On a solid foundation

Jasmine Singh

Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Awards 2016 has two faces from Punjabi film industry—Mushtaq Pasha and Amrinder Gill

American actress Jane Fonda feels that awards and celebrity status are never a learning ground. In fact, she credits the journey that takes them to the podium.

Thinking on a similar line, director Mushtaq Pasha and Punjabi-singer actor Amrinder Gill feel proud for their fruitful on-going journey that has been recognised with Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Awards 2016, as Mushtaq gets the Best Director In Punjabi Film (for Vyah 70km) and Amrinder Gill gets the Best Actor award for Angrej.

The two names were selected by the jury of Dadasaheb Phalke Academy and Dadasaheb Film Foundation, and honoured them recently at Tulip Star, Juhu, Mumbai.

Mushtaq, a post-graduate in psychology from Punjabi University, Patiala and a post-graduate in dramatics from Indian Theatre, Panjab University, Chandigarh has directed popular serials like Laaddo, Ganesh Lella and Kasam Se. He also directed a Punjabi film Main Tu Asi Tussi, but he was awarded for his second Punjabi film Vyah 70 km starring Harish Verma and Aarti Chabbria.

“Vyah 70 Km was received pretty well by the audience. It was a romantic comedy that had all the elements of being a good family entertainer.” Mushtaq who will soon be announcing his upcoming Punjabi film, is aware of the potential of the regional film industry.

Another artiste who has actually set the bar of acting high enough in Punjabi films is Amrinder Gill. Whether it is his songs or acting in films like Angrej for which he is awarded, Amrinder has believed in going into the depth of the matter.

For Angrej, Amrinder along with his team, worked really hard on recreating an era of 1950 in which this film is set. Angrej is one of the rare Punjabi films, in which the art department has done a wonderful job by taking care of minute details. Shares Amrinder, who would rather wait for another 2-3 years and give more substantial films before he enjoys his success.

“My endeavour as a singer and as an actor is to do my best so that the people who come to see me or hear me don’t feel let down.” Angrej is considered the top grosser of 2016. “We just tried to make a sincere film without thinking about the awards, now that it has happened, I am glad,” adds the actor.

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