Prince Kanwaljit Singh, who will be seen in Panchi 2 and Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye, calls himself a director’s actor

Punjabi cinema is witnessing a shift—one that balances commercial appeal with deep, character-driven storytelling—and someone who embodies this evolution is Prince Kanwaljit Singh.

Known for his versatility and sincerity, Prince has earned comparisons to some of the finest actors in Indian cinema. And, it’s not just because of his commitment to his craft, but also the way he blends humility with artistry.

Prince’s preparation for a role is simple and effective. “I don’t go too deep into the character's psychology beforehand,” he admits. “I don’t plan. I go with a fresh mind and let the director guide me.”

He allows the character to evolve organically on set, trusting in the director’s vision while contributing to the nuances of his role. This is why he calls himself “a director’s actor”. His collaborative spirit is what helps bring a film’s vision to life in the most authentic way possible.

He admits that while he occasionally contributes ideas to set details—like the choice of a torn sweater for a character—he doesn’t impose his vision. “My secret also is that I focus on one film at a time. I am not greedy that way. I feel every character needs a certain look, behaviour and sincerity and when it’s one point focus, it’s so much easier to maintain consistency that way,” he says.

Ask about his signature roles, and his reply is prompt — Pamma from his latest film, Sector 17. “Yes, Pamma is a character that sticks with you,” he says, reflecting on the enduring impact of that role in Punjabi cinema.

Prince’s rise to prominence didn’t follow a conventional path. Unlike many of his peers, who had a clear plan for entering the film industry, Prince’s journey was marked by serendipity and raw talent. “I didn’t always know I wanted to be an actor,” he shares. "I grew up in a family where education was the focus. But when relatives came over and read magazines featuring movie stars, I got hooked on the idea of acting. One day, I pointed to a picture of a Tamil actor on a motorbike and said, ‘I want to be like him’.”

His early exposure to theatre and the connections he made in the industry were crucial in shaping his career. Even as a 10th grader, Prince would travel to Mumbai, spending a year at a time in the city, soaking in the creative energy.

Despite his success, Prince remains grounded. “I didn’t know the procedure back then,” he reflects on his early days in theatre and film. “And that was the best thing. I was so ignorant. I just wrote plays, acted in dramas, and people liked it.” His lack of formal training in writing and acting didn’t hinder his progress; in fact, it allowed him to approach his work without the constraints of overthinking. “I didn’t over-prepare or worry about the ‘right’ way to do things. I just did them.”

This unassuming approach is something Prince attributes to his success. “If I had known the rules, I might have over-analyse everything. The fact that I didn’t know allowed me to stay true to my instincts.”

One of the most profound insights Prince shares during the interview is his philosophy on money and success. “Money is just a byproduct,” he asserts. “As long as your body is working, you’ll earn. So, my focus is doing good work itself, not the pay check.”

Looking ahead, Prince has a packed slate of projects, including Panchi 2 and Punjabi Aa Gaye Oye, a romantic comedy. “Romance was tough for me at first, but it’s getting easier,” he admits, signalling his willingness to explore new genres and keep growing as an artiste.