Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 2 : National Award-winning actor Pavan Malhotra believes actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh first came to the notice of the Hindi film industry through the 2014 Punjabi film 'Punjab 1984,' in which the two shared screen space.
Malhotra, who worked with Diljit in 'Punjab 1984' and later in 'Super Singh', reflected on the impact of the critically acclaimed Punjabi film during a conversation with ANI. Directed by Anurag Singh, the period drama was set against the backdrop of the 1984 Punjab insurgency and also starred Kirron Kher.
Speaking about Diljit's journey, Malhotra said 'Punjab 1984' played a significant role in introducing the actor to the Hindi film industry.
"I did my first Punjabi film with Punjab 1984. Diljit Dosanjh was noticed by the Hindi film industry because of that film. Before that, when I said I was going to make a Punjabi film, someone made fun of me. Diljit had a film called Jatt & Juliet, and they said, 'So, you're doing Jatt & Juliet'?" he said.
Recalling the film, the veteran actor described it as one that had a special "magic of its own" and termed it one of director Anurag Singh's finest works.
"The director of Punjab 1984 made one of his best films with it. He is the same director who also made Border 2. After that, I made another film with him, Super Singh. But Punjab 1984 had a magic of its own," he said.
The veteran actor also shared that before agreeing to do the film, he wanted to be sure about its story and the way it would present sensitive events. He said the director handled the subject with great balance, which made him happy to be part of the project.
"Once the film was made: or rather, before I agreed to be a part of it: I told him just one thing: 'Tell me the story. I need to know which way it leans. Otherwise, I don't want to be associated with it.' But he handled the balance so beautifully, so thoughtfully."
The actor also shared how the film left a lasting impression on him, not only because of its storytelling but also because of the performances delivered by the cast. He was all praise for Diljit, calling him one of the "finest actors" in the industry, and also hailed Kirron Kher's performance.
"I'm really happy to have been part of it. He expressed a great deal in his own distinctive way. And Diljit was outstanding. I genuinely think he's one of the finest actors we have. His speech, his expressions... everything. Kirron Kher was brilliant too," Pavan said.
Released in 2014, 'Punjab 1984' received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the human impact of the militancy period in Punjab and emerged as one of the notable films in Punjabi cinema.
Diljit Dosanjh went on to make his Bollywood debut with 'Udta Punjab' in 2016. His performance in the crime drama earned widespread praise from audiences and critics, winning him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. Since then, he has established a successful career across Punjabi cinema, Hindi films, music and international stages.