WAMIQA GABBI: THERE IS NO PREJUDICE OR BIAS IN BOLLYWOOD
The actor feels the Hindi film industry is very warm and welcoming
After nearly a decade of exploring the Punjabi film industry, actor Wamiqa Gabbi is making her way to Bollywood, and she is grateful for the opportunity to broaden her horizons without the fear of bias or prejudice. “I started off my journey in acting with Punjabi films, which is why this side of the industry will always be special for me,” says Gabbi, who rose to popularity with the 2013 movie, Tu Mera 22 Mai Tera 22, also starring Yo Yo Honey Singh and Amrinder Gill. The actor, who was also seen in a small role in 2007’s Jab We Met, adds, “Now, everyone is watching everything. People are familiar with regional cinema and actors. There is a lot of cultural exchange happening across the country. That’s why I make it a point to work on a few Punjabi projects along with my Hindi films and web shows.”
This move has started to help her find her base in Mumbai as well. Gabbi has featured in web shows such as Grahan, Mai: A Mother’s Rage and Modern Love: Mumbai. Opening up about working in Bollywood, she shares, “There is no prejudice. Bollywood is a very warm and welcoming industry. Whatever work I have done till now has been with amazing filmmakers, and the industry has accepted me with a lot of love. I don’t think there is a bias. If you’re good at your job, you will get good work. Yes, there are definitely people who have bad experiences and they exist, but I have been lucky enough that I haven’t encountered such an experience.”
Gabbi feels Punjabi films have influenced and inspired several Bollywood films. Now, the actor hopes that the growing popularity of regional cinema will widen the reach of Punjabi films: “Punjabi films are mostly family entertainers and definitely work for a larger audience, but right now as an actor, I am just happy to dabble in both worlds. But I do strongly feel Bollywood has always been rooted in and been inspired by Punjabi culture.” She adds, “Punjabi films are all about colours, culture and celebrating the roots, and Bollywood has always taken from that, so I feel in a way it’s already been heavily inspired. As a producer, whenever that may be, I am certain I would want to make films that celebrate Punjabi cinema. Instead of adaptations, I would love for Punjabi films themselves to find a wider audience and be celebrated across.”