‘Being lazy helped me’

Gurnaaz Kaur

Sukh Sanghera started his career as a model in Punjabi songs and then shifted to Canada. Though fascinated with the entertainment industry, he knew acting wasn’t his calling. Soon he realised that it was direction. Starting from how to handle the camera to all the steps of direction, he learnt everything on YouTube. He says he is fortunate enough to have gotten a break in video direction with Amrinder Gill’s song. There has been no looking back ever since. Today, he has directed over 300 Punjabi songs and a Punjabi film.

What is the biggest strength of the Punjabi community?

I think this very word denotes strength and we derive strength from it. At the same time, serving people with love is also our identity. These are Guru Nanak’s teachings that we are taught as children.

Punjab is rich in folk tradition. Is there a story/song that you love the most?

My all-time favourite is Gurdaas Maan saab’s Challa. I am equally glued to its folk story too.

One thing about Punjab and Punjabis that you like the most?

Our bravery. It’s there in our blood.

Who are you closest to? Where do you find strength in tough times?

I’m closest to God, family and friends and in tough times strength comes to me from the Almighty. His grace helps me in being a better person.

How was growing up in Ludhiana? Any memories that you can share?

I miss the times that I’ve spent in Ludhiana. There are so many memories, some are so pleasant, some not so pleasant but they made me who I am and every time I think of my times in Ludhiana, I am teary-eyed.

What kept you positive during this lockdown?

The lockdown made me a calm person. Even if I felt down at times, meditation and being lazy helped me.

You are a music video director. What do you like the most about your job?

It is a creative job. I like the creativity that it brings out in me.

What are you working on these days?

I’m working on some scripts, so will soon come out with something meaningful.

What kind of music do you like? Who do you wish to work with?

I like romantic and sad tunes. It is not one person in particular, but I really wish to work in Bollywood and Hollywood.

What are the three things that you learnt from this lockdown?

The lockdown gave me patience and peace. And, I learnt cooking.

What changes do you see in yourself post Covid-19 outbreak?

As described earlier, it made me patient and calm. Work wise, the changes we will see, once the situation is back to normal. But one thing is for sure that we will have to live with some obvious changes in terms of working style, subject lines and more.

When you are stressed, which place do you visit in Punjab?

The Golden Temple in Amritsar. It is heaven on earth.

Which Punjabi film is close to your heart and why?

Laaayie Je Yaariyan because it is my debut direction.

Three prominent places you would recommend your friends to visit in Punjab?

The Golden Temple, Kartarpur corridor and the Wagah border. Each has a different feeling and history around it.

Name the best place to eat authentic Punjabi food outside Punjab.

I have seen so many dhabas on the Chandigarh-Delhi highway that serve quite authentic Punjabi food, especially aloo de pranthe. On a road trip, these dhabas are definitely a delight and highly recommended.

On your wishlist is?

So many things, but right now, I just wish our beautiful world to be free from this pandemic so that people don’t have to live under this fear anymore.