Desi Today Magazine
By Surbhi Gogia
You have seen Diljott’s radiance and innocence in various Punjabi movies and single tracks. The young actor from Mohali who shot to fame with the super hit Punjabi track Patiala Peg that featured famous actor Diljit Dosanjh, is all set to step into Bollywood and Hollywood at the same time soon. Diljott stepped into the entertainment industry just five years ago, but has won millions of hearts through her beauty, acting and singing in a very short span. Her films as a lead actress ‘Teshan’ opposite Happy Raikoti (Released in 2016) and ‘Yaar Annmulle 2’ (Released in 2017) were well appreciated by the audience. Recently her new film titled ‘Nanak’ has been announced, produced by Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty which shall release in 2018.
Diljott was in Vancouver to shot for her upcoming films and single tracks. Desi Today caught up with her to know more about her life, upcoming movies and her breakthrough in Hollywood.
DT: So what brings you to Vancouver?
Diljott: I had a few events and shoots here. I am planning a single track which is written and sung by me, parts of which are being shot here. It is a romantic song. I am sure people are going to like it. Also there are a few upcoming films which will shot here. We are deciding the locations. Alongside I have lot of relatives and friends in Vancouver. I wanted to attend a few family functions. So I thought this was a good time to come here.
DT: How does it feel to be in Vancouver?
Diljott: Coming to this city is like coming home. It always feels so special to come to here. Both Punjabi and Bollywood industries are doing so well. All the Indians are doing so well here. I feel so much loved and appreciated.
DT: Tell us about your upcoming projects?
My movie Punjabi By Nature is releasing soon this summer. The movie by very senior director Gurbir Grewal who directed movies like Mannat. It has everything that a Punjabi movie is made of: love, romance, drama, comedy — with a lot of tadka. Most special about this film is the beautiful storyline and great music. Gurbir Ji has amazing taste for music. The music of this film is on the same line of Mannat tracks.
After that I start shooting for my first Bollywood film in July.
DT: How did you get the break in Bollywood? Can you share more details of this movie?
The movie is by Omkara Production. It is a big production house that have done films with senior directors like Prakash Jha. The team is the same.
When you are in the entertainment industry be it in Punjabi, Hindi or even South, your work gets noticed. My work too caught was noticed with this production house. They have seen me in different films and tracks. They thought my look was exactly something that matched with the character. They called me for a look test in Mumabi. I was given the character’s look and some dialogue and scenes from the movie and I was selected right then and there.
The title of this Bollywood movie is Crispy Rishtey directed by Sartaj Singh Solanki. I am playing a lead role. My character is lengthy and very detailed which will give me an opportunity to prove my talent. Directed by Sartaj Singh Sarangi, there are many known names of Bollywood as my co-actors in this movie, but I cannot give much details on that. The shooting for this movie starts in July.
DT: Tell us about your family and why you decided to step into entertainment industry?
I was born and brought up in Mohali. I come from a family of academicians. Both my parents are doctors. Since childhood, I was a very sincere student. Always doing good with my grades. I did my graduation in Psychology honours from Punjab University. I was a gold medalist throughout.
Was there no pressure from the family to be a doctor?
Never. My parents always believed that I should follow my dreams. Even before stepping into entertainment, they never forced me to be a doctor. I am a philanthropist by heart. After completing my college, I did my graduation in NGO management. I have been associated with a lot of NGOs. It was while working with various organizations, I was picked up by the United nations to represent India at the UN headquarters.
Then how did you decide to join acting?
Even while pursuing my studies, I always had passion for acting, singing and dancing. Finally after completing my education, I started doing commercials with companies like Larson and Tobro. I was shooting for a film, when I got noticed and was picked up for Patiala Peg with Diljit.
Patiala Peg was a defining moment in my career. It became a super hit track. Diljit is a dear friend, working with him was amazing, I learned so much from him.
You have also sung a few songs. How did singing happen to you?
I am a trained Kathak dancer and also a singer. But when I started my career I was more focused on my acting. But one day someone approached me with great lyrics and I decided to sing. I released my single track Tere Rang last year. Luckily it was picked up by Hollywood for the film Five Weddings.
So that was your entry to Hollywood?
Yes. Five Weddings was recently premiered at the Cannes film festival. The film has Nargis Fakhri, Rajkumar Rao, Candy Clark and more. Parts of it were filmed in India and the US. The part which was shot in India has my song and is filmed on Nargis and Rajkumar. I also have a guest appearance in the movie.
How does it feel to be part of Hollywood?
It is a proud moment for me and the Punjabi film industry to be noticed internationally and getting a chance to display your talent.
I think a lot more people are noticing Punjabi industry now?
Indeed. The industry has seen a transformation over the years. It is a booming industry. There are more budgets, better locations, many advanced technicalities are now adopted in everything from pre production to post production. It think it is much much more organized now.
When I went to Bollywood, I could feel people have started respecting and taking it very seriously.
Who is your favourite actor? Anyone you dream to work with?
This is the toughest question to answer because I find something special in every actor. Some are good looking, some act really well. So I guess all actors are my favourite.
When it comes to working with any particular actor — the list is long. But yes I would really love to work with Ranvir Singh and Ranbir Kapoor. They both are extremely talented.
Do you have any dream role in mind?
Not really because I feel any role that comes to me is a dream role, since it gives me opportunity to explore my talent further.
What do you want to say to your fans in Vancouver?
Enjoy life and keep watching our movies. I will be coming up with more single tracks and movies and will keep entertaining my audiences.
