‘FILMS ARE A NEW MEDIUM FOR ME’

Excited about debuting in Punjabi films, Sanjeeda Shaikh says she was “destined” to bag her new film, talks about why she couldn’t do lead roles earlier

Sanjeeda Shaikh is quite busy these days. The actor has not only shot for an ad with Advait Chandan, the director of Secret Superstar (2017), but is also quite excited about her first Punjabi film. The actor has previously been part of two Hindi films Baghban (2003) and Pankh (2005), and a Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan (2005).

Talking about her debut in Punjabi films, the Love Ka Hai Intezaar actor says, “The film, Ashke, stars Amrinder Gill and is a young love story. We shot in Amritsar (Punjab), including at Khalsa College and will soon head to Toronto, Canada, to shoot the songs for the film. I wanted to start my journey in films with an interesting subject and while the film is based on bhangra, it gives out a social message too. I had got a call from the producers about this film, and once I heard the script, I was on board and we began shooting after three days. I was destined to be a part of this film. It was a completely new experience for me. It’s my first Punjabi film and I had to work hard to learn the language too. What helped was the fact that I have many Punjabi friends and have heard them speak Punjabi often. So it wasn’t an alien feeling as I understand the language and that made it easier to emote.” Sanjeeda visited the Golden Temple, in Amritsar, and other places in the city which was just “fabulous”.

The actor admits to have received film offers earlier as well, including offers from Bollywood, but none of them worked out. She says, “Mujhe baithe baithe mil jaaye toh acha (laughs). I am going with the flow. Films are a new medium for me, especially Punjabi films. I am interested in doing more Punjabi films. Let’s see how this one turns out. The team of this film is fantastic and I had a ball working with them. Earlier, when I was doing TV shows, I would get offers but doing a film, giving bulk dates, while shooting a daily is impossible. It gets hectic and you don’t have time for anything else. I was meant to do this film as I am not doing any TV show currently.”

Films are a new medium for me, especially Punjabi films. I am interested in doing more Punjabi films. SANJEEDA SHAIKH, ACTOR