Poet Sunil Jogi is game for acting too!

Basking in the success of his first number that he penned for film maker Anurag Kashyap’s recently released film Mukkabaaz, Dr Sunil Jogi is all set for his Bollywood stint with Gadar: Ek Prem Katha fame Anil Sharma’s upcoming film.

“Yes, too much is happening and too quickly but I’m glad I have so much to look forward too. When I came in contact with Anil Sharma it was in no time he offered me this role of a police inspector in his upcoming movie. And I could just ask him are you sure and he said the role was tailormade for me. And then I was in front of the camera for 70 mm film.” Politician and a poet Sunil hails from Kanpur and has completed his education from Lucknow, “I’m a thorough UPite. Lucknow was my seat of learning be it music, education or for that matter starting of my poetry career.”

Talking about his Mukkabaaz song, Jogi says that it was the movie’s lead actor, Vineet Singh, who initiated the conversation with him. “Vineet made me talk to Anurag. He told me that Anurag has been listening to my works for almost 15 years now and has wanted to make this poem a part of one of his films. He felt it fit the bill this time.” Jogi also states that the original lyrics have been tweaked, the minstrel says, “Anurag requested if he could make certain changes in the lyrics as the original one has political undertones to it. I readily agreed.” He reveals he didn’t charge a penny as he was glad that his work earned a place in Kashyap’s universe. “He has given me credit. I couldn’t have asked for money from him.” Talking about his initial days as a lyricist, he says, “I started off with penning the lyrics for the films Fun and Hasrat in 2005. Then my song ‘Thodi Life Thoda Magic’ starring Jackie Shroff in the lead was appreciated by all. And now, Mushkil hai Apna Mel Priye... so you can say it has been a fulfilling journey. But this song was the real game changer for me.”

Recipient of Padma Shri and Yash Bharati awards, Jogi has so far authored almost hundred books. “Awards make you feel that somewhere your work is being appreciated. So awards are necessary for any creative person. But for me my award was when I penned for Jagjit Singh and later for Pankaj Udhas. Being a poet is my most loved facet and rest all follows,” he says before signing off.

I’m a thorough UPite. Lucknow was my seat of learning be it music, education or for that matter starting of my poetry career DR SUNIL JOGI, POET

HT Dr Sunil Jogi