If Bollywood can’t stop gushing over Khans, Kumars and Kapoors, Pollywood has its own megastar who can give any superstar a run for their money in terms of talent as well as drool-worthy looks. Any guesses who are we talking about? Well, it’s none other than Diljit Dosanjh. The enormously brilliant artist, who broke onto the scene in 2004 with his first music album ‘Ishq Da Uda Ada’, has now established himself as one of the most popular faces of Punjabi cinema. Apart from proving his acting mettle in Punjabi films such as ‘Jatt & Juliet’, ‘Punjab 1984’, ‘Sardaar Ji’ and ‘Ambarsariya’, the singer-turned-actor has also made a splash in Hindi cinema with the critically and commercially successful film ‘Udta Punjab’. He even walked away with the Filmfare award for best debut actor male for his stellar act in the movie. Dosanjh has also garnered praises for his sterling performance in his second Bollywood offering ‘Phillauri’, which released recently to overwhelming response. In an interaction with GhaintPunjab, the dashing singer-turned actor, who has just hit the big leagues, talks candidly about his career, his tryst with Hindi cinema, his strengths and weaknesses.

There are a lot of actors who are branching out to film production. Have you ever thought of venturing into Punjabi film production along with continuing your career as a singer and actor?

I don’t have that much of money. Once I get it, I might pump it into moviemaking. Some time ago, Income Tax Department raided my house. I had no idea about the whole system at that point of time. I didn’t know how to file proper income tax returns. So, after the raid, I thought I should have invested the money in films instead of hoarding it at home (laughs).

(Diljit Dosanjh Announces That He Wouldn't Do Roles Without His Turban!)

You have acted in both, Hindi and Punjabi films. So, what, according to you, is the difference between both the industries?

Money and screen count which ultimately affect business.

How much credit do you give to Punjabi cinema for your success in Hindi films?

100%. I owe my success to Punjabi cinema, Punjabi language and Punjabi fans.

Apart from singing and acting, is there anything else that excites you a lot and you want to explore it in near future?

I want to explore fashion. I would love to design my clothes and wear them.

How difficult has it been for you to make a mark in Bollywood without having a Godfather?

There is no Godfather on the earth. The only Godfather is sitting up there in the sky.

After debuting on the national television as a judge on the reality show ‘Rising Star’, are you open to do a daily?

Yes, of course, I am. It’s the time of Netflix. I was recently offered a webseries. But I couldn’t sign the deal due to time constraints. I would love to do one in future. And, I would also love to continue working on TV if something concrete comes my way.

What are your favorite TV shows?

I don’t watch TV anymore. The last show that I watched was ‘Shaktiman’. Before that, I saw ‘Chandrakanta’, ‘Mahabharat’ and ‘Ramayana’.

Who all are your favorite actors from Hindi film industry?

I like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor. Even Ranveer Singh is a favorite. His energy is infectious.

(Confirmed: Diljit Dosanjh Bags Kaneda Opposite Anushka & Arjun!)

What is your strength?

All my strength lies in my turban.

What is your weakness?

Whatever goes in my heart manifests on my face and soon it’s on my lips. I can’t keep things inside. And I’m very afraid of it.

What is the best dish that you can cook?

I make my breakfast on my own. I can’t tell about the dish, but I can make the best tea in the world.

Who do you follow?

I follow Guru Nanak Dev Ji and all his teachings.

What is your best childhood memory?

There are a lot. But I think attending marriages without invitation and having a lot of food there is one of my most memorable childhood memories.

What was your favorite subject at school?

Of course, Punjabi.

What’s that thing which upsets you instantly?

Whenever I cross any road and see little kids and toddlers lying on the footpath, it pains me to the core.

Which recent film impressed you the most?

‘Dangal’.

Which is your next Punjabi film?

‘Super Singh’. It’s almost complete. I am playing a superhero in the movie. It will release in next few months. There are some other films also, but I can’t talk about them.

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