MUMBAI: Back in pre-pandemic time, Dheeraj Dhoopar had told us that he was planning his debut in Punjabi films. Now, with the industry having swung back into action, Dheeraj has come back to Punjab to realise that ambition. 

“The kind of face I have, I feel I can justify Punjabi films,” says Dheeraj, who was in Chandigarh recently to shoot for his third Punjabi music video. “Besides, the kind of films being made in Punjab, especially since the last five years, are beautiful. They have good scripts that celebrate the simplicity of life. For me, this is just the beginning and I am here to stay.”. 

For the first time, Dheeraj will be seen sporting a turban (in the music video). “I have been waiting for something like this, a role in a turban. I can connect with the real Punjab in this kind of a getup.”.

A Punjabi himself, it is Dheeraj’s wife Vinny, who is a Sikh, and her family that are the happiest with his new look. “My wife’s naani is so happy seeing me in a turban, and she gave me so many blessings. She said, ‘Guruji karein teri pagri 15-20 saal utre hi naa.”.

Also Read: Nibedita Pal and Himani Sahani bag Colors’ vampire-based show

Though Dheeraj would like to explore a dark subject, he is fine with popular Punjabi taste for romcoms. “I have been told audiences don’t have taste for dark subjects here, so I am alright doing lighter films as long as the character is credible.”.

Meanwhile, Dheeraj has his eyes trained on Bollywood too. “I am not saying no to Bollywood. But right now, the kind of stories which I want to do are being made in Punjab. I want to be in a space where I can do both Bollywood, Punjabi and TV.”. 

On being asked about being referred to as one of the most desirable men on TV and he says, “I enjoy that tag. I put in a lot of hardwork into my dressing and detailing in fashion. So, yeah, why not!”. 

In off-times amid shoot, Dheeraj quipped he wanted to visit  'Sector Sataran'. "I love the way they pronounce 17 here.”, he wrapped up.

Also Read: Nibedita Pal and Himani Sahani bag Colors’ vampire-based show

Credit: Bombay Times