Actor Sargun Mehta is currently riding high on the success of her recent Punjabi film Saunkan Saunkne. The actor, who began working in Punjabi films since 2016, has been delivering back-to-back hits.

Recalling her first steps into the Punjabi film industry, Mehta says, “When I told people I was doing Punjabi films, they said, ‘If you do Punjabi films, then you won’t be able to make your mark in Hindi’. Back then, the Punjabi film industry wasn’t as big as it is today, as only 10 films were made in a year. But today, more than 70 films release every year. That shows the influx of money and the growth in the industry. The audience, too, has evolved and is sticking by us. In fact, as an artiste, I feel really happy to be part of the Punjabi film industry.”

Despite the popularity of Punjabi music across the globe, Punjabi films are not watched widely by the pan-India audience as opposed to south Indian films. But the Qismat 2 (2021) actor shares that things are now changing. “People are more accepting than before, but of course, they won’t open up to all regional films at the same time. I started watching more south films after Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) while my husband (actor Ravi Dubey) enjoys them more than me,” says, adding, “I feel no two industries can be the same. Punjabi films can’t give the flavour south films do and vice versa. In fact, people from Bihar often reach out to me for my Punjabi films. I think we have crossed barriers and will continue to increase our reach,” says the 33-year-old.

Having started her career with Hindi TV shows, Mehta went on to make a mark in Punjabi films. The actor is now excited about venturing into Hindi films. She will be seen in a film co-starring Akshay Kumar, directed by Ranjit M Tewari. Talking about it, she says, “Akki sir is a superstar, yet so kind. I was scared and worried about how I would do it. By the end of our shoot, we got along well. As for stepping into Hindi films, I have never thought about how big a medium is. I pick up projects where I have something new and exciting to do.”