Mastana & his muse

Manika Ahuja

A Delhi boy who loves Chandigarh. Tsk Tsk. Is something out of place somewhere? “No, it certainly is not,” says Siddhant Behl who has made his debut with Jugni. Directed by Shefali Bhushan, the film sees this witty actor portraying the role of Mastana, a singer. The actor talks about his association with theatre, his debut flick, his fondness for denizens of City Beautiful, and more.

Amazing Chandigarhians

The actor wants outsiders to the city to do away with the misconception of picturing Punjabis as ‘loud, arrogant and fond of showing off.’ Ask him what changed his ‘misconception’ and he laughs, “All said and done, Chandigarhian Punjabis know how to live life to the hilt. They are crazy and adorable at the same time.” The Mastana of Jugni shared that a major part of the flick has been shot in Chandigarh. Well, reasons all the more to ask him what impressed him? And, the actor giggles as he tell us that the rumour that Chandigarh makes a ‘foodie out of everyone’, is true and he is no exception, “According to me, being a Punjabi is a state of mind. I relished the sarson da saag and makki di roti combo. This place has made me a complete glutton,” he says in jest.

Theatrical stint

It is a fact universally acknowledged that theatre is the best platform to make it big on the big screen. Siddhant agrees, “My active participation in theatre really honed my skills.” And how is that, we ask. “Theatre opens you up and makes you fearless by pushing your boundaries. It is a medium that offers you direct interaction with the audience and trains you on a different level.”

Script is supreme

For this debutant, the script is the hero. “Fame and all that glamour which follows come secondary for me. If the content is nice, there is nothing that will stop me from taking up the movie. I am game for fresh ideas and innovative scripts.”

Dream project

What is your dream pro…, even before we can complete our sentence Siddhant replies, “I want to work with Imtiaz Ali and Dibakar Banerjee.” That apart, the actor says he is keeping his options open because “There is a flock of talented people entering the industry with amazing sense of cinema. I would love to work with them, if the idea clicks with me.”

Understanding Jugni

Siddhant calls Jugni “a romantic musical film with a contemporary take on relationships.” According to him people, especially youngsters, would enjoy it. The actor also has a surprise in store. “The flick has a lovely Punjabi song Dilaan De Saudey” to tug at the strings. And, how does his debut project make him feel? “Well, I’d say I am more excited than nervous,” he wraps up.