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Dr. DEEPAK SINGLA
The Harbinger of change 15 21
Remembering the one & only SARDOOL SIKANDAR
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THEN & NOW 8
Celebrating the women in our lives
KITHE
lupt gaye ho
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Dr. DEEPAK SINGLA The Harbinger of change
21 SARDOOL SIKANDER GONE TOO SOON
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Bollywood in the times of Corona 19
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M A R C H 2 0 2 1 | B A L L E b o l ly
HARDEEP S. CHANDPURI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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From the
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T
his issue of BalleBolly magazine celebrates the women that have lit up our lives with their sheer presence and commitment. Since this month we celebrated Women’s Day, we thought of covering fifteen women from various walks of life and asked them about their favourite Punjabi film. Their response was very interesting indeed and we are very happy to feature it in this issue. They say that every dark cloud has a silver lining, well that comes true because after an unending wait (due to the pandemic) for a new release, the Punjabi film industry has bounced back with a vengeance and we are all ready to enjoy a roller coaster of fun, emotions and laughter in the much-awaited release Puaada starring Ammy Virk & Sonam Bajwa. Over the past many years, Dr. Deepak Singla has carved a niche for himself in the philanthropic world by the
amazing work done in making a difference in the lives of the underprivileged. His work has a racted the a ention of many, both in India and abroad and it is an honour for us to feature him in our magazine. His penchant to serve is growing stronger by the day and we hope many of us feel inspired by him and try to replicate his work in whichever small way we can. The singing sensation of the 80s and the 90s, Sardool Sikandar passed away, much to the shock of all and a tear escapes our eye, as we thumb across his LP records and old casse e covers. We are humbled by the response that we are ge ing for our effort Kithhe Lupt Ho Gaye, which we feature in every issue. Some of our readers have shared with us a n u m b e r o f w o r d s t h a t h a ve vanished from the Punjabi language and we promise, that we will be featuring them in our forthcoming issues. We thank you for sharing them with us.
Celebrating the women
in our lives....
Remembe ng their favou te
P jabi film
PUJA RASNE Mrs India Worldwide 2019 & Author
MANDEEP CAUR Poet & Telecom Professional
SUPARNA-SARASWATI PURI Independent Writer
The earliest memory I have is of a 1971 Punjabi movie called Kankan De Olhe. It’s embedded in my memory, as I had seen it as a child. Starring Ravinder Kapoor, Indira, Jeevan, Uma Du , Mumtaz Begum, Anwar Hussain, Dharmendra, Asha Parekh etc., it highlighted the power of grit, will, determination and honesty, which are the best qualities a human being can possess. It is the story of a man who turns into a bandit to save the marriage of a friend’s daughter. The villagers, as a reaction, throw the son Madan and his wife out of the village. Madan, without knowing who his father was, grows up to be a darling of the small village and helps villagers come out of the clutches of a money lender Ramu. The story unfolds into an emotional drama in the end and leaves you teary-eyed. It has a bit of action too, but emotionally it connects well. A must watch.
While most childhood memories fade into sepia tones over the years, the one where the entire family came together and watched our first Punjabi movie Nanak Naam Jahaaz Hai is still fresh and vivid. The grandparents were given the most premium seats on the middle couch, parents on the side chairs and all of us siblings spread on the carpet. I still remember how we folded our hands and bowed our heads following the elders, whenever a scene of a Gurudwara or a hymn from the Guru Granth Sahib unfolded on the screen. And the family u ering Waheguru Waheguru on many occasions felt like a virtual pilgrimage. In the end, my grandmother made kadaah prashad and distributed to all the family members and domestic helpers alike. I still cherish the overwhelming feeling of simple living whenever I reminisce about those times.
Chann Pardesi was my first Punjabi film and till date remains an all-time favourite. The fact that it aced each and every parameter of artistic expression and re-defined sensibilities and aesthetics of Punjabi cinema, renders it a classic. It had a good story, great direction, sterling performances by the lead cast as well as side-characters, especially veteran Om Puri's excellent performance as an opium addict was simply marvellous! The film's roaring success at the box office led to dismantling the stereotype and caricature image of Punjabi cinema thereby, giving it the dignified response it so deserves. Indeed , the film was avant-garde and one can revisit it anytime for an enjoyable viewing.
PRABHJOT MAHANT Managing Director Prinday
POOJA GUJRAL Film Producer
GURINDER KAUR French Language Teacher
I have always been very fond of the Punjabi film industry. Even during my childhood days, I remember watching movies like Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai and Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da which touched my heart. During my earlier days as a Banker, I wasn't able to spare much time to watch films, but when I recall one of my favourite memories of a Punjabi film, the only name that comes to me is Jinhe Mera Dil Luteya starring Gippy paaji, Diljit paaji and Neeru ma'am. I remember thoroughly enjoying the hilarious love triangle and the amazing chemistry shared by Gippy Grewal and Diljit Dosanjh on screen. The movie was absolutely entertaining. All three of them were quite charming onscreen. After watching Punjabi films, I got more inclined towards this industry. As a PR, event and agent management agency known by the name of Prinday, I stepped into the Punjabi industry and am thoroughly enjoying every bit of it. Each day brings in a new challenge and I get to learn more from it. I am content with the decision I took and by Waheguruji's Kirpa, I wish to contribute more to this industry. When asked about my first memory of Punjabi films, the only name that leaps to my mind is that of the legend Mehar Mi al Saab. Making someone laugh and having such perfect comic timing isn't everyone's cup of tea, but Mehar Mi al ji did it with such ease. I do not distinctly remember much about the films I watched during my early childhood years but the only face and the performance that I evidently recollect is of Mehar ji. I recall my parents often talking about his phenomenal work in films like Chann Pardesi, Ishq Nimana, Pu Ja an De etc. I also loved films like Carry on Ja a, Jihne Mera Dil Luteya & Angrej. These films can be undoubtedly termed as the comeback of Punjabi cinema. The Punjabi film industry is not what it used to be, it has reached a whole new level with back-to-back hit movies by so many artistes across all genres be it comedy, action or even romance. One of the movies that I remember watching in my childhood is Man Jeete Jag Jeet. A film that was screened several times for us students in school, as it was considered to be inspirational for children. The story revolves around a young school teacher, Gurmeet who is a religious, virtuous, and courageous woman. The village she lives in, is under constant fear of a band of bandits, whose leader is a heartless and merciless man. One fine day, Gurmeet influences the villagers to unite and confront the bandits. As a result, she is kidnapped by them. Instead of seeking to escape, Gurmeet decides to stay with the bandits and arouse their conscience. Gradually with her compassion and benignity she's able to transform their mind set. At the end of the movie, the bandits are transformed and surrender themselves before the law, while the leader of the bandits finds solace in the name of Waheguru ji. The film teaches us that one can melt hearts with kindness and righteousness.
DEEPIKA DHIR
RITU NAG Corporate Professional
Dr. RAJNI LAMBA Anthropologist & CEO The REEDS
While reconnecting with the earlier memories of Punjabi films, the first thing comes to mind consisted of vast swathes of land being cultivated by the father & his only daughter bringing meals for him from home. Returning home alone, she would be stalked by the tall hefty rowdy with big mustaches, forcing the heroine to befriend him first & then trying to make her agree to marry him. If the heroine showed resistance the girl was troubled even more by his henchmen. The handsome hero would appear as a passerby and come forward to protect the honour of the girl. Expectedly, the heroine would fall for her saviour & then they would meet, away from prying eyes. The villagers would look at any opportunity to inform the girl’s family of her clandestine meetings resulting in the girl being locked inside while the soorma ja hero would devise a way to elope with her. The scripts of early Punjabi films basically followed the same pa ern and many came with revenge as the main theme. Such fond memories bring so much joy even now. I guess my favourite movie would be Jee Aayan Nu starring Harbhajan Mann and Priya Gill. It was directed by Manmohan Singh, the famous cinematographer who shot all the picturesque Yash Chopra films. The best part of the movie was that it revived the Punjabi film scene and is considered a landmark film in Punjabi cinema. Before this, Punjabi films had similar ‘you-kill-me’ or ‘I-will-kill-you’ themes with jarring music and comedy laced with innuendo. The fresh touch to the ‘age old’ romantic story took it to the next level and people flocked theatres to see it. For me, it was heartening to see families going together to watch the film. In many ways this was a path-breaking film and laid the foundation for the bourgeoning Punjabi film industry that we see today. Being a kid of an army officer, we can never forget the ‘film days’ of the week when the screen was tied across the horizontal canvas of a threetonner and makeshift benches, chairs, sofas were placed just about in any open space in the ba alion. I remember when we were in Meghalaya, two Punjabi officers, my Dad and Uncle Anand connived to get a Punjabi movie for the weekly viewing. Our moms were happy as they were fed up with our adopting Khasi and Bongla slang for every day usage. I recall my mom saying, Thank God the children will get some exposure to spoken Punjabi. We were all agog as we trooped into the open air theatre at night. The mess-in-charge knew our favourite snacks and we se led down eagerly to see this Punjabi film, the first in my life. It was Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai. For days after the viewing, we would run into each other saying Mai annhi ho gayee repeatedly and had our mothers holding their heads in exasperation. So much for our Punjabi language education, the entire movie flew over our heads. Years later, when I saw the movie again, its full import hit me and I realized why we had records of the film playing its songs so often in our home. I will always retain those fond memories.
NAVNEET KAUR School Principal
RACHNA SHARMA Banker
KOMAL CHADHA Homemaker
Punjabi movies always take you on a voyage which has its rich cultural heritage hidden in it. I remember in my memory, this beautiful musical movie which showcased the awesome combination of both urban and rural lifestyles...Mamla Garbar Hai, starring the great Gurdas Mann. I was studying in Class V and the whole family went to see this movie when we were living at the Pathankot Air Force station. The movie left a great impact on me. The very next Sunday, the whole family made the program of visiting Chandigarh and visited all the locations which we had seen in the movie...Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Rock Garden and a special visit to Panjab University hostels. All the songs in this movie still appear fresh till date, but my favourite one is the Ghori sung by Sarabjeet Kaur which is extremely touching. The leading lady Daljeet Kaur, was the epitome of modernity for those times as she sported shirts and bell-bo oms, which was also kind of a first in Punjabi films.
I was really fascinated after watching the romantic movie Sufna. The actress in the movie played by Tania came from a poor family, still she enjoys life to the fullest and also nurtures a dream. The main protagonist Ammy Virk on the other hand has left no stone unturned, in order to make true the dreams of true love that binds them together. Furthermore, the music by B Praak was captivating to the audience as a whole. It was a perfect Valentines’s Day gift to the audience and they simply loved it. The acting of both the hero and heroine is worth a special mention and the tight storyline kept us captivated in our seats. A complete family entertainer ,which if given a chance will watch it again.
The movie that I enjoyed to the hilt was Ja & Juliet. Right from the creative name, to the storyline to the acting, it was a roller coaster ride of fun and frolic. Diljit was both charming and amazing, while Neeru Bajwa also played her part well. How can you forget Shampy Singh and his dad on the Luna? It was hilarious to an another level. The locales where it was shot in Canada were mesmerising, while the songs also blended well with the storyline. Actually, more such entertaining films should be made because they add to the charm and give a chance for the common folk to forget their daily issues and help bring a smile on their faces. Hope the film makers are listening and they collectively serve us with more visual delicacies like the Ja & Juliet series.
LILY SWARN Poet & Author
AMRIT KAUR Homemaker
RITIKA BHATIA SINGH CEO & Founder Kontent Factory
The film was Nanak Naam Jahaaz Hai and going to watch it was viewed as a huge treat and kind of a pilgrimage rolled into one big gala event for our family of four. Tickets were booked in advance and bonhomie was the buzz word. It left an indelible impression on my mind. The shabads still reverberate in my mind - Mitr Pyaare Nu, Deh Shiva Var Mohe in Mohd Rafi and Mahinder Kapoor’s voices are memorable as was S Mohindra’s music. Prithvi Raj Kapoor was brilliant in his role. I S Johar and his Shooke Da Paasa Puthha Pai Gaya became a favourite and oft-repeated dialogue. The film was discussed in gatherings of family and friends with a look of reverence for many years after. A film full on entertainment but also with a lesson for all of us. Wish we had more like it.
I saw the movie Daana Paani starring Jimmy Sheirgill & Simi Chahal, Tarsem Jassar, Kanika Mann & Ghuggi. A period drama set in the 1960s, Daana Paani tells the story of Hav. Mehtaab Singh and Basant Kaur who is a writer. She loves writing and pens poignant poems after having tragically lost her father at a very young age & is also estranged from her mother. An errand to a Punjab village to meet the family of his martyred comrade takes an unexpected turn for Mehtaab, when he meets and falls for Basant. A very refreshing and romantic family movie with a thoughtful script, direction & soulful songs by Amarinder Gill. The direction of the movie is engaging and one actually gets involved in the story line & the chirpy songs were very catchy too. Bahut wadhiya movie ji, mazaa aa gaya vekh ke.
Since my father was in the Indian Army, we hardly grew up watching anything remotely regional, barring where we were stationed. My earliest memory of a Punjabi movie had Mehar Mi al sahib and he was a riot ! I was asked to watch Punjabi movies as I was learning the language in Class XI. His expressions and comic timing were perfect ! And since he mostly played the village clown, especially when drunk, I would usually laugh out loud !! It was tough to understand the dialect most of the times and I had to constantly nudge my Naani ma to understand it, but what I liked most about Punjabi movies is the riot of colours, a generous dose of humour and a drunk dramatic scene. Having said that, it’s always nice to see Punjabis in their element - boisterous and generous!
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n today’s world, where everyone is running the race to achieve and all are materialistic and selfobsessed, few people possess benevolence and even fewer devote their lives to charity and welfare of the deprived. One such amazing soul is Dr. Deepak Singla, Chairman of ‘The Anti-Corruption Crime Prevention Community Oriented Policing Society’. The values and principles inculcated in him is what motivates him to do such work. The NGO took birth in the year 2010, in Bathinda and ever since it is engaged in various kinds of philanthropic work. Dr. Deepak Singla formed a team of honest and dedicated members and initiated a lot of social work. It started off by organising medical camps in Ropar Mansa, Sangrur, jails to monitor and mitigate the health problems of inmates. ‘The AntiCorruption Crime Prevention Community Oriented Policing Society’ works towards the promotion of sustainable development and also works towards creating effective solutions towards combating crime and promoting human rights. Besides this, a number of medical camps are organised on daily basis to provide
free health check-ups for everyone. The NGO also reports crime and helps in crime prevention. Recently, a new tubewell at Mansa Jail was installed to fulfil the needs of the prisoners and the staff. The NGO esnured that the inmates got a clean and fresh drinking water supply. Their mo o is ‘The earnest endeavour to mitigate the problems of society’. “One thing we pledge to do is maintain transparency and keep every thing documented. We believe we should tread the correct path and move in the right direction. This might result in slow growth, but ethics and principles are supreme for us. We have our well-wishers, we get members and we keep the eyes of our NGO focussed on the big picture. We are not after success or fame and simply running to help”, remarked a very humble Dr. Deepak Singla. We would like to add, that Dr. Singla is an individual with a very pragmatic viewpoint towards the solutions of economic problems, solutions that do not just concentrate on stacking the ever-growing pile of ex-gratia in the hands of the rich, but solutions that ponder more upon the society as a whole. of
Dr. DEEPAK SINGLA
He believes in modest application of social work. His NGO also provides support and aid to rural communities by organising camps to educate people about their basic rights. He feels it encourages the potential that lies untapped in the people, living both in rural and urban India. His is also an endeavour to promote and protect poor families and thus charter the initiatives undertaken by them at a modest scale, which is also an effective measure. Interestingly, the NGO is spreading its wings and is now quite active in the region from the past one year. We all are aware that the youth of Punjab is falling prey to substance abuse, and are also becoming conduits for drugpushers. The scene is even more alarming because corrective measures by school and university authorities are proving to be inadequate in proportion to the menace. Keeping the condition of the state in mind, ‘The Anti-Corruption Crime Prevention Community Oriented Policing Society’ has been organising de-addiction awareness camps in schools, colleges, prisons and villages. Dr. Deepak Singla believes that unless children realise the benefits of staying off drugs, demand will not diminish and cases of substance abuse will
also not reduce. We have to create an ecosystem that discourages children and adults from falling prey to drugs. Dr. Singla and his NGO, give a lot of importance to building relationships, as they lay a strong foundation towards nation building. Western culture has overpowered our traditions and our family value system is crumbling. Keeping this in mind, ‘The Anti-Corruption Crime Prevention Community Oriented Policing Society’ is providing continuous counselling to estranged couples and solving their differences through effective counselling and mediation. The team members do incredible hard work, and each one of them is dedicated and self-driven. The impact that they’re creating, even though on a grand scale might seem insignificant, but is completely life-changing for the individuals it affects, which makes it even more rewarding. - AARYAN ABROL
I believe in making meaningful cinema
PUAADA A rollercoaster ride of fun & frolic..... ATUL BHALLA
A
fter the phenomenal success of blockbusters like Carry on Ja a 2, Vadhayiaan Ji Vadhayiaan and Shadaa, A&A Pictures, is all set to entertain you all with their latest one Puaada. So brace yourselves for a joyride of fun in Puaada on 02 April, 2021 starring Ammy Virk and Sonam Bajwa. The release date announcement came like music for the film goers ears, who have been bereft of any good release for more than a year now. A&A Pictures is owned and run by Atul Bhalla, whose endeavour is to make meaningful and good cinema. He very categorically and specifically believes that the Punjabi film industry is making films in a different zone altogether, a lot of comedy movies with effective punches and jokes, which tickle your funnybone and also carry a subtle message are being made which is a good sign for the rise of the Punjabi cinema globally.Lets know more about Puaada,
which is basically a Punjabi word meaning chaos or a mess etc. Incidently, Puaada will be the first Punjabi film to release in cinemas in over a year now. The film is directed by debutante Rupinder Chahal while the story & screenplay have been penned by Balwinder Singh Janjua, Rupinder Chahal along with Anil Rodhan and additional screenplay & dialogues have been wri en by Rakesh Dhawan. The film is presented by A & A Pictures and Zee Studios and the production is by Brat films. The producers of Puaada are Atul Bhalla, Pawan Gill, Anurag Singh, Aman Gill and Balwinder Singh Janjua. It is pertinent to mention that Zee Studios have acquired the entire worldwide rights of the film and are chalking out mega release plans for the same. With this film, the Producer, Atul Bhalla is hoping Punjabi cinema will bounce back to the peak as it were before. He feels that the results will be very good for Punjabi cinema as they have been in the past and is very sure that after Puaada other Punjabi films will start lining up for theatrical release and the audience will get to enjoy performances by their favourite stars on the silver screen once again. So let’s gear ourselves up and be ready to watch this laughter ride along with our families in the theatres near us on 2nd of April, 2021.
KITHE
ਉਚ ੱ ੀ ਰਮਜ ਫਕੀਰਾਂ ਦੀ
lupt gaye
ਇਹ ਬੋਲੀ ਗੁ ਰਆ ੂ ਂ ਪੀਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਇਹ ਪੰਜ ਦਿਰਆ ਦੀ ਰਾਣੀ ਹੈ
ho
ਇਹ ਮੂੰਹ ਬੋਲਦੀ ਸਾਡੇ ਅਮੀਰ ਿਵਰਸੇ ਦੀ ਕਹਾਣੀ ਹੈ
REMEMBERING THE WORDS THAT ARE SLOWLY VANISHING FROM OUR ‘Ma-Boli’
ਪੀਚ - ਖੇਤ ਿਵਚ ਪਾਣੀ ਿਫਰਨਾ Peech - Highly irrigated field ਮਾਣੀ - ਦੱਸ ਮਣ ਤੋਕੜ - ਮੱਝ / ਗਾਂ ਿਜਸਨੰੂ ਦੱਧ ੁ ਿਦੰਿਦਆਂ ਕਈ
Maanhi - Ten Manh (Unit of measuring
ਮਹੀਨੇ ਹੋ ਗਏ ਹੋਣ
weight)
Tokarh - Buffalo or Cow that has been
ਕਚਰੇ - ਕੱਚੇ ਖ਼ਰਬੂਜ਼ੇ
giving milk for the past many months
Kachre - Unripe Muskmelons
ਲੋ ਕਾ - ਬਾਲਣ
ਸ਼ੀਰ - ਦੱਧ ੁ
Lokaa- Dry wood branches used as fuel
Sheer - Milk
for cooking
ਿਕੜ- ਰੰਿਜਸ਼
ਵੱਢੀ - ਿਰਸ਼ਵਤ Wadhi - Bribe ਧੜੀ - ਪੰਜ ਿਕਲੋ Dharhi - Five kilograms
Kirh - Envy ਅਬੀਰ - ਗੁ ਲਾਲ Abir - Red coloured powder ਡਾਬਰ - ਕਰੜੀ ਜ਼ਮੀਨ Daabar - Land that is very hard on the surface ਆੜ - ਛੋਟਾ ਖਾਲ Aaahr - Small sub-tributary used for guiding water into the fields
Bollywood in the times of Corona T
he only thing that shook the box office and made Bollywood suffer in 2020 was the path-breaking release CORONA. Our weekend plans of si ing back on those recliners, munching caramel popcorn were suddenly swapped with cleaning, sweeping and dusting our homes. Before Corona took over Bollywood, we did get to watch a few movies which were lucky enough to get released on the Bade parde, the famous big screen. The first weekend of 2020 started with a blast for Bollywood. The money came rushing in for both the movies that released on 10th of January Tanhaji, the historical action film, followed by Chappak. Shraddha Kapoor and Varun Dhawan's dance moves in Street Dancer 3D got the money coming in and Malang turned out to be the last movie which got out of the sinking boat at the nth second. (The last big movie that released in 2020). Come April, along with the audience, Bollywood was in for a shock too. We were cut-off from our daily dose of brand new drama, action and romance. But just as an ordinary boy, saves the coy rich girl at the end of the movie and emerges as our hero, we had the OTT platforms which saved the day and emerged as ‘superheroes’. Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, Hotstar, Voot to name a few, opened an array of doors for us and suddenly we had too many options to choose from, in almost every language possible. The subscriptions of various applications shot up, and though it was a new investment, a lot many of us happily gave in. Movies like Gulabo Sitabo, a quirky satire between a tenant and his owner, played by Big B and Ayushman Khurrana was the first movie that had its big release on the OTT platform. The next that made its way to Amazon Prime was Shakuntala Devi, which gave us a peek into the life of the famous mathematician. Lootcase tickled our funny bones and so did the remake of our famous Main toh raste se jaa raha tha…..Coolie No. 1,
they all went the Amazon or Netflix way. The share of horror was no less, Bulbul, a supernatural horror film did pique our interest and topped the top 10 movies on Netflix, and Akshay Kumar starrer Laxmii, a horror comedy, after ba ling a few controversies, did well with the audience. A few movies which would have otherwise gone unnoticed, did exceptionally well, thanks to the OTT platforms. Raat Akeli Thi, Class of 83, Ludo and Challang were a few that reached all Whatsapp groups and couldn't be missed at all. Another unique endeavour that saw the light of the day was Mycinemahall, an App that gives a chance to fresh-of-the-block film makers especially from the regional world to showcase their work. This unique effort also provides the subscriber much more freedom and lesser dependency on OTT platforms. A welcome sign indeed. Bollywood did lose out on the big bucks, but it continued entertaining each one of us. Many of the actors signed deals for their movies to be released on the OTT platforms which worked out for everyone, the stars, OTT and of course, the audience. The Directors and Writers also ventured into new genres and we saw an uprising of new talent on the OTT platform. Unpaused, an anthology film consisting of various stories about the lives of people during Corona, gathered rare reviews and so did Anil Kapoor starrer AK versus AK. Though 2021, will see the return of stars to the PVRs and IMAXs and we will once again make our Sunday plans for the same overcharged popcorns and coffees, but the OTT platform is here to stay. Amazon and Netflix have established themselves and roped in some big stars of Bollywood, therefore in the PC era (Post Corona) there could be a division in Bollywood, the theatre-goers and the stay-at-home audience. - PREETI TALWAR
SARDOOL SIKANDAR (1961 - 2021) Sardool Sikander was born in Kheri Naudh Singh in district Fatehgarh Sahib and was without a doubt, one of the most talented singers of Punjab. He belonged to the Patiala Gharana of music. He rocked the Punjabi music world with his amazing repertoire of songs and the ability to mimic. His ‘Roadways Di Laari, Na Koi Booha, Na Koi Baari’ is still fondly remembered to this day by young and old alike. Sardool's father, the late Sagar Mastana, was a famous tabla player who invented a special type of tabla that was played with a thin bamboo stick. In his long career, he recorded 27 albums. His work was also included in over 50 derivative albums from all over the world. His album ‘Husna De Malko’ released in 1991, sold more than five million copies worldwide and is still a chartbuster. Sikander leaves behind wife Amar Noorie and sons Sarang and Alaap. We shall all miss his presence each moment
A
fter a long hiatus Diljit’s fans have a reason to celebrate as the talented actor’s film Jodi with Nimrat Khaira as a co-star will be released in June of this year. This film was slated for release last year, but as the Covid pandemic wreaked havoc across the country, its release was understandably postponed. In the meantime, Diljit had been with his assignments in the Hindi film world. Incidently, it also marks the debut of Dosanjh as a Producer.
D
DILJIT’s NEW MOVIE TO SEE LIGHT OF THE DAY IN JUNE
Genre: Romantic-Period/Comedy
Wri en and directed by: Amberdeep Singh
Co-produced by: Amrinder Gill, Karaj Gill & Dosanjhwala Productions
E E R H the T f o S R E E T E MU SK T t u p a r e m chal
BALLEBOLLY Exclusive
NASIR CHINYOTI
IFTIKHAR THAKUR
AKRAM UDAS
NASIR CHINYOTI Know more about his inspiring rise from being a daily labourer to a top actor-comedian.....
H
e came along .....he performed.....he conquered our hearts and also of all Punjabis se led everywhere across the globe. The super-hit Punjabi film Chal Mera Pu catapulted him into the top league by his superlative performance and some great comic timing. It is pertinent to mention that before making his foray into films, he was already a huge name on the Pakistani ‘Punjabi Stage’ as a very popular performer. He was born in the mofussil town of Chinyot (hence the last name Chinyoti).
into the shoes of greats like Amanullah and Babu Baral, who had earlier acted similar characters with aplomb in the hit play Shartiye Mithe. With God’s Grace and Naseem Vicky’s insistence, I performed pre y well and was appreciated”.
SUPPORTING NEW TALENT It is our moral duty to train and mentor upcoming talent because they are the ones, who have to continue the tradition ahead. I make sure, I support them all. If I stand as a doorway, in front of them either they will bow down and cross it, else they will demolish it and move on. One thing is certain, that they have to EARLY DAYS He used to work as a labourer earning move on, no ma er what, so it is up to us just Rs 150 per day for his hard work. to support them. Later on, he also worked as a carpenter to make ends meet. He still remembers WORKING WITH INDIAN TALENT those days and says that one should On the sets of Chal Mera Pu , it was akin never forget the initial days of struggle to a big family get-together. Not even for because they are the foundation for a moment, did they ever make us feel as if we were outsiders. One great thing, I saw future success. on the sets was the dedication of the team towards film-making. Right from the BIGGEST BREAK “The biggest break or my best role to date junior-most technicians to the top stars, that is still remembered by my fans, was each appeared as if they owned the film, in a play directed by Naseem Vicky (He hence they had a huge sense of belonging also appeared a number of times in ‘Comedy and it reflected in their work ethics too. Nights with Kapil Sharma’) where I played We all had moist eyes when we bid the role of a blind man. I was at my wits’ goodbye, with a promise to come end, trying to figure out as to how to fit together for its subsequent sequels.
It is mentioned in a research paper that Punjabi is the only language in the world, the sounds of which are very pleasing to one’s ears....”
IFTIKHAR THAKUR From studying at the New York Film Academy and a long stint in the USA, he returned back to his roots to act in Punjabi dramas in Lahore.
H
is amazing comic timing and the ability to convincingly perform a range of myriad characters has made him a legend of the Stage. Born in Mian Channo in Multan, he did FA from Commerce College, Karachi. After a short stint on the stage and film world, in 1997 he went to the United States of America for polishing his skills in acting and got his three year training certificate from New York Film Academy. He comes from a family which has many members in the Army. He also tried to get recruited, but because of his skinny frame he was rejected. Amusingly he shares, “The Recruiting Officer called me aside and told me that by not selecting him, he was doing a favour to two people. I was perplexed, but we all laughed, when he told me Tainu naa bharti karke, main do bande bachane chahnda haan, Ikk tainu jihnu goli wajegi te doosre ohnu jisnu tere wichon goli nikal ke wajegi.....”
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE I was doing a stage drama called Double Sawaari with the thespian Sohail Ahmed. He told me that I had to do the character of a man whose one arm and leg are hurt badly. I said, “Ok Sir, I can handle the arm, but what about my leg”. He said, ‘Don't worry’. When my cue came to enter the performing area, Sohail Saab was standing next to me. As I was about to enter, he hit my ankle real hard with a thick stick, he was holding in his hand. I grimaced with pain and limped onto the stage. Everyone clapped thinking I was acting, but it was actually the real pain that was reflecting on my face.
EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH tTHE CHAL MERA PUTT TEAM It was akin to two lost brothers meeting after a decades, plus the whole team right from the Director, Producer, writer, fellow actors, Simi Chahal, technical guys etc., were really amazing and I have such fond memories of working with them. WORK ETHICS We should appreciate the work that My main objective is to give the kind of film makers in Chardha Punjab, are doing for entertainment that a son is a able to watch promoting our Maa Boli. They are making with his mother, a daughter-in-law with her father-in-law, a daughter with her father etc. It every effort to save their culture and heritage which is most amazing and inspiring. I look has to be crystal clean entertainment without any vulgarity, innuendoes etc. This has always forward to working with them a lot more. been my aim, wherever I have gone and performed.
Fer kehnde ne Boota gaalan kadhda hai......
EARLY DAYS I belong to a very affluent Rajput family. My father was involved in a fight amongst clans and had to go to jail. Our misfortunes started from that day onwards. We had to sell-off all our land holdings, property etc., and one day came, that I had to become a labourer to make ends meet. From working lowly jobs in the carpet weaving industry to die-casting mud into bricks at a kiln, I have done it all. ABOUT THE DIALOGUE I had no clue that the dialogue will become so popular amongst the Punjabi populace. It is actually very humbling. And the best part is, that I did not actually use even a single swear word in any scene of the film at all. THE DIFFERENCE IN BOTH THE FILM INDUSTRIES Both are doing great work. I personally feel that in India, they first make the film without worrying about its commercial aspect. The Chal Mera Pu team put their heart and soul into it. While in our Pakistani industry, producers make the film, but are more worried about the commercial aspect right from the day, the movie is announced.
The road from working in a brick kiln to becoming a bankable actor.....
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A D S U M
AK R A
Akram Udas emerged as the surprise package in Chal Mera Pu . While his seniors, like Nasir Chinyoti and Iftikhar Thakur were under the spotlight, but he was the one who stole the show with his amazing histrionics laced with a dash of comedy and a pinch of strong emotions. He took us all on a roller coaster ride with the grey shades of his character transfused with his popular dialogue ‘Fer kehnde ne Boota gaalan kadhda hai’. Incidently, this dialogue became so popular, that the film makers had to create a special song based on it for Chal Mera Pu -Part 2.
YOUR MANTRA FOR SUCCESS My Ustad had told me only one thing, Pu ar stage te ohi gall karni jehdi maa-behan agge keeti jaa sake. And I followed it till date. PARTING WORDS Boote ne pyaar keeta hai lokaan naal te lokaan ne mainu hor vee pyaar keeta hai. All other worldly belongings like money, fame, food etc., will finish one day, but it is only love that will stand up to the test of time. Love is such a treasure that no ma er how much you spend, it will never diminish, but will come back manifold. Spread it all around you and then see the magic that it can create in one’s life.
A D N
H g LE n i r e h A p i H c D e D AR H C TE
PUNJAB We have all grown up on tales passed on from generation to generation about Chardha te Lehnda Punjab.
Some Facts: Lehnda Punjab is four times bigger than Chardha Punjab. It has 36 districts with a poverty rate of 26.40% 59% of its population speaks Punjabi while the other languages are Sarayaki, Hindko, Pashto etc. Chardha Punjab has 22 districts with a poverty rate of only 8.26% Around 96% of the population speaks Punjabi while the rest speak Hindi.
But do we really know what it exactly means? Lehnda means ‘west’ in Punjabi. It was coined by William St. Clair Tisdall (in the form Lahindā) probably around 1890 and later adopted by a number of linguists. So in simple terms, the Pakistani part of Punjab is known as Lehnda Punjab. While on the other side, India’s part of the Punjab is known as Chardha Punjab. It stems from the fact that the sun rises from the east and sets in the west. Hence, it is also known as East Punjab.
e it..... You gotta see it to believ
N N A M S A D GUR ary
The legend
THEN
NOW
Whatta man.......?? “He’s a fearless comic..... - The NEW YORK TIMES
R E E M A S
R A L L U H K Showtime Arabia.
In May 2013, Sugar Sammy became the
first Anglophone comedian to win at Quebec's
prestigious Olivier comedy awards. He won the Olivier for ‘Best Show’ and the Olivier for
S
ugar Sammy aka Sameer Khullar is a ‘Comedian of the Year’ (voted by the public).
superstar in Canada and one of the ho est
No stranger to the prestigious festival
comedians on the international circuit. circuit, he has performed at several festivals
His comedy routines are delivered in a mixture including Sydney, Cape Town, Johannesburg, of English, French, Punjabi and Hindi. The New Melbourne, Auckland and numerous times at York Times calls him “A fearless comic with a Montreal’s ‘Just For Laughs’ Festival. Part of a talent for provoking both laughter and outrage”. new breed of young, global, accessible He has performed thousands of sold-out shows p e r f o r m e r s , A s k m e n . c o m d u b b e d h i m in 32 countries and has toured the world many ‘Comedy’s New Rock Star and The Hollywood times over.
Reporter selected him as one of their ‘Ten
He is a charismatic provocateur whose In May 2013, Sugar Sammy became the worldly outlook allows him to hit on cultural, first English comedian to post wins at social and political themes with comedy great charm and Quebec’s prestigious Olivier awards.He Heiswon the Olivier for Best finesse. a king of crowd work and his Show (voted by the industry) and the audience interaction makes for a unique Olivier for Comedian of the Year (voted performance every time.heOne the ho est by the public). In 2014, onceofagain won the Olivier Comedian ofcircuit, the Sugar comedians on theforinternational Year at isthe 16th annual andboth Apple Sammy enjoying greatgala success at home chose him to perform in their TV ads in and around the world. His2015, tourSugar dates have won French Canada. In May him the ranking of one ofagain, the highest grossing Sammy was nominated for a third year in in aNorth row, for the Olivier for tours America, according to Pollstar Comedian of the Year. He is the first magazine. While Billboard magazine named artist chosen by Comedy Central India him the top-selling Canadian artiste for the to tour their country, visitingtour Mumbai, and Delhi in 2014. MarchCritics 2013 with 12Bangalore months ending April and fans his English/Hindi/Punjabi comedy alike have lauded him for finding a way to make show. everyone laugh at each other, and themselves, at
Comics to Watch’. Sugar Sammy's biggest TV credit is his 72-minute HBO Canada special which became one of the network's highest rated TV specials and a first for any Canadian. The special was eventually acquired by Air Canada and was aired on all international and domestic flights. Due to popular demand, the special was eventually released on DVD, where it went straight to #1 on the stand-up comedy bestsellers list on Amazon Canada. Working in four languages, affords Sugar Sammy the opportunity to travel the world to perform for his dedicated fans. He has performed worldwide including in India, in addition to Canada and the United States, which has given him a distinctly universal perspective.
the same time, in the same room. Sammy’s Khullar names Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock international TV credits include specials and Dave Chappelle as comedic influences. broadcast on HBO Canada, Comedy Central Asia, Comedy Central India, CTV, The Comedy Network, The Comedy Channel, Dutch TV and
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