‘Punjabi cinema is past its lukewarm stage’

Punjabi actress Kulraj Randhawa, who plays a strong character in the film, Needhi Singh, says that films should highlight stories of underdogs

From actor Randeep Hooda’s 18kg weight loss for his character what he termed, “an emotionally draining” cinematic tribute to Sarabjit’s tragic ordeal, to Aamir Khan’s much-talked about 25kg weight gain, actors have always gone an extra mile to look every bit convincing as the character they are roped-in to play.

Transitioning from her bubbly girl image, to play a woman with a spine of steel in upcoming Punjabi movie Needhi Singh, the Yamla Pagla Deewana dame, actress Kulraj Randhawa is all set to join the bandwagon.

Gearing up to light the big screen as Needhi Singh, in her women-oriented movie that releases on July 22, the petite actress candidly shares notes on the evolution of audience’s tastes in the realm of Punjabi cinema.

“From male-dominated flicks to women-oriented cinema, it is a change that had been waiting to make its presence felt in Punjabi cinema all along. She ponders for a moment, and elaborates, “You know, when anything is in its growing period, there is not much experimentation. Same is the case here. Punjabi cinema has crossed that nascent phase. It is now time for strong films, not lukewarm ones!”

Cathartic experience

It is a fact universally acknowledged that, much like a catalyst, that remains unaffected while bringing forth a change, actors are supposed to enact and forget. “But then, certain characters, like that of Needhi, stir something within you. This character stayed with me for a while, setting forth a catharsis” shares the actress, in Chandigarh, with two real life Tricity female bravehearts in tow.

Talk beyond entertainment

As Kulraj sees it, film industry has more to it than offering a platter full of “entertainment, entertainment and entertainment. People are now open to various genres, from intellectual cinema to realistic, each has takers in plenty.”

Yearning to satiate her long-time need of starring in a strong film, Kulraj believes, “Films should highlight pertinent issues and stories of underdogs.” She points at Sunita Tonk and Meera Dhiman who belong to Tricity, and avers, “These two women acted courageous in situations when others would have surrendered. Social issues like these need to be spoken about. Much like these real life Needhi’s my character in the film, fights for justice. Though, it does not bear any relation to the awe-evoking tales of these two bravehearts, but there is a common thread, urging womenfolk to speak up for their rights. Cut out that long silence!”

—Manika Ahuja