New Delhi: It is not the first time that Diljit Dosanjh is donning the khakee for a film but the Punjabi heartthrob says unlike his previous outings, his cop act in “Udta Punjab” is close to reality and devoid of frills.
The 31-year-old singer-actor is making his Bollywood debut with the Abhishek Chaubey-directed thriller, which is backed by four-years of research and based around the drug-related problems prevalent in Punjab.
“In the film, I play a Punjab Police cop. I have played a policeman before in my films but this time the part is very real. There are no tight clothes, no body at display. Abhishek sir has done a research of 3 to 4 years. I did not have to do anything at all. He just asked me to act the way I felt,” Diljit told PTI.
The “Jatt & Juliet” star, who made his acting debut in 2011 with Punjabi film “The Lion of Punjab”, said bagging “Udta Punjab” in which he stars opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan, as his debut in Bollywood is a dream come true for him.
“I just don't have words to describe how I feel about working with Kareena and that too in my debut Bollywood film. I have been her admirer. I thought getting a photograph with her would be an accomplishment, but here I am working withher. She is very dedicated.”
For the role, Diljit got a call from casting director Honey Trehan and met Chaubey and Vikramaditya Motwane, who is producing the movie via Phantom Films.
Diljit said before the meeting he was not sure whether he would do the film, but after the narration, he had no thread of doubt and immediately said yes.
“Before the meeting, I decided in my mind that I will say yes to the project only if the role is good, not just for the sake of doing a Bollywood film. But when I heard the script and my role, it was beyond my expectation. I didn't expect that I would get a proper role with such an amazing star cast,” Diljit said.
The upcoming film also stars Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. In most of his films, Diljit also lends his voice to the songs besides his acting part. He said he is glad that the makers of “Udta Punjab” did not approach him to sing because it would have taken the essence out of his character.
“I never bothered to ask them if I have to sing a song as well. I was too happy with my role. I liked the fact that I was offered the film as an actor. I am playing a character in the film. Earlier also I have been offered films in which the makers would tell me that I have to sing few songs. But with this film, I think the makers took me seriously,” he said.
The music of the film has been composed by Amit Trivedi and the actor said most of the songs are situational.
Diljit said he is open to starring in more Bollywood films provided the script and his role is good.
“I have wrapped up shooting of the film. I will do more Bollywood project if anything good comes my way. Right now, I am just waiting to see the reaction of the audience for my first Hindi film,” he said.
“Udta Punjab” is slated for release next year.
