I’m not hungry to sing for films: Diljit

Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh says singing for himself or in Punjabi cinema is “enough” for him. And that he’s happy being “just an actor” in Bollywood.

The Proper Patola hitmaker, who calls himself an accidental movie star, says: “I feel happy when people hire me only as an actor. Then I think they’re serious about me, and don’t just want me to sing for their movie. When I’m offered a film, I don’t ask whether I’ll be singing any of its tracks. For example, in my next (alongside Anushka Sharma in her upcoming home production), I haven’t till now.” However, things are different in Punjabi films. “I end up singing because that saves my Punjabi producer’s money. But my independent music scene is going good, so I’m not hungry to sing for films,” adds Diljit, who bowled over audiences with his performance in Udta Punjab, his debut film in Bollywood.

“I was happy with the reactions the film received. A lot of people loved the movie; they supported it… I have some new fans now. So, it was a good experience,” he adds.

Having worked in the two film industries, the 32-year-old doesn’t think that Hindi and Punjabi cinema are much different. “Punjabi picture bhi theatre mein lagti hai aur Hindi bhi (Both Punjabi and Hindi films are shown in theatres). Maybe the theatres and audience members are more (for Hindi movies), but the passion is the same,” says Diljit.

I feel happy when people hire me only as an actor, and don’t just want me to sing for their movie DILJIT DOSANJH, ACTOR

PHOTO: SHIVAM SAXENA/HT