'Want to work in movies that my audience enjoy'
An engaging tale of two completely different people whose lives change within a few hours after they meet, Chandigarh Amritsar Chandigarh is all set to release on May 24, 2019. The Punjabi superstars Gippy Grewal and Sargun Mehta, playing lead characters in the movie, shared their experiences of working in the film, their growth in the industry, future plans and a lot more.
Romantic-comedy is the new trend. Do you feel pressurised to deliver something out of the box?
Sargun: I personally think we should do what the audience wants to see. Out of the box themes mixed with mainstream story-line works a little more with a new element. We have tried to portray the same in Chandigarh Amritsar Chandigarh, it's about the romance between two very different individuals with a twist set in a single day. You're mostly seen in rom-coms; Is there any other genre you'd like to explore?
Sargun: I'd love to do action movies but there are a lot of barriers. The opportunities to do action movies are way less for women than men. I also don't feel the audience want to see me doing action, they are much more comfortable seeing me playing a romantic character. I want to continue doing projects that my audience enjoy watching.
What is closer to you – films or TV? How is it different to work for a TV show from a movie?
Sargun: Definitely, films. Though I've gained good popularity through television but films have seen me grow as an actor. Talking about the working style, there is a major gap between the two. There are scenes in a film which are very time consuming. We shoot a film over a period of 20-50 days. However, television can produce an entire season in the same number of days. It also differs in appreciation, if I've played a scene very well on TV, it is easily forgotten. However, in the case of films, it is remembered for a longer period and given much more importance.
How was your experience of working with Sargun?
Gippy: I was working with Sargun for the first time and shooting together was amazing. We got to know each other really well. I would thank the movie for the bond we share today – from just knowing each other's name to being good friends.
What importance do awards hold in your life?
Gippy: I'm really thankful and it undoubtedly feels great to receive awards. Having said that, there have been times when I felt that I deserved an award but didn't receive it.
Now, when I have them, it doesn't matter a lot. My main focus runs on the fan base I have. I just think I have to come out with something that my fans will enjoy.
Many Punjabi singers have turned actors in the last few years. Was it your conscious decision or you just took the first opportunity that came your way?
Gippy: It was actually a mix of both. I always wanted to act and when I became a hit singer, I got the opportunity. Definitely, I wasn't skilled enough to act, so I tried to polish my skills and become better with each passing day. I believe, if you get a good opportunity, don't think twice.
What are your future plans and projects?
Sargun: I have movies coming up. Surkhi Bindi is releasing on August 30, while there's another thriller in October with Binnu Dhillon. That's all for now, hoping for better projects later.
Gippy: There's a movie Ardaas Karan in July then there's one in September too. Talking about music, I've an album with 7-8 songs coming up in October with Jaani. Let's see how this goes first.
