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New Innings
Punjabi movies as popular as Bollywood flicks: Gurmeet
Neha Saini
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, November 1Television is a resourceful medium and its actors a versatile lot. The gradual change witnessed by the entertainment industry has closed in the gap between television actors and their 70mm counterparts. While the silver screen stars are shining bright on the tube, the television actors too are finding interesting avenues to explore in the film industry. The latest to join is actor Gurmeet Chaudhary aka Maan Khurana of Star One's popular serial Geet- Hui Sabse Parayi. The suave actor, who made his television debut as Lord Rama in Ramayana on a TV channel, is in Amritsar shooting for his debut movie "Yaar Mera Rabb Varga". This is also his first Punajbi movie. "Films mark an ultimate and obvious progression as an actor. So for me too the decision to take up movie offers is a planned move," says Gurmeet. But why choose a Punjabi movie over a Hindi film for a debut? "Why not? Punjabi cinema is doing great business wise and good Bollywood actors are taking up lead roles. Jimmy Shergill is as popular as SRK in Punjab," he reasons. Well, for someone who quite fits into the rugged Punjabi gabru image, the decision might not come as a shocker. "I have played the character of a sardar in Geet, donning pagri and learning the body language. It was popular with the audiences. And I have been getting film offers since I started working in Geet. So, I came prepared for my innings in Punjabi film industry." Gurmeet clears the air about another confusion that he has to deal with every time he mentions the word Punjabi. "Most people think that I am a Punjabi which is not true. I belong to Patna, though I was born and brought up in Chandigarh. My looks too support the confusion, but I am glad now since it will make me connect easily with the Punjabi audience." Not revealing much about the movie, Gurmeet only gives out that fact that it is a complete masala entertainer with action, romance and emotion. The lengthy shooting schedule made him experience the famous Amritsari Diwali, which he enjoyed in the company of his wife Debina. "It was amazing. We went to the Golden Temple and saw the city's electrifying energy during the celebrations." Also, he enjoyed getting mobbed by his fans here. "It was good in the beginning but now I have to wear a disguise to go out."
Back to work, any expectations from his first Punjabi venture? "It's too early to say anything but even SRK started with television. I hope to follow," signs off Gurmeet on a confident note.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111102/asrtrib.htm#4
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