Punjabi swag, down south

Mona

Fond of modelling during his college days Simarjeet Singh Nagra often had advice pouring in for him to get to Bollywood, which banked on ‘fake’ sardars. In fact, one of his college teachers, seeing his keen interest in ramp walk, nicknamed him ‘Bollywood’ Singh. With a strong yet pleasing personality like his, everyone opined that getting work would be an easy job!

It was only a few years in highly competitive Mumbai that this Mohali-based actor realised that Hindi film industry thrived on stereotypes and rather than a handsome, turbaned Sardar, who could very well overshadow a hero!

Strong will

Not the one to give up that easy, this well-qualified Sardar — a civil engineer, an MBA with work experience in his field — decided to stay and strive. And, who knew an ad-hoarding would land him in a Malayalam film that would see him as a parallel lead.

“It did get funny,” he admits. During the film schedule, whenever asked what he was doing, he would answer —0 a Malayalam project. With a turban on, the inevitable conclusion was — truckwale ya dhabewale ka role hoga! However, Simarjeet plays a World War II soldier as the films moves from early 40s to the present day scenario. He is a parallel lead along with Malayalam star Dileep and Tamil star Siddharth (Rang de Basanti-fame actor who also debuts in Mollywood with this film) in the film Kammara Sambhavam.

Language barrier

Shooting schedule of some 100 days for the film spread across Kerala and Tamil Nadu was a challenging experience. “Thankfully, my character, Satnam Singh, is shown to be a Hindi/Punjabi speaking guy, who understands Malayalam.” But that was not end of the story. Finding food that he relished or directions was still not easy. “While most of the main cast could converse in English or Hindi, I had to converse though gestures with the drivers or the crew.”

Pollywood calling

This Amabla-born actor has some more offers, including a Tamil film; so, no Pollywood projects yet? “Nothing final as yet. Interestingly, Punjabi film industry banks on singers to double up as actors. Look at Subedar Joginder Singh — this single film has seven singers on board.” Not that Simarjeet has given up on working in his mother tongue. There are hopes of making it soon enough in Pollywood and Bollywood. Keep going!

Due respect

I was pleasantly surprised that Sardars enjoy great prestige down South. Not only are they clued in to the bravery and sacrifices of our Gurus, but also hold turbaned men in great esteem as they make fine soldiers.

Deserved glory

Struggle in Mumbai to find work is real. Leaving a steady job with a handsome pay packet to pursue my passion has been one big plunge. I am hopeful that I am one click away from my dream destination, which is to reverse the Sardar stereotype played in films endlessly and to restore this martial kaum to its deserved glory.

mona@tribunemail.com