Diljit Dosanjh becomes first turbaned Sardar to be honoured at Madame Tussauds
Mumbai: The genial Sikh singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has received some “Good News”. And no, we’re not talking about the Karan Johar production in which he’s starring in a lead role. Diljit is all set to be the first turbaned Sikh to be honoured with a wax statue at Madame Tussaud’s.
Diljit could barely contain his excitement when I met him on Monday morning. He had just returned from an International trip and was about to head to Chandigarh to shoot for Karan Johar’s Good News.
Diljit is still reeling in pleasant disbelief. “I’m still coming to terms with it. When I received the call from them (Tussaud’s) and they informed me that they wanted to do a statue of me, it got me wondering what I had done to earn an honour so high.”
It is a matter of immense pride that Diljit is about to be venerated at Tussaud’s with a statue of himself. Beaming with delight, Diljit said, “The only other Sikh who has been honoured at Tussaud’s before me was the great Milkha Singh ji. However, his statue does not have him wearing a turban. I’m going to be the first turbaned Sardar to be featured at Tussaud’s. I am humbled by all the love that I have received from the Indians all over the world!”
The date for the installation of the statue had to be postponed. “Our IAF officer Abhinandanji was captured on the day when it was originally scheduled to happen, so it did not feel right to install my statue then. Tussaud’s is now waiting for me to confirm my availability, but I’m feeling apprehensive about setting a date. The situation is very volatile and one can’t really predict what tomorrow might look like,” said Diljit.
Diljit’s roles are intrinsically restricted. “Because I’m a turbaned sardar, I can only play the roles of a sardar in movies. Either that or the producers should be willing to alter the script to accommodate my physical appearance. However, I don’t consider this a restriction. I think I’m very fortunate to be the first Sikh to be playing lead roles in Hindi films.”
The affable Sardar who has regaled us with his performances in Udta Punjab and Soorma is having a blast shooting with Akshay Kumar in Chandigarh for the Karan Johar production Good News. “Shooting with Akshay paaji feels like a picnic. We’re about to wrap up the shoot and the whole thing felt like a breeze.”
Did Akshay play his famous pranks on Diljit?
“No, not at all. I’ve grown up watching his films. I can’t dream of fooling around when working with him. But he does make everybody feel extremely comfortable on the sets. He is an inspiration to all of us.”
