India fascinates ‘Tiger’ film duo
After meeting in acting class, Michael Pugliese and Prem Singh decided to create roles for themselves that they’d be proud to portray on screen. The Canadians wrote their own screenplay and looked for backers for what would become “Tiger.” They won the interest of Mickey Rourke, who agreed to act in the film. “Tiger” tells the real-life tale of boxer Pardeep Singh Nagra (portrayed by Singh). A Canadian flyweight amateur boxing champion, Nagra wasn’t allowed to compete at nationals, because he refused to shave his beard — an important part of his Sikh faith.
An edited version of our conversation follows.
“Traveling anywhere around the world to make a difference. I am a full believer that we all should do something to give back.”
Q: What can you tell me about where you filmed “Tiger”?
Pugliese: We filmed in a town just north of Cincinnati named Hamilton. It’s a beautiful place with lots of history and great people.
Singh: I was not familiar with Ohio at all, but the minute I got there I fell in love with the place and the people. They were so accommodating and made this experience something I will remember forever.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
Pugliese: Since “Tiger,” I’ve learned a lot about the Sikh culture and truthfully fell in love with it. I would love to go to India one day; Punjab to be exact, (to) get a sense of where this beautiful, misunderstood religion originated.
Singh: I would love to go to Italy, Paris and Dubai.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
Singh: Traveling anywhere around the world to make a difference. I am a full believer that we all should do something to give back.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
Pugliese: I’ve learned to always be respectful to everyone you encounter. I feel many others don’t respect the people or the country they tend to visit. You’re in their country — their home.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
Singh: India. I loved it. I loved the culture. Even growing up in an Indian home, being exposed to the wonderful people and the way of life there was something that I will never forget. The hospitality from the people there is like no other place.
Pugliese: The first trip I took was with my family to Florida. We stayed in Clearwater, just west of Tampa. I was probably around 7 years old. I loved it and will forever cherish these memories I have traveling with my siblings and parents. I find going on trips with loved ones only builds a bond, stronger than before.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
Singh: I have been to New York City during the holidays and that was a trip! It would be a hard one to forget. The way they celebrate Christmas is incredible. It really puts you in the Christmas mood, walking down Times Square and skating at Rockefeller Center.
A: I’m sorry to hear about your emergency landing. That’s always a frightening thing, even when no one’s hurt.
I’m glad Level and Iberia agreed to take care of your expenses to get back home. It’s much better than trying to fly to San Francisco in a plane that may or may not work. Level airline’s contract of carriage, the legal agreement between you and the carrier, promised to get you from Barcelona to San Francisco (www.fly level.com/en/about-us/ conditions-of-carriage). If it didn’t, it owed you a partial refund and other compensation under a