Celebrating an Indian hockey hero

by ASJAD NAZIR

DILJIT DOSANJH TELLS US ABOUT HIS ROLE AS SANDEEP SINGH IN SPORTING BIOPIC

IT SEEMS like the whole world knows how in­credibly famous Diljit Dosanjh is, but they all forgot to tell him.

The singing superstar-turned-actor is still the same grounded individual who started off trying to make a mark in the Punjabi music industry, and has remained that way despite the incredible glob­al success.

Today he is skilfully balancing chart-topping songs, a fine acting career and performing sold-out shows around the world.

Perhaps his most interesting work is currently happening in cinema, where he is combining Punja­bi films with commercial Bollywood blockbusters.

In this week’s big movie release Soorma, he plays champion Indian hockey player Sandeep Singh, who made a remarkable comeback after a bullet from an accidental shooting left him wheel­chair bound for nearly two years.

Diljit has poured everything into capturing the inspirational life story of the sportsman in the Bol­lywood biopic. He was in good spirits when East­ern Eye caught up with him to talk about Soorma, success, inspirations and more...

Did you ever imagine your journey in cinema would be so remarkable?

(Smiles) I honestly don’t feel like my journey is that remarkable yet. If you think that Asjad, then I am very grateful and humbled by it.

You are a man very much in-demand; what did you like about Soorma?

You might think that I am in­demand, but I really don’t feel that at all, but thank you for saying that. What I really liked about Soorma was brother Sandeep Singh.

You play hockey great Sandeep Singh in Soorma. Tell us about the story and your character?

The story of this film is a very inspiring one. If I tell you too much it might spoil it for you, so I would urge you instead to watch Soorma when it releases on July 13. I am portraying the real life role of Sandeep Singh, who was the captain of our Indian hockey team and holds a world record.

How aware were you of the real life story beforehand?

All I knew about him is that he was the captain of the Indian hockey team; I didn’t know about him getting shot and then coming back from that to be a captain and a world record-breaker. I am entirely at fault for not knowing that and unfortu­nately its because we don’t give hockey the importance it deserves.

What is the biggest challenge you faced with this film?

The biggest challenge was learning how to play hockey because I haven’t played any sport seriously in my life. It is a really intense game played by very tough individuals. So I found learning such a chal­lenging sport very tough indeed.

How much did you interact with Sandeep Singh when preparing for the role?

I would go as far as saying that Sandeep is like a brother to me and we would meet regularly on a daily basis. We spent a lot of time together for a few months before the film started and then during the shooting of it. In total, we spent four or five months together.

We would go to gym together, eat and drink to­gether, and had a great time. Then through that great time and enjoyment of each other’s company, the film got made. We all worked really hard on the movie and he was a great support.

The film looks like it was emotionally and physi­cally demanding. Is that true?

Of course, for a film like this there is always a heavy physical de­mand. When a player is competing they really need to be in peak condition and I had to try reaching that standard. Brother Sandeep had al­ways been in great shape and to reach that level of fit­ness took a lot of hard work.

That was my job in this film and I did that to the best of my ability. This is also a very emotional and touching story too, so there was a lot of hard work put in on that side too.

What is your favourite moment in the movie?

I can honestly say there isn’t just one favourite. I al­so don’t want to ruin the film by pinpointing cer­tain moments. I may chose one and you might like another one better.

So watch the film and then give me your point of view. That will be better. (Smiles) Then I will discuss it with you and we can see if we both choose the same favourite mo­ments or different ones.

Who are you hoping connects with the film?

I really do feel like ev­eryone can connect with this film in some way because the central theme is very universal. It’s not like just a sports fan or players will connect with it. This is such an inspiring story that has so many moments of inspiration that everyone can watch the movie and take something away from it.

Also it is very much a family film, so everyone from kids to elders can watch it. The whole family can see it together or groups of friends can enjoy it.

Did you learn anything new while mak­ing the movie?

I think there were many things I learned but the one that stands out was from Sandeep, who taught me to not get defeated by yourself. If someone isn’t defeated by one’s self, then no other person can defeat them.

Can you share any memorable behind the scenes stories?

The film is memorable and has given so much that it will remain with me for a long time.

How important is it to keep real stories like these alive?

It is so important to keep inspiring stories like this alive and to bring them to the forefront. It is sto­ries like this that will inspire the youth and future generations. We should all be proud of it and sup­port it.

What lessons can we learn from such stories?

There is one lesson that I learned from this story, and you will learn it too after watching Soorma. Like I said earlier, don’t ever accept defeat no mat­ter how difficult the situation gets and whatever the circumstances are. Never give up!

How have you managed to balance music, Punja­bi films and Bollywood so well?

Am I managing? I am not balancing anything. (Laughs) Music, Punjabi films and Bollywood are managing me. I am just here, there, then some­times over there. Kabhi daal daal, Kabhi paat paat (sometimes from branch to branch, sometimes from leaf to leaf).

Massive success hasn’t changed you as a person. How do you re­main so grounded?

The truth is that sometimes suc­cess happens and other times it doesn’t. As a human being, if you let success change you in some way then you are not a human being. Then what are you? (Laughs) I don’t know what you would be. I don’t think that anyone should let success change them in anyway at all.

What can we expect next from you?

You can hopefully expect a lot from me. You can expect a lot of songs and many films. Just expect that from me as that is all I can do and I will try my best every time.

What are your big passions away from work?

My greatest passions are music and films. (Laughs) With music and films, one can get new fashion and new outfits. I like that a lot!

You are a versatile actor who does varied proj­ects, but what kind of movies do you enjoy watching yourself?

I watch all sorts of films and enjoy them. So it can be any movie from any genre.

What inspires you?

(Thinks) What inspires me? Today’s youth really inspires me in a big way. (Laughs) I am also a youth so sometimes will inspire myself.

Can you give a message to your fans...

I just want to tell my fans that I love you darlings, every single one of you.

Why should we watch Soorma?

I would ask you the question, why shouldn’t you watch Soorma? When you try to answer that ques­tion, you will want to watch it.

• Soorma is in cinemas now