Diljit Dosanjh on why he won’t do films requesting him to remove his turban
Diljit Dosanjh is one of the most sought after actors in the Indian film industry and he revealed recently why he has declined a number of projects.
Reported in an interview on DNA India, the singer-actor has said the reason for choosing selectively is because many film producers have asked for Dosanjh to remove his turban for the role, and he is not prepared to do this. “I don’t do many films in Bollywood because nothing substantial has been offered to me, I get offers but I feel even if I don’t play this role someone else will, it won’t make a difference.” Said the ‘Phllauri’ (2017) actor, who added, “Even now my most favourite directors from Bollywood have offered me films which I cannot do because they want me to do it without turban and that’s not possible. Turban is my identity, it’s my emotion.”
The ‘Udta Punjab’ (2016) actor will be next seen in the biopic ‘Soorma’, where he’ll be essaying the life of the great hockey player Sandeep Singh. But the ‘Ambarsariya’ (2016) actor said he was unsure of doing the film at first. “I was reluctant because I never played hockey in my life. But I was convinced because of the story. I don’t think we have ever heard a story like this in India. A man who was on wheelchair, fought back, became a captain and made a world record. I mean what kind of willpower one requires to do such a heroic thing.”
Dosanjh shares that because he had never been into sports only music, he didn’t think he would be able to pull off playing Singh. Though on reflection he does feel proud to have taken on a film like this as he strongly believes there will never be another like Singh again.”When an actor pretends to play guitar, I feel very bad because I know he is acting. Similarly, I was sceptical whether I look good playing hockey because I have never done that. But I had to say yes because living legend Sandeep taught me the sport and everything became easy,” explains Dosanjh.
The ‘Sajjan Singh Rangroot’ (2018) star was also asked how difficult is was to portray a hockey player. “I don’t understand method acting and all, because I am not an actor. If I will exaggerate and say that I have worked very hard, it was very difficult for me and all that, then it will sound fake. In this film, story is the hero. Sandeep in real life had to go through so much of struggle which you and me can never imagine, so he is the hero, not me. If the film touches your heart than I succeed.”
‘Soorma’ which is directed by Shaad Ali will be releasing on the 13th July and also stars Tapsee Pannu and Angad Bedi.
