Frame of mind

Jasmine Singh

What are the things that you look for in a music video, a Punjabi music video to be precise? Firstly, the singer, who also plays the lead model; secondly, the lead female, where, these days, the slot is being given to well-known names from the entertainment industry.

If you see a chronological order in the casting of female models for Punjabi music videos, you are not wrong because there is definitely one! While you go through the order as shared by various video directors, check out the pretty faces that are a part of all Punjabi music videos. But first, who prepares this order and how...

Tried & tested

Well-known video director Arvindr Khaira has directed more than 120 songs with fresh female faces, with known and many popular faces too. But he makes a pick depending on the theme of the song. “If it is a story-based song, then we need a particular kind of female model, who can show emotions.”

From a portfolio of more than 3,000 models, Arvindr chooses the best for the song because he completely believes that a female model can add and even take away much from the song. This is precisely why most directors either go in for the popular names of the Punjabi music videos — Sara Gurpal, Himanshi Khurana, Isha Rikhi, Simran Hundal — or popular TV or film actresses, which, by the way, is a new trend.

On track

Yet another popular director and music promoter, Bunty Bains, goes by the nature of the track. He is more than willing to give fresh faces a chance. “In addition to Punjab, I cast models from Mumbai and Delhi as well. Since Punjabi music is quiet a worldwide phenomenon, these models look at it as an opportunity to get into films.” Bunty, however, doesn’t rule out the new trend where female singers double as models for their own videos. “The one who sings can also emote it better on screen,” he smiles. 

Up, close & personal 

These days, one sees popular faces like Sargun Mehta, Surveen Chawla, Gauahar Khan, Ada Khan and Sunny Leone in Punjabi music videos, but there are some names that are considered a safe bet for the videos because of their acting ability and experience. Himashi Khurana from Ludhiana did not want to be a mannequin in a three-minute video or just another pretty face. So, after the success of the song, Soch, where she played the female lead, she waited for one year to get a video hat suited her image. “I am careful while selecting the music video; first I listen to the audio, then I look at the team and then the director,” she says. While Himashi is one who is still struggling for recognition and a break in Punjabi films, model turned actress-singer Diljott got lucky after her video, Patiala Peg, with Diljit Dosanjh became an instant hit. Diljott went on to do a movie, Teshan, after this.  

I, me...myself 

Here is a trend that gives the models of Punjabi music videos a tough competition. Punjabi female singers want to act in their own videos these days. Jenny Johal, Jasmine Sandlas, Sunanda Sharma, Kaur B...every female singer wants to act in their own videos. “Why not, why hire a model when we can do that ourselves. We are as good as any other actor!” Jenny shares.  

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