction. She stated, "I have done two mainstream Hindi films and a number of Punjabi films. I believe success is defined by the satisfaction and joy you get from your work. If you’re not satisfied by doing Punjabi films, you won’t be satisfied by doing Hindi films either. Long story short, it doesn’t matter." Monica emphasized that personal fulfillment and artistic satisfaction transcend the industry labels, underscoring a broader view of achievement in the entertainment world.