Pursuing passion

Pritpal Singh aka Prince Makhu, young assistant director from Ferozepur, Punjab doesn’t believe in a success mantra, he doesn’t have a profound philosophy in life that takes him from one day to another, he just knows one thing - work hard for your dreams. And it is this basic thing that has created a space for this assistant director in the Punjabi film industry, which is now his world. 

Prince (his industry name, as he calls), an ex-student of Jaspal Bhatti School was clear about his passion for direction. “Once I knew this is what I wanted to do, there definitely was no stopping me,” adds he.

Prince made his debut as an assistant director with Ammy Virk’s Punjabi film Saab Bahadur, and later went on to assist in many other Punjabi films like Manje Bistre, Rabb Da Radio, Bhalwan Singh, Khido Khundi, Harjeeta. In an industry where everything revolves around the singer-actors and directors, does an assistant director get his due? Prince shakes his head, eager to answer this one, “Had it been some years back I would have said no, but today an assistant director not only gets the right pay but also recognition and fame too.”

And this Prince believes has been possible because of the professionalism that is seeping into the industry. “One can see a better coordination between artistes and the crew, we are moving towards better technology, over all things are looking better for the Punjabi film industry,” adds the young man who is all praise for singer-actor Gippy Grewal. “I have worked with Ammy Virk, Ranjit Bawa, all artistes very professional and humble, but nothing to beat Gippy Grewal, he is a delight to work with. He gives every person on the set the freedom to work and offer suggestions to better work.”

Prince is currently busy with a njabi film Aate Di Chiri. “Fingers crossed, I do see myself directing a full-fledged film one day, maybe pretty soon,” smiles the young artiste. 

— Jasmine Singh