A dash of stars

Manpriya Singh  

With percussion beats in the background and water body for a backdrop, Day 2 of the ongoing Military Literature Festival continues drumming up just the right fervour. Navigating through five venues, several sessions and a few martial arts performances leads us to not just discussions over war reporting, cyber warfare or the Kashmir quandary, but some star power too. 

Talking Paltan

Post the session, there is Bollywood actor Sonu Sood and television star Gurmeet Chaudhary  keeping up with selfie requests and comments over how JP Dutta’s Paltan (in which both were last seen together) was not really a war movie.  Speaking of which, war movies that is, both root for Saving Private Ryan. Shares Sonu Sood, “That’s one movie that even inspired me to become an actor.” While for Gurmeet Chaudhary, it’s a genre that he absolutely loves. “I love war movies. Saving Private Ryan has to be my favourite. Then, of course, there is Border, which we’ve grown up watching.” 

He adds, “I love war dramas and movies, and thankfully we have Netflix now…In fact I can’t wait to finish my work and go back home, and just catch up on them.” 

Lifelong memories

While Paltan may not have stayed in theatres for over a week, the experience of a close brush with men in uniform is something that will stay with them forever. Never mind the sub-zero temperatures. Says Sonu, “The experience was phenomenal… in fact during the last day of shoot when we were about to pack up and go back home, we felt how the bravehearts stayed away from families to defend and protect the nation.” 

Truly Punjabi

Soon to be seen in Simmba, Sonu has made headlines as much for his acting as for his pursuit of fitness and of course six-pack abs. Talking of which, Gurmeet Chaudhary refers to his stamina, “We get tired of working out, but Sonu doesn’t.” 

Sonu, originally hailing from Moga, despite his fluency in the language, is yet to be truly seen in Punjabi films. As for Chandigarh, it’s a city and place he loves coming back to. “I have come here, and now I’ll definitely have makki di roti and saag before leaving.” 

He adds, “Punjab is known for happy people and honest people. Though lately, unfortunately, we have been making headlines in context of drugs.” Something on which we hope the war continues. 

As for Gurmeet Chaudhary, he’ll soon to be seen in a new space — that of commercials. “I’ve never done commercials before, but had a good time shooting with Kareena.”

On the anvil is also a holiday and we’re sure Netflix too! 

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