Hockey to success

Jasmine Singh

Noted singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh had decided to say ‘no’ to a film on hockey. However, he wanted to meet the production house people in person. “I didn’t want to sound rude, I thought I would meet them and tell them that I wasn’t keen on doing a film on hockey, since two Punjabi films on the subject were already being released. But, it turned out that the friends I took along with me for moral support ended up saying ‘yes’ from there end,” Diljit Dosanjh talks about how he ended being on board for Soorma. 

Later, when Diljit read the script, he saw that it wasn’t just a film on hockey; it was about a player, Sandeep Singh, and his challenging journey. “This is when I realised Soorma was not only hockey; the film was about determination, aspiration and undying love for the sport.” 

Big praise

Diljit is already garnering a lot of praise for his work; recently superstar Amitabh Bachchan tweeted about his performance in Soorma. “I am humbled; he is a superstar and coming from him, all I can say is thanks,” says Diljit.

Soorma is a biopic based on hockey player Sandeep Singh; how he bounced back after injury and how he took to hockey to impress a girl he loved. Does this ring a bell? “Not at all, apan aidan da kade kuch nahi kita. Right from my school to college days, I’ve always been engrossed in music. My friends would tease me saying kalaakar aa gaya. To answer your question, I haven’t chased any girl.”

Proud stylist 

Diljit hasn’t chased any beauty, but fashion has chased him a lot! His recent style statement, where he tied a Gucci bag on his chest, rather than the waist, was tweeted as the most stylised thing in men’s fashion! 

“If you see international street fashion, you’d see many references where a bag is tied like this. For India, this is something strange, if I may say so,” adds the singer-actor, who has no qualms in admitting that he once told himself that if he came to Bollywood, he would not only do good film, but would also be the most stylish Sikh actor! 

Which is what he is today; his turban a mark of pride for him is also the reason why he feels he stands out in Bollywood. “Recently, I got a film offer from my favourite director who had a role for me where I didn’t have to wear a turban. So, given, I wouldn’t do it.” Diljit will soon be seen  in two more Bollywood projects. So, any Punjabi movie in  pipeline? “Yes, but I haven’t zeroed-in on the subject.” 

High flick

Varsha Bisaria, a life coach, was travelling to Delhi when Shubham Anmol Sood, casting assistant, asked her to audition for a movie directed by Shaad Ali, titled Flickker Singh. The role was that of an international reporter in the sports-based movie. A hockey player herself, Varsha appeared in the audition and was finally selected. Shares Varsha, “By now the film was renamed Soorma and I was delighted to be on screen.”  

— Poonam Bindra

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