Filmmaker from Mukerian brings Sikh history to life

Despite hailing from a small village, Mukerian in Hoshiarpur district, Jagmeet Singh Samundri has carved a special niche for himself in the Indian film industry by dedicating his crafts to Sikh history and culture.

His journey is one of passion, struggle and perseverance. Today, he stands out as one of the leading filmmakers consistently bringing the stories of Sikh valour, sacrifice and spirituality to a global audience.

After completing his master’s degree in Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh, in 1999, Samundri moved to Mumbai around 2000 to pursue his cinematic dream.

The initial years were not easy. “I always dreamt of working in Mumbai. After struggling for a couple of years, I joined Ajay Devgn’s father, Veeru Devgn, as an assistant,” he recalls. Alongside, he worked on ad films, corporate projects and small-screen assignments to support himself and polish the nuances of filmmaking.

Samundri’s true calling, however, came through his deep fascination for Sikh history. Under his banner, Samundri Creations, he has directed several powerful documentaries and films that showcase the resilience, sacrifices and spiritual strength of the Sikh community.

His acclaimed documentary Rise of the Khalsa depicts the origin of the Khalsa Panth and the vibrant activities during the Holla Mohalla. It won the Best Director Award at the New York International Film Festival.

He followed this success with Martyrs (Shaheed), another documentary that earned international recognition and praise. “I have toured 12 countries — Ghana, Nigeria, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Denmark, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Norway, USA and Canada — with my Martyrs,” he shares.

The film drew audiences worldwide, with many non-Sikhs also appreciating its storytelling and historical depth. In the overseas markets, its viewership numbers surpassed those of many Punjabi feature films, with some even driving three to four hours to watch it.

Another significant work by Samundri is Saka: The Martyrs of Nankana Sahib, based on the 1921 massacre at Nankana Sahib. He has also experimented with other genres, directing Vash, a horror-romantic film, though his heart continues beat for Sikh history.

A special screening of Shaheed (Relive History as it Unfolds) at Mumbai’s Maverick Preview Theatre drew Bollywood actors Yashpal Sharma and Upasana Singh, along with well-known producers and directors. The film, an 80-minute documentary covering Sikh history from the panth’s inception till 1735, was highly appreciated for its unique narrative style. “The way the story is told is unique. We were fully cognsicant of the Sikh code of conduct (rehat maryada) while making this film,” Samundri explains.

Looking ahead, he is working on ambitious projects such as Shahaadat and Shaheedi Jatha, based on the lives of Baba Deep Singh and Bhai Mani Singh. “These projects are very close to my heart,” he says.

With his blend of rigorous research, authentic re-enactments and cinematic storytelling, Samundri has emerged as a filmmaker who not only entertains but also educates.

“My aim is to take Sikh history to the masses, especially the younger generation and the diaspora. These stories must not be forgotten,” he says. His films today stand as a bridge connecting people with the glorious past and timeless values of Sikhi.