Deep Dhillon on Punjabi films, NRIs, Patti and more

Punjab is everywhere in Hindi films today. When I see stars like Rani Mukherjee and Salman Khan shooting in apna Punjab, it's a great feeling," smiles actor Deep Dhillon spelling his love for the land in chaste Punjabi. But the true fragrance of Punjab lies in its air, "that's why I'm here, my motherland." Being Senior Advisor of Centre for Media and Entertainment Studies (CMES) is another reason. "We will be discussing issues like how media entertainment is shaping today and how it can generate sufficient employment and also how NRIs can contribute."

The actor speaks "boisterously" about his work, his ideas and Punjabi cinema that he think has been lagging behind as compared to other regional cinema. "Look at the Tamil film industry, they have such wonderful infrastructure and facilities. Elsewhere regional cinema has been lacking glamour and money. We need loyal and educated people. South studios smell of dedication while Bollywood is horrible," remarks the actor sporting a Khatron Ke Khiladi cap. "Bollywood is very nasty, NRIs want to invest in people they trust. Our devotion should attract investments." Is that the reason why the cinema is so Canada and Amreeka centric? "We do need fresh ideas, but it's important to bring people to the theatre first. Then give them something unique. Experimentation has begun in Punjabi cinema." Personally he wants to make a film on Patti, where Dhillon is from. "I want to give it a Lagaan like feeling by portraying the way my grandfather used to look, the mannerism, the big havelis and everything. I want to bring the pagri back." Isn't Bollywood doing enough of it? Shrugging he says," A sardar cannot be made to walk, sardar has a walk. Turban is a precious thing, you may look like a king but not necessarily a Singh!" On the SGPC's move on defining 'Sikh', "I'm not much aware about that so let me read on it first before commenting."

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