Punjabi film director Virk dies of heart attack at 50

Jasmine Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 11

Punjabi film director, producer and song writer Gurcharan Virk passed away at PGI today after a heart attack. He was 50 years old.

The Punjabi film fraternity expressed shock over the untimely demise of the director, who was all set to release two much-awaited Punjabi films “Toofan Singh,” starring Ranjit Bawa, and “Fight Back” starring Harish Verma and Kartar Cheema, in December.

Born in Aarya Wala Kalan village in Faridkot district, Virk had done his graduation from Panjab University, Chandigarh. He rose to fame after he recorded his first song in 1983 as a producer and a lyricist.

Virk, who directed 250 Punjabi music videos, was credited with introducing many singers, like Dilshad Akhtar, Pragat Bhagu, Neelam Sharma, Mohamad Boota Khan and Sukhwinder. All of them have carved a niche for themselves in the music industry.

Recalling Virk’s contribution to the industry, actor Kartar Cheema called him the most focussed and dedicated director in the industry. “His passion for filmmaking cannot be described in words. The best thing about Virk was that he knew how to bring the best out of his actors. He would be the first one to arrive on the sets, and the last to leave. The Punjabi film industry has lost a lyricist and an excellent director,” he said.

Associated with nearly 15 Punjabi films, three television serials and 13 telefilms, Virk started his direction career with late director Surinder Singh in the National Award winning film “Madi Da Diva.” Virk not only acted in it, but also directed it.

Remembering Virk, noted Punjabi actor Narinder Nina, who had known him for the past 15 years, said, “It is a huge loss for the industry as well as for his family and friends. The industry has lost a director who wanted to present the true culture of Punjab through his films.”