At the poster launch of Punjabi film Madhaniyan, as a bevy of stars came together, each had a story to narrate

Mona

Actor, director, writer and former pilot Nav Bajwa sure has a knack for stories. The man who gave Punjabi cinema one of the very first science fiction films, Raduaa, gathered a score of cast members for the poster launch of his upcoming film Madhaniyan, in Mohali, on Monday. The film has a fresh lead pair, Neeru Bajwa and Dev Kharoud. They are joined by Gurpreet Ghuggi, Poonam Dhillon, BN Sharma, Sara Gurpal, Mannat Noor, Didar Gill, Rupinder Rupi, Paramveer Singh, Prabhsharan Singh and Gurjeet Bajwa, among others.

The leading lady of the industry, Neeru Bajwa, looked every inch glamorous, dressed in black. “Such a stellar star cast, hats off to Nav for making this happen. While I was happy to hear about the story that celebrates bonds, I am happier to pair with Dev,” she said. Turning it into a mutual admiration club, Dev spoke, “In these years in the industry, I have seen hero after hero work with Neeru ji. I have been patiently waiting for my turn.”

Veteran actor Gurpreet Ghuggi plays the jija of the groom. “We have all grown up listening to Madhaniyan — Hai O Mere Dadeya Rabba, Kihna Jammiyaan, Kihna Ne Le Jaaneyan, Hayee...It’s in the happiness of the girl that the hearts of the two families beat,” he said. He is happy that this film explores Punjabi roots, “Our industry has come a long way. Punjabi film industry today is giving Rs 100-crore movies. Now is the time we hit further milestones, so we need the audiences to support us in this bid.” Nav, who met Dev while gymming in Patiala, added, “Call it a manifestation, I play younger brother to Neeru ji in this film.”

Playing nani to this onscreen brother-sister duo is the iconic Poonam Dhillon. Essaying a chilled out granny from Canada, she said, “Chandigarh is my hometown and I am always happy being back here. It’s due to Nav Bajwa’s dedication that such a stellar cast has come together. His energy and love for cinema is infectious.”

While Neeru essays a successful girl from Chandigarh, the groom-to-be is from Bhatinda. “Increasingly, we are losing all relations — taya, tayi, chacha, chachi, masi, masad — as single-child is fast becoming the norm. But in our film we bring all these relations together and weave a beautiful family saga.” offered Nav.

His ambitious sequel to Raduaa — Raduaa Returns is due for a year-end release. “It took me three-and-a-half years to make it. The VFX and CGI is so high and took long hours. It’s going to be a visual treat for our viewers,” he shared. Laung Laachi-fame Mannat Noor will act in Madhaniyan too and she will also be seen in Raduaa Returns. “She plays the first AI voice in our sequel,” Nav shared.

Madhaniyan aims at a 2025 release.

Meet the senior Bajwa

Amongst the scores of stars, it was Gurjeet Bajwa who stole the limelight! The retired Air Force personnel, got a new lease of life in films. Immensely proud of his son, Nav, the senior Bajwa shared how he insisted on his son being first a pilot before exploring his passion for acting. “Nav would close doors and practice dialogues, but I was insistent on him flying a fighter plane.” The duo agreed on civil aviation before Nav explored films. “I was very happy to see Nav on the big screen in 2012 in Pure Punjabi. Acting is very tough job, jahaj udana saukha hai ji,” he said. With a theatre background, during Covid he had a chance to act in Nav’s film Teri Meri Nahi Nibhni. “Nav took three auditions before assigning me the role. I did well as the judge and enjoyed it to hilt.” Gurjeet returns as an actor in Raduaa Returns, while he has also been a part of ZEE5 web series Weekends. “All us senior citizens should love and enjoy life after retirement.”