Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; January 21, 2020)

She took to the battlefield as the braveheart Queen of Jhansi, and now, with the slice-of-life sports drama, Panga, Kangana Ranaut is all set to up her game. And this time with jumps, dives, skill and tact on the playing field. In the film, she plays a 32-year-old mom, who chases her dream to be a kabaddi player. Much like the Kangana we know, who dares to dream big and fight every hurdle along the way. In a chat with BT, she talks about her real-life pangas, precious relationships and her idea of an ideal partner. Read on...

There is a song in Panga with inspiring lyrics, which says, Man ki jo sune, hai wohi changa. Lele, Lele Panga. Is that the mantra you live by?
I think so, and I would like to believe that I only listen to my heart and what I feel is right. I left home at an early age, so I didn’t have any overpowering figure in my life — a father figure or anyone else like that. I started working at 17, so I have taken panga since that age. Even back then, I did what my heart told me to. It could probably be the most immature thing to do, but I still did it. I thought, why should I pretend to be someone else? Why should my reactions be like my father’s or anyone else’s whose experiences are different from mine?

So, you have taken responsibility for all your choices and decisions, right or wrong...
Yes, always! When I left home, it was a very decisive moment in my life, because there was obviously a feeling like… what if it doesn’t work out. But then, I told myself…Whatever the consequences are, deal with it alone. Your parents didn’t sign up for this, so don’t turn around and go back to them’. It is not that my parents would object if I went back, but I knew that, hereon, I have to take 100% responsibility for whatever happens in my life. I have seen hard days; there were days when I slept hungry, and my parents could have easily afforded a meal for me, but I didn’t go back. I felt that it was unfair. I had chosen a path, so I had to figure it out and stick by it. Over the course of time, it becomes your second nature. You become that person.

When Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (director) approached you with this film, you were going through a difficult time in your life. So, what convinced you to take on this role, knowing that the project will be very demanding?
Ashwiny met me during a dramatic phase of my life. In my mind, I had completed Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi (2019), but I got to know that the studio was not okay with the film and wanted to bring another director on board. Eventually, I took over. I left a film called Imli and was also toying with the idea of not doing Panga. At that time, I thought I was not in the headspace to do this film, but Ashwiny told me that she would help me through it. I was shooting two units and would sometimes land on the Panga set, thinking, ‘Where am I?’ It was very unlike me. I was so lost, and she helped me through it. She is one of the most organised people I know, and her homework is on point. We both are very passionate about our work and operate from a place where we are on our own.

Panga focuses on how a supportive family can play a huge role in helping you achieve your dreams, however implausible they might seem. Your family is a big support in your life, likewise, you are like a rock-solid support system for them, too, right?
I have seen both the sides. I have also seen how miserable your life can be without your family. Initially, when I started out, my family did not support me and that was probably the worst phase of my life. Even though at that age I must have felt… to hell with them, over time, I realised that there are only those many people in the world who will be there with you all along. That’s when I decided to mend my relationship with them and be close to them, because the distance had become way too much. I wanted to nurture our relationship and have people around me, who I could share my life with. That’s precisely what we are talking about in Panga, too, that building a relationship with your close ones is everyday work and a process. Even now, while my family and I are there for each other, we can’t take it for granted. We have to work on it and invest in it emotionally, every day. I also think that I could go back and mend my relationship with them because of my success.

Could you explain that?
It would have been very unfortunate if I was not successful, because the kind of person that I am, it would have been difficult for me to mend the relationship. I am not someone who is good with failures, especially when I am dealing with people. When I fail, it does not change my perception of me, but when I look into people’s eyes and see their perception shift, I can’t take it. I completely block myself out and don’t meet anyone. I don’t think that it is anyone’s business to judge me like that. I am sure that I would not have gone back to my family if I had failed, because of my own ego, no matter how much they would have tried to help me. I am sure that I would have made a different life for myself. I am not here for people’s drama, with anyone throwing lines at me like, ‘Kaha tha humne tumhe (laughs!).’ I wouldn’t let anyone do that to me. Now, at least I can say, ‘Maine kaha tha tumko…’

You recently said that after seeing the relationship that Ashwiny and her filmmaker husband, Nitesh Tiwari share, you feel that marriage is not such a bad idea, after all? What are your reservations about marriage?
When you have so much going for yourself, you tend to get thoughts like… ‘The world needs me, why should I belong to one person (laughs!)?’ Also, with time, you can become compulsively independent in the way you live your life and operate, and the way you create your personal space. Then, marriage seems like a trap. When you are functioning better on your own, than with a partner, then, marriage doesn’t make sense, right? As partners, you should function doubly better. I see that Rangoli (sister) and her husband function well with each other. Emotionally, financially and spiritually, I should do better with my partner than I am doing on my own. If two people are doing doubly well together in these aspects, I am open to marriage. Even if it does not double up, it should not bring me down from where I am. I can see how Ashwiny and Nitesh function beautifully together and enhance each other. They are raising a lovely family together. When I see that, I think, ‘Okay, this works. This is how it should be.’

Panga also highlights an important thought in the context of our society — that a woman has no reason to stop dreaming and pursuing her dreams irrespective of her stage (marriage, motherhood) in life. While there has been a huge change in urban India, do you think films like these will bring such conversations into focus in smaller towns of our country?
A mother is the person who is most taken for granted in the family. When we were growing up, we didn’t know where the food came from, when the utensils were cleaned and how we got freshly laundered clothes every day. Everything was functional because of my mom. When I started running my own house, I had a team of four people doing all the work, and yet, it seemed a lot. My mom would do so much more for us, all by herself. We start believing that our mothers don’t have emotional needs or dreams of her own. Now, my when my mom opens to me, I can see that she is so vulnerable, and she has always been this way, but we didn’t see it. That is what should change with the film — we need to humanise our mothers; we most often don’t do that. Jaya (my character) is so much my mother, I dedicate this film to her.

How was your equation with your on-screen husband, Jassie Gill? While talking to BT, he said, ‘Mujhe bada dara ke bheja tha set pe, lekin jaisa suna tha waisa kuch hua nahi’. The film also boasts of some fabulous actors like Richa Chadha and Neena Gupta. How was the energy on the set with so many fabulous actors?
Even Ashwiny would get calls where someone would tell her, ‘She (Kangana) will destroy your film’. Jassie would get calls saying, ‘Tumhe toh bhagwan bachaye’. I think these are petty games that people play. It’s a bubble that bursts, because within 12 months, I am releasing two-three films. So, I don’t think that too many people believe in this narrative. Jassie is multi-talented, he is a fabulous singer, too. A director’s energy translates on to the entire set. Ashwiny was so homely and positive that it rubbed off on all of us. Even with someone like Richa, we may have different political beliefs, but that does not come in the way while working. The realm of art is such that it rises above political beliefs. I was the happiest to know that Javed Akhtar sir is writing the lyrics. For me, it is an honour to be working with him, even though our political ideologies are different. When I become a producer, I will pledge to never be coloured by any prejudices or people’s personal choices. Whether it is your belief, sexuality, colour or caste…how does it matter and why should it matter when you are working on a film? That is the kind of standard and behaviour I stand up for.

Initially, there were stories about Ashwiny and you not getting along, but she cleared those rumours and even says that today, you both are close friends and there are no pretenses whatsoever…
Personally, I feel that most people I work with and have an equation with, are 100% sweet on my face, but then they talk differently when they go into the media space. I never expected Ashwiny to speak so highly of me, because I have learnt this lesson in the industry that if you are an outsider, it suits their narrative to talk about you in a certain way. Even Ashwiny was surprised to see how some people met me so warmly, but behind my back they were different people. She comes from such a positive place that there were never any insecurities with her.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; January 17, 2020)

Though a star in the Punjabi movie and music industries, Jassie Gill had to start from scratch in Bollywood. However, he chose not to settle for insignificant roles and wait for something worthwhile. The actor, who will be seen as Kangana Ranaut’s husband in Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s Panga, spoke to BT about his journey so far and what lies ahead. Excerpts:

Kangana Ranaut, Neena Gupta, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Richa Chadha and real-life kabaddi players… on most days, the set of Panga must have been brimming with women...
(Laughs!) It’s true, there were a lot of women on this set, even in the technical teams. I’m a shy person and I take time to open up with people, but the team didn’t make me feel uncomfortable, awkward or like an outsider. It was smooth and I have Ashwiny ma’am to thank for that. She was clear about what she wanted me to do in every scene. As for working around so many women, I’ve grown up amidst strong women. I have three sisters — a doctor, an engineer and an accounts specialist. My father never questioned their choice of profession or education, just as he didn’t question mine. So, I have never differentiated between people, especially on the basis of gender. Even in the film, we have scenes where my character (Prashant) is doing household chores to support his wife Jaya’s (Kangana) dreams. I play a man who doesn’t bring his ego into his marriage, and we’ve shown it in a relatable manner.

Ours is known to be a patriarchal society, especially when it comes to the manwoman dynamics within the families. However, times are changing gradually and it’s reflecting in our films, too...
Yes, there is a change. The social set-up was different when I was a kid. Those days, men were bread-earners and the women worked all day to manage the house and kids, without a break, holidays, or outings. My mother spent her youth like that; she and the other women in the house would barely get an hour’s rest in the day. No one thought that these women, too, could have aspirations. Whenever I would hear my mother sing while doing her chores, I used to wonder itnaa accha gaati hain. I think I’ve inherited that talent from her. At one time, most people thought, ab shaadi ho gayi hai ladki ki toh woh ghar sambhalegi. That thought process is changing. I witnessed it when it came to my sisters. It also helps if the husband understands his wife’s aspirations. Panga is the story of thousands of women like my mother, who thought shaadi aur bacche hone ke baad woh sapne nahi dekh sakti. While playing a supportive husband to Kangana’s character, I channelised the husband I am to my wife because I’ve always pushed her to chase her dreams.

Panga delves into the compromises a woman makes to return to her passion, in this case, kabaddi — a sport she has previously played. Both men and women face similar situations in their lives. Has anything like that ever happened to you?
Oh, mere saath toh shuru se yahi ho raha hai. I borrowed money from my father to start my career as a singer. Woh paise kharaab ho gaye aur banda bhi nikal gaya haath se. At that time, I thought this is still a risk worth taking, but not with my father’s hard-earned money. Around that time, I got a chance to visit Australia, where I worked at a car-wash station and earned some money, which I invested in my career. Aur aaj bhi wahi paise ghuma raha hoon. You have to find ways to go back to what you love doing, you have to make that effort on your own.

Kangana is one of the best talents we have, and like Ashwiny told BT in one of her interviews, she strives for perfection in every scene. So, were you nervous to work with someone as talented and prolific as her?
Mujhe bada dara ke bheja tha set pe lekin jaisa suna tha waisa kuch hua nahin. My first shot with Kangana is where she’s working in the kitchen and my son and I are playing a video game. We did it with ease. When I go on a set, I am usually very nervous, but once I’m in the get-up, I’m at ease. I don’t let a name or someone’s stature affect me, and it was the same here. As an actor, you have to observe people. Kangana is a sincere artiste, who inspires you to do better. She is quiet, prepared for her take, and knows if she has given a good shot or not. She studies the details of a scene finely, which is an art.

Panga is your second film as a Bollywood actor (after Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, 2018), and there is another film that will soon be announced. After spending about two years in B-Town, have you started feeling like an industry insider?
I didn’t have much to do in Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, and so, I am not sure how much of my talent I could display in it. I have a lot of expectations from Panga because it’s given me a role that I have never played before. I got a chance to display my range as an actor. Initially, people don’t take singers too seriously when they become actors. With Panga, I hope people start taking me seriously as an actor. The greatest challenge when you enter a new industry is to prove your worth, earn your place and tell people, ‘Ji, main bhi hoon.’ I’m from the Punjabi film and music industry where I have a name. In Bollywood, I started from scratch. That is the biggest challenge for an artiste. People expect you to compromise and settle for smaller roles. I didn’t, and luckily for me, that approach helped me find good work. It’s not easy to find your feet in a new industry.

Many believe that in the film industry, networking and hobnobbing with the right people is important. Now that you are seriously pursuing a career in Bollywood, are you also planning to shift base?
Main toh hafte mein kai baar do teen chakkar bhi lagata hoon Mumbai ke, but I love the atmosphere in Punjab. It’s not that I don’t like Mumbai, but I feel at ease on my home turf. Having said that, I don’t know what the future holds and if I will really shift base. As for networking, I meet many people, but I don’t ever go to parties, seeking work. Attending bashes can’t get you work. Bettering your craft and making an effort to prove your worth with every role, can help your career.

Singer-actor Jassie Gill, who plays Kangana Ranaut’s husband in her upcoming sports drama, is married with a one-year-old daughter
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 13, 2020)

Jassie Gill is on his way to fulfilling another dream. He is outside a recording studio, waiting to sing a Shankar Mahadevan composition for his upcoming release, Panga. The lyrics are by Javed Akhtar and the actor-singer is excited to add it to his repertoire of peppy, fun numbers that shot him to stardom in Punjab. “It is completely in my zone,” he exults.

Jassie used to watch reality TV shows and imagine what it would be like to be a famous singer. In college, he opted for music because it meant less studying and practising what he already loved. “I started winning at youth festivals and realised I was good at it. Then, I visited my sister in Australia on a tourist visa and after four days, knew I couldn’t spend three months sightseeing. So, I repeatedly pestered my jiju (brother-in-law) until he got me a job at a car wash. With that money I cut an album upon my return. I believe it’s the same money circulating since, multiplying many times over,” he smiles.

To increase the reach of his music, he started making videos to convey the meaning of the lyrics. And through them he learnt to face the camera and emote. “I have have worked with Gurdas Maan ji, Jimmy (Sheirgill) ji and now Kangana (Ranaut) ji and learnt from everyone to make up for my lack of experience,” Jassie says earnestly.

He plays Prashant, a supportive husband to Kangana’s Jaya, in the Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s directorial. At 31, Jassie is himself married, having met his wife in the first year of college, and has a one-year-old daughter he dotes on. “My mother had told me I’d be working in Bollywood one day and after the birth of my daughter, I signed my first Hindi film (Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi),” he shares.

His wife and daughter are settled in Canada and he keeps visiting them or they come over from time to time. “Even if they were here, I wouldn’t be able to stay with them all the time because of my work commitments, so, it’s better this way. My daughter recognises me on TV now and likes music, so I’m relieved,” he laughs. But why are there no pictures of him with his wife on his internet feed though there are videos of him dancing with his toddler? “I’ve learnt my lesson the hard way and now keep my personal life private. I can’t go out whenever I want anymore. I don’t want my wife’s life to be as restricted as mine, so you won’t see her accompanying me to events and shows,” he reasons.

Did he channel his real-life husband-self for the film? “You can say so. I am quite hands-on, in that I can cook and look after the house,” Jassie admits, adding that it comes from growing up around strong women. “My father was a farmer and my mother a housewife, but they educated my three elder sisters despite everyone advising them to marry them off. My eldest sister is a doctor, the second has done her MBA and the third is an engineer. My strength comes from seeing them.”

The actor believes Panga could be a turning point for him in the industry. There’s another film, Sonam Gupta Bewafa Hai, in the pipeline, but Jassie doesn’t want to abandon his first love. “I’m collaborating on many music videos and will keep doing Punjabi films whenever my schedule allows. The industry has its limitations in terms of budget, but we have amazing content and soon, Punjabi films will be as famous as Punjabi music,” he promises.

Kangana Ranaut on girl power, most memorable pangas and the need to be alert at all times in the film industry
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 24, 2019)

Taking a cue from her character in her next, Panga, Kangana Ranaut turned up at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on Monday as a ticket-seller. After issuing tickets at a counter at the station, the actress headed for the trailer launch in Juhu.

At the venue, Yagya Bhasin, who plays Kangana’s son in the film, introduced the media to his on-screen family and unveiled the trailer. Also present were cast members Jassie Gill, director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and music composers Shankar Mahadevan and Loy Mendonsa. Talking about the film, in which Kangana plays a former Kabaddi player set for a comeback after becoming a mother, Ashwiny said that kabaddi is a metaphor in the film for mothers and their dreams .

The actress asserted that she never wants anyone else to decide her destiny. “In our industry, at 28-29, women are issued a suspension letter. Wrinkles, grey hair, personal or intellectual growth are frowned upon. I don’t want my job to be identified by my gender,” she added.

Kangana went on to say that her most memorable ‘pangas’ are with the film industry people. “You know how charming and pleasing they are in front of you, then plan, plot and stab you behind your back. You have to be alert at all times,” she cautioned.

Talking about the ongoing protests in the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act, Kangana said that violence should never be a resort. “In our country only three-four per cent of the population pay taxes, so what gives you the right to destroy public property,” she said adding that no one should be a sore loser in a democracy. When prompted that her co-star in the film Richa Chadha has polarising political views than hers, Kangana jumped in saying it’s good to have different views but they had a lot to talk about other than that while working together.

Deepali Singh (DNA; December 1, 2018)

Jassie Gill sounds out of breath when we speak to him over the phone. He is working out at a gym as nights are spent shooting for his next film, Panga, in Bhopal. The Punjabi actor-singer made his Bollywood debut opposite Sonakshi Sinha in Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi earlier this year and believes he couldn’t have asked for anything more, even if the film didn’t do that well. The actor, who turned 30 recently, wishes to see his work improve in the future. He says, “Every birthday, I look back at what I’ve achieved in the previous year and try and better myself. People know me as a Punjabi actor and singer, I hope they can accept me as a Bollywood actor now.” He is paired opposite Kangana Ranaut in the Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari directorial, which is about kabaddi. The pop singer believes that viewers will get to see a different side to him in the movie. “When women see him, I believe they will want a husband like him,” Jassie says. So, is he expecting a lot of proposals from girls post the film? “Let’s see!” he laughs. Over to him...

Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi (HPBJ) received a mixed response from the audience and critics alike. Were you disappointed? 
That was my first Bollywood experience and I didn’t sign it thinking it would be a blockbuster. I just wanted to work honestly and hoped that people would see the effort that I had put in. I think I managed to do that because I got a lot of appreciation. There are many factors that contribute to a film’s success. It’s not one man’s job.

You got Panga even before your Hindi debut...
I was in Canada when my team got a message from casting director Mukesh Chhabra’s office asking me if I could send an audition for a role opposite Kangana. Maine aise hi phone pe baithe baithe banake bhej diya. The shoot for HPBJ was still left, but I got a message that they had selected me for Panga. The announcement was made just two days before HPBJ released. It was a huge moment for me as it meant the industry had shown its trust in me.

How’s the experience of shooting with Kangana?
It’s really good. We have been shooting for the past 10-12 days in Bhopal. People will get to see a different side to me in this movie. It’s a film based on kabaddi and I think every family will relate to it because it will make you appreciate the sacrifices your parents make for you. I have shot a lot of scenes with Kangana. We work out in the gym together and she has heard and liked my music as well. It’s fun shooting with her.

Is there any insecurity on your part, since Kangana is a big star?
Not at all. I have been working in the Punjabi film and music industries for the past six years now and I have never thought about competition. I just do my work and feel happy when people appreciate it. Like I said earlier, a film belongs to all those people who are associated with it. And tomorrow if it’s a hit, then all of us will be happy.

Your single with Neha Kakkar, Nikle Currant, has received more than 149 million views on YouTube. Were you expecting this kind of response?
I have known Neha for the past four-and-a-half years and we had been planning to release a single for a long time. Finally, we managed to put together this song, but had to face a lot of hurdles before it released. The shoot got delayed because of the weather. Jo cheez jab honi hoti hai, tabhi hoti hai. The track released recently and the last time I checked, it was the fourth most-viewed video worldwide and is on Billboard’s world music charts, so I’m really happy.

As told to Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 5, 2018)

In 2009-2010, when in college, I had gone with my mom to visit my sister in Australia on a tourist visa. I was there for three months and instead of just sitting at home twiddling my thumbs, I decided to take up a job and enlisted my brother-in-law’s help. At the time, I was also planning my debut music album which I would start work on once I got back to India.

I ended up getting a job as a car washer. I got paid $60 per day and went to work even on Sunday. In those 90-odd days, I missed work just once when heavy rains made it impossible to commute. I slogged from 8 am to 6 pm, reporting to a supervisor at the garage. Since I was bent double all day, I suffered acute backache and body pain. But at that age all that mattered was that I was earning my own money. In the little time I had to myself, I was dreaming of the future and how the money would help me build my career.

I saved every dollar and returned to India with Rs 3.50 lakh. Today, singers launch themselves with singles but back then, you had to come out with an album with at least eight songs with videos to promote the songs. I wanted to use this money to pay for video shoots for my album. Unfortunately, I was cheated out of some of the money and even the work didn’t get done. I was disheartened and refused to turn to my family for financial help. To my good luck, I had started getting offers to perform at live shows and the money I got from them helped me make up for the shortfall and the album finally got done.

Batchmate came out in 2011 and was an instant hit. The following year, I released “Vigrey Sharabi”, and the sequel to Batchmate which was a bigger hit. One of the songs in it, “Lancer”, bagged me my debut Punjabi film. In the video, I played a poor guy in love with a rich girl who comes to college in a Lancer. I was approached for a film titled Mr & Mrs 420 in which I played a similar character. I had no idea how films worked. My director, Ksshitij Chaudhary, helped me learn the ropes. Once I took eight hours to shoot a small scene because I kept forgetting my lines. But slowly, I gained confidence and thankfully there was no repeat of that incident. I still get nightmares wondering what had gone wrong that day.

Batchmate was followed by the hit song “Classmate” which featured in the film Daddy Cool Munde Fool and another single, “Pyar Mera” in 2013. The musical journey continues. Meanwhile, on screen, Mr & Mrs 420 lead to Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar, Munde Ton Bachke Rahin and a few more films including the Mr and Mrs 420 sequel.

This year I made my Bollywood debut with Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi alongside Sonakshi Sinha, Diana Penty and Jimmy Sheirgill. Even before the film released, I had signed my second Hindi film, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s Panga with Kangana Ranaut. Usually people wait for the first film to release before offering you another, so getting another big film was a huge deal for me.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari on the inspiration behind her upcoming directorial, Panga, produced by Fox Star Studios
MUMBAI MIRROR (August 21, 2018) 

Behind every successful person is his or her family. It is the silent force and a source of strength. For Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, her existing reality is a reflection of her dear ones’ belief in her. The filmmaker, who has earlier made compelling films like Nil Battey Sannata and Bareilly Ki Barfi, is all set to direct Panga, which narrates a story reaffirming that a family that laughs, cries, dreams together, is a solid support system and makes everything seem possible even in the face of adversity.

Kangana Ranaut and Jassie Gill, as leads, see this belief taking shape in Panga, whic revolves around a new-age family that challenges stereotypes and dares to dream.

“When Ashwiny narrated the film’s story, I was completely moved. My family has been my pillar of strength and have always stood by me through thick and thin. I could really relate to the emotions of the film. Plus, Ashwiny is known for her slice-of-life films and I loved her recent work in Bareilly Ki Barfi. Panga is even more special for me as, for the first time, I will be playing the role of a National-level Kabaddi player. That’s going to be challenging for sure! I am looking forward to some exciting times with Ashwiny and the Fox Star team,” says Kangana.

Jassie, who is playing Kangana’s husband in the film, says, “I loved the script, especially the inspiring family angle. The film is a roller coaster of emotions but to me the real Indian family feeling was the most heart-warming part of the subject. Since I come from a very close-knit family, I could identify with the story.”

“I wanted to keep evolving with stories that talk about relationships in a new-age Indian family. Fox Star Studios is exactly in the same space of storytelling and I am filled with gratitude to work with them to see our vision unfold and create characters and stories that would be relatable to all and still be unique,” says Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari.

Rucha Pathak, chief creative officer, Fox Star Studios, adds “About a year ago, we had approached Ashwiny with an initial draft of a script that we believed would resonate with her. The idea was that almost all great achievers in any field credit their success to their family which is what resonated with Ashwiny as she developed the script further with Nikhil Mehrotra. Kangana herself did not hesitate for a second when we narrated the script to her and we’re delighted to have her, Jassie Gill and Neena Gupta as part of the Fox Star Studios family on this journey!”

Taking the family concept ahead, the makers decided to announce the title with the favourite family pictures of the primary cast and director. Surprised by the unusual idea, everyone enthusiastically shared the pictures that came together to announce the film in a unique way.
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DNA (August 21, 2018)

After Hrs had got this title from the grapevine a few weeks ago.

However, at the behest of the makers, we held back our information. Now, hit director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (of Nil Battey Sannata and Bareilly Ki Barfi fame) has finalised the title for her family entertainer starring Kangana Ranaut, Jassi Gill and Neena Gupta. It’s going to be called Panga! And now, we can finally go public with this one.

The title was revealed late last night in an interesting fashion. The makers put out a collage of some pictures from the actual family albums of Kangana, Jassi, Neena and Ashwini indicating that when your kin stands behind you, no one in the world can take panga with you.

Jassie Gill on those who opened gates of B’wood for him and playing Khushi to Sonakshi Sinha’s Happy in his acting debut
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRORR; August 20, 2018) 

Jassie Gill, who makes his Hindi acting debut opposite Sonakshi Sinha in Mudassar Aziz’s Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, landed the part because of his single “Nakhre”. According to the Punjabi actor-singer, that’s where the director first spotted him and noted that he was looking for someone with a similar personality. “They took a screen test and told me I was cast opposite Sonakshi. I was surprised but grabbed the opportunity,” Jassie recalls.

In the sequel to Aanand L Rai’s 2016 romcom, which was fronted by Diana Penty, Ali Fazal and Abhay Deol, Jassie plays Khushi to Sona’s titular Happy. “My character is a Punjabi boy who works in China. Happy runs away to the country where I meet her, and a lot of confusion follows,” he informs, insisting that making his debut with a sequel to a hit film puts no pressure on him. “Pressure is more on the director, who has a successful film to live up to. If Mudassar sir is confident about me, I feel blessed and lucky. I gave the role my 100 per cent.”

Talking about the filming experience, Jassie reveals that it involved a bit of “cheat shooting,” as the film’s team couldn’t shoot in China, where parts of the story are set, due to unfavourable weather conditions. “We shot in Malaysia and Thailand instead. We had just 15-20 days to prep so I tried learning some Mandarin thinking it would help with my character,” the actor-singer shares.

Shooting in the two locations threw up a pleasant surprise for him, too. “There are a lot of Punjabis in Malaysia and Thailand who would drop in on the sets. It made me realise the reach of Punjabi music,” he points out. According to Jassie, the credit for that as well as for opening the gates of Bollywood to his kind goes to actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who made quite an impression with his own Bollywood debut, Udta Punjab, last year, after delivering a slew of hit performances in Punjabi music and films. “I am proud of Diljit paaji, people are noticing Punjabi artistes now, be it Guru Randhawa or me. Honey Singh paaji deserves credit too,” he says earnestly.

Among the cast members of his Hindi debut, Jassie found common ground with Jimmy Sheirgill for curious reasons. “Jimmy paaji and I have met in the past, but we hadn’t worked together till now. Our surnames are similar, ‘Sheirgill’ and ‘Gill’. He is like an older brother now who helped me at every step. I was nervous about working with Sonakshi and Diana but everyone was so supportive, I didn’t realise when the shoot ended,” the debutant concludes.

BOMBAY TIMES (August 9, 2018)

The second instalment of the comic franchise, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, is all set to entertain the audience. With a distinctly oriental flavour attached to the adventures of its madly happy characters, the film by Colour Yellow Productions and Eros International features many Chinese elements like its language, culture and characters.

Since China is a strong plot point of the film, the makers decided to take inspiration from one of the most magical moments on celluloid, inspired by China — the iconic 50s dance number, Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu (Howrah Bridge), which was sung by Geeta Dutt and picturised on Helen. The team of Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi pays homage to this song with a fun and colourful performance featuring Chinese fans, oriental dancers and lots of drama. Sonakshi and Jassie Gill have lent their voice to the track, which releases tomorrow on Eros’ online video-on-demand platform.

Talking about the new version titled Chin Chin Chu, Sonakshi says, “It is a privilege to dance on a song featuring Helen aunty. She is a class apart, so I cannot even think of copying her; all I did was enjoy myself to the peppiest number of the Golden Era. I love how Mudassar Aziz (director) and Sohail Sen (composer) have added a Punjabi tadka to the song, making it very happy-go-lucky.”

Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, presented by Eros International and Colour Yellow Production, and produced by Aanand L Rai and Krishika Lulla, releases on August 24.
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Sonakshi Sinha goes behind the mic to reimagine 1958 classic Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu with singer-actor Jassie Gill for her next - Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 9, 2018)

After lending her voice to songs in Akira (2016) and Noor (2017), Sonakshi Sinha has put her vocal chords to the test again. However, the stakes may be significantly higher this time, as the actor has stepped into legendary singer Geeta Dutt's shoes. mid-day has learnt that Sinha has sung the reprised version of Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu (Howrah Bridge, 1958) for her upcoming film, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi.

Reimagined by music composer Sohail Sen, the song — that was filmed on Sinha and co-star Jassie Gill in China last month — has been given a distinct Punjabi feel to it, in keeping with the setting of the romantic comedy that sees her character Harpreet ending up in China due to a case of mistaken identity. It was apparently director Mudassar Aziz's brainwave to have his leads croon the Helen classic.

No stranger to the recording studio, Sinha admits that she gave a nod to the remix instantly, without worrying about the comparisons that will inevitably follow. "There is no better song than Chin Chin Chu, served with a Punjabi tadka, to rightfully capture the essence of our film. It's a double treat for me, as I am not only featuring in the song but also singing it," she says.

Gill, who is making his Bollywood debut with the film, considers himself "blessed to be part of the iconic song". "On the set, Sonakshi and I used to bond over Punjabi music. At the time, I had no clue that I would be getting an opportunity to sing with her."

Diljit Dosanjh, Jassie Gill, Isha Rikhi and Gippy Grewal

Deepali Singh (DNA; August 4, 2018)

Diljit Dosanjh was a household name in Punjab because of his films and singing career there, but Bollywood woke up to his talent only two years ago when he made his entry into Hindi films with Udta Punjab. The actor shone as a policeman caught in the world of drugs. This year’s Soorma proved, yet again, that the Punjab film industry export is not willing to settle for lesser roles and is here to stay.

The Punjabi superstar’s successful entry in Hindi movies has certainly been an encouraging factor for more actors from Pollywood — as their film industry is commonly known as — to look towards making their mark in Bollywood as well. Coupled with it, is the fact that Punjabi films have been doing extremely well in the last couple of years and have come under the radar of Hindi filmmakers who are scouting for new talent there.

While Jassie Gill will be seen opposite Sonakshi Sinha in Happy Phhir Bhaag Jayegi, Isha Rikhi was the female lead in Remo D’souza’s recent production, Nawabzaade. This April, Punjabi TV actor Sahil Vedoliyaa was also seen in the Varun Dhawan-starrer October. Punjabi superstar Gippy Grewal, too, acted in Lucknow Central (2017), although the film itself did not fare well at the box office.

Getting Noticed
Jassie, who made his acting debut in Punjabi films with Mr & Mrs 420 in 2014 and followed it up with movies such as Dil Vil Pyar Vyar, Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin and Oh Yaara Ainvayi Ainvayi Lut Gaya, was pleasantly surprised when he got a call from director Mudassar Aziz’s office. “Mudassar sir had seen a music video of mine called Nakhre and he liked what he saw. When he called me, I had no clue which film or what role he was planning to offer me. I had not seen Happy Bhaag Jayegi till then, but knew that it was a good film and had received a lot of appreciation. So when I was told I have been chosen for the sequel of the movie and that too opposite my favourite actress Sonakshi Sinha, I thought, ‘Yeh toh kamaal ho gaya’!

Bollywood wasn’t on the horizon for Isha as well, but things fell into place and she found herself playing the female lead in Nawabzaade. The actress, who has done films like Jatt Boys Putt Jattan De, Happy Go Lucky and What The Jatt, is happy that she is getting to explore another film industry apart from Pollywood. She says, “The Punjabi film industry has grown tremendously over the past few years and we are being looked upon as good actors.” "There are a lot of Bollywood actors, too, who are doing well here. It’s great to get such opportunities,” says Isha, adding that she’s getting to learn with each passing day. Ask her if Punjabi films will take a backseat if her Bollywood career takes off, and she says, “I’m looking for performance-oriented roles in good movies. It doesn’t matter what the language is.”

Bollywood On The Lookout
When director Jayesh Pradhan was looking to cast a fresh face for his directorial debut, Nawabzaade, he auditioned a number of girls from Mumbai. Finally, he found his female lead in Isha. “Instead of saying that Punjabi actors are looking towards Bollywood, I’d like to think it’s the other way around. It’s not just their good looks but also their acting talent and dedication that’s making them such clear favourites. As for Isha, I knew the instant I met her that she is right for the film,” he says.

The emphasis on realism and authenticity in Hindi cinema these days and filmmakers looking to cast actors who would do justice to their roles, is another reason, Jassi feels Bollywood is looking towards Punjabi actors. Citing the example of Diljit, Jassie says the actor lent an authenticity to the characters he portrayed in both Udta Punjab and Soorma. “When we used to watch movies during our college days, my friends and I would lament the caricaturish ways Punjabis were shown. Even the sardars’ turbans would not be shown tied in the proper manner or the language would not sound authentic. So, if the character is originally from the region, the audience connects with them more,” he explains. Since a lot of business comes from the North, Jassi feels it’s natural to look for actors from the regional film industries based there.

Massive Fanbase
If one takes a look at the social media accounts of actors from Pollywood, one would be able to get an idea of the massive fanbase that they enjoy. And it is these fans who come to the theatres in large numbers with their families and spread the word when their favourite Punjabi actors star in Bollywood films. Isha, who was recently in Chandigarh for the promotions of Nawabzaade, was overwhelmed with the response she received from her fans there.

“They were really encouraging and told me ‘Madam, assi te film zaroor vekhni hai’ (we will definitely watch the film)’,” she says, adding that Punjabi fans tend to be really loving towards their stars, and are always rooting for them to explore good opportunities. Although there will be many Punjabi film fans who must have watched the film for Isha, director Jayesh insists roping in the actress’ fanbase wasn’t his intention when he cast her, although it clearly is a plus. “I wasn’t looking at that angle. I just thought Isha suited the character of my movie and went with that intention,” he says.

Punjabi actor-singer Jassie Gill makes his B’wood debut opposite Sonakshi Sinha in an Aanand L Rai film
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 13, 2017)

Mirror (October 9) had earlier reported that Punjabi actor-singer Jassie Gill will be making his Bollywood debut as the male lead in Aanand L Rai’s Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi directed by Mudassar Aziz. Jassie who is presently shooting in Mumbai reveals that when he got a call from the production house he had no idea he was being approached for the sequel to the 2016 romcom or that his leading lady was Sonakshi Sinha.

“Mudassar Sir had seen a few of my songs like 'Lancer' and 'Nakhre' and wanted a character like that for this film in which I play a Punjabi boy working in China,” informs Jassie, adding that they have wrapped up 40 per cent of the shoot and on January 1 all of them, including Sonakshi, Diana Penty, Ali Fazal and Jimmy Shergill will take off to China for the next schedule.

The debutant recalls that he was a little nervous on the first day of the shoot as he was working with actors he had only seen on the screen till then, but quickly settled down. Quiz him on Sonakshi and Jassie admits he’s a huge fan of the 30-year-old actress. “In college when anyone asked me to name my favourite heroines, it was always Sonakshi and Parineeti (Chopra). I’m delighted I got an opportunity to not just work with Sonakshi but also romance the one I’ve long admired. When we met during the script reading and she called me by my name, main toh bas vahin lattoo ho gaya tha,” he chuckles, shyly confiding that he even got himself a picture for the album with Sona.

Jassie acknowledges that there is a plan for him to sing with Sonakshi in the film but nothing is finalised yet. He also wants to collaborate on a single with the Dabangg girl who had made her singing debut with the single “Aaj Mood Isqholic hai” and has given playback in films like Akira and Noor. “I haven’t spoken to her about it as yet but she has heard my latest song,'Guitar Sikhda', and I got to listen to a song that she is working on. I’ll speak to her about the album when I meet her next on the set,” he promises.

Jassie started out in 2011 with the album Batchmate which got into the hitlist with the song “Chudiyan”. Two years later, Batchmate 2 followed and it was a bigger hit. He turned actor with Ksshitij Chaudhary’s Punjabi comedy Mr & Mrs 420, and then went on to feature in Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin (2014), Dildariyaan (2015) and more recently Sargi (2017). He has just launched his new single, “Guitar Sikhda”, penned by Jaani and composed by B Praak. “I liked the simple lyrics and the soothing tune of this song about a guy learning the guitar for his girl. We shot for it in Mussoorie,” says Jassie who has signed two more Bollywood films but refuses to divulge details.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 9, 2017)

Mirror (Feb 15) was the first to report that producer Aanand L Rai and director Mudassar Aziz are all set to roll with Part 2 of their 2016 romcom, Happy Bhag Jayegi, which featured Abhay Deol, Diana Penty and Ali Fazal in the lead. This time it’s a ‘Happy’ Sonakshi Sinha headlining the cast of the sequel which went on the floors this month. We have now learnt that Punjabi actor-singer Jassie Gill will be making his Bollywood debut as the male lead in Happy Bhag Jayegi Returns.

He was in Mumbai last month and posting pictures while working out at a Mumbai gym. Aanand’s spokesperson told Mirror, “We are usually associated with quirky and fresh casting in our films as the intent is always to get the right actors and faces who justify the full potential of the role. Sometimes this involves going beyond the convention of region and industry to find the same. Jassie is a perfect choice for the role in Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi and is going to make the sequel even more special. He’s a talenthouse to watch out for.”

Jassie made his debut in 2011 with the album Batchmate that got into the hitlist with the song “Chudiyan”. It was followed up by his second album, Batchmate 2 two years later. That was an even bigger hit. He turned actor with Ksshitij Chaudhary’s Punjabi comedy, Mr & Mrs 420, and later went on to feature in Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin (2014), Dildariyaan (2015) and more recently Sargi (2017). A source close to the development informs that Mudassar had loved Jassie’s audition. “He had the perfect vibe for the character and Mudassar immediately finalised him. Jassie will start shooting in Amritsar soon,” adds the source.

Since both Sonakshi and Jassie are singers, the makers will also explore the opportunity of them singing in the film which also features Diana Penty. While speaking to Mirror (February 15) earlier, Mudassar had said that the essence of the sequel would remain the same. “Besides her runway act, we also refer to the word ‘happy’ as a state of the mind which is not everlasting. I wasn’t thinking of a sequel while making the first film, it was the encouraging feedback from the audience that set the ball rolling,” the filmmaker had said. The film is currently being shot in Amritsar. A schedule in China will happen later in the year.