PRAYERS, FOOD AND FUN: MEMORIES OF BAISAKHI

Singer Gippy Grewal would sing prayers and make sure his relatives praised him

It’s Baisakhi today, and singer-actor Gippy Grewal (above) takes a trip down memory lane and recalls how he used to spend his day celebrating the festival. “We used to wake up early in the morning, go to the gurudwara, and get ready for Nagar Kirtan. Everyone would visit houses in the neighbourhood and kids would get money as a reward for singing religious songs,” recalls the actor. Gippy also shares he would ensure that all his relatives listened to his songs. “I used to collect at least `400 to 500 every year on Baisakhi. I would sing prayers and make my relatives stand around me, and made sure that they praised my songs and later gave me the reward also,” quips Gippy, who has established himself as a singer in Punjabi as well as the Hindi film industry.

On whether he still manages to take out time to go back home and celebrate the festival with his family, Gippy shares, “I make sure I go to the gurudwara wherever I am. Sometimes, my schedule gets very hectic. This year, if my schedule allows me, I will take a break and celebrate Baisakhi with my family.”

The actor’s film releases on the Baisakhi weekend, and Gippy couldn’t be happier. about this. He hopes that just like Bollywood, Punjabi films should also release on festive weekends. “I think it should happen. It is a big celebration in Punjab and even bigger, overseas. And sometimes, we also get a long weekend, which of course helps the film,” says Gippy.

This year, if my schedule allows me, I will take a break and celebrate Baisakhi with my family GIPPY GREWAL, ACTOR-SINGER