From Rajjo Fauji to Fauji Calling

Actor and Producer, Ranjha Vikram Singh has worked in Bollywood, Tollywood and Pollywood. Apparently, work is the only thing that keeps him going. Single and living a happy life, his year is lined up with varied projects. Many of you may recall him from Rajjo Fauji’s character in Tiger Shroff’s debut movie Heropanti.

Since then, Ranjha has come a long way. He now owns a production company Running Horses Films that made headlines with their first successful movie 25 Kille. Another film, Fauji Calling under its banner will star Ranjha and Sharman Joshi and is slated to release in March.

Ranjha says, “It will be the first Bollywood film which is based on the Pulwama incident that left the nation in mourning. It depicts our fearless Indian martyrs and how the families fight their loss.” Fauji Calling which was shot for most of the part in Jammu and Kashmir, informs Ranjha, “It was the last movie to be filmed there before article 370 was revoked. We have shot with the soldiers serving in adverse living conditions to protect the borders. We wish to pay a tribute to martyrs of Pulwama Attack, and at the same time, want to reveal the trauma a family goes through after the loss their loved ones to such horrific incidents.”

Ranjha likes to associate with movies with a social message. His next is Ziddi Jatt, for which he will start shooting in Punjab in March. The film is about sand mining mafia. He adds, “I know a topic like this will definitely be under threat by certain people so as to control the narrative around sand mining. But then, I turned producer to make such films that I could relate to in the first place.”

And, what does Ranjha find tough between acting and producing. He quips, “Any given day, producing a film is a lot tougher than acting. You have to be responsible for everything and make sure the money flows and everybody plays their part with dedication.” He further adds, “On the positive note, I do think after turning to production, I can figure out the real intention of a person. I can look past the sugar-coated words and clearly understand who is faking on my face.”

Recently having watched psychological-political thriller Fauda, he is in awe with the story as well as characters. Ranjha recommends it to digital buffs. For Punjabi web series, he says, “There is still time. Give it another two-three years and I think we will make a progress on that part as well. Punjabi culture to the world is known through Punjabi songs. Although, Punjabi roles in Bollywood are no more a typecast, but a full-fledged Punjabi movie with Punjabi actors making a hit pan India is a dream that we hope to realise someday.”

About the Pollywood industry, Ranjha predicts, “I think action movies will rule in Punjabi Cinema in 2020.” While many of his acting works are accredited to him as Vikram Singh, it was when he thought of producing a Punjabi movie that he thought of adding a prefix Ranjha to his name. It sure worked for Vikram and he plans to stick with it for life.

Piece of advice for the aspiring actors and reflecting upon the recent suicide of Kushal Punjabi, Ranjha says, “Be honest with yourself first and if you wish to join the industry, it demands patience. There is no hard and fast formula but to stay patient and grab the right opportunity. Otherwise, depression could take its toll.”

sheetal.dadhwal@tribunemail.com