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| Prabhjyot Singh - stills from the movie Udta Punjab | |
My name is Prabhjyot Singh and I have made my acting debut in the movie Udta Punjab as the character named Balli. Like every growing teenager I had just dreams of being an actor and being famous, and by the grace of waheguruji somehow I ended up getting the role. It just happened as we see in movies, I had a play in Chembur fine arts studio, where someone from the casting team saw my performance and asked me to give an audition. I got shortlisted and I was called quite a few times and they hadn't actually discussed what the role was, which movie was it, was it a major role or would I just be a side artist. After a few meets, I was selected and the dates and everything were discussed then.
Unfortunately I had to turn down the offer because the dates of the shoot had clashed with my board exams. I had to turn down the offer because belonging to a middle class family studies stood above anything else. Then the casting director Honey Trehan Sir called us up and asked us to meet him and the director Abhishek Chaubey Sir and then make a final decision. I alongside my father went for the meeting. Honey sir and Abhishek sir discussed the complete story with us and it was then we realized the importance of the role I was offered. Balli wasn't just a normal side role; he represented the youth of Punjab and what it is doing right now. After having a talk with Abhishek sir and Honey sir we finally decided to go on with the movie.
So from being just like any other teenager in Mumbai dreaming of being on the big screen, some months later I was indeed shooting with Diljit Dosanjh, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor. When the shooting started I was taken aback by the glamour and the huge names I was facing the camera with. It was Abhishek Sir and Honey Sir who got my heartbeat back to normal and made me feel comfortable in that atmosphere. Who wouldn’t be nervous while facing the camera with Kareena Ma’am? But these big names came with even bigger hearts, they were just like normal people on the sets, they helped me during the scenes with their ever so valuable inputs. They played a huge part in portraying the Balli people watched on screen and loved so much.
Before the shooting started, I started preparing for the role which was a very difficult task as I had never been in such an environment. After getting the script I really wanted go get into the skin of a drug addict. I watched videos about how drugs are taken, and how people do stuff when high. I started observing drug addicts closely, also met some who have been to rehabs.
I intend to pay such attention to details in all my future roles, but the main thing is I want to do roles which support my community! I am looking for roles that would allow me to represent the sacrifices and "Chadd di kala" of the sikh community. This is one of the main reasons I approached Sikhnet as they are known to create awareness and take our pride to the world!
I am eagerly waiting to see what life has in store for me now.
Regards,
Prabhjyot Singh.