Mumbai: Gippy Grewal is a star in his own right in Punjab, being a successful singer and actor. Now, the popular actor is all set to make a grand comeback in Bollywood with Ranjit Tiwari's 'Lucknow Central,' also starring Farhan Akhtar. In an exclusive chat with Deccan Chronicle, Gippy opened up about Bollywood and his Punjabi stardom.
How did you get Lucknow Central?
By god’s grace my Punjabi films are doing really great. My last film was a huge hit in Punjab that earned 50 crores. A lot of directors and producers from Bollywood approach actors from Punjabi industry and this is how I got this film. When I heard this film, I liked the thought behind it. I assumed that it will come out as a great film. I liked my director Ranjit Tiwari and co-actors. I feel I suited the role of Pali in the film since he has a similar body language as mine.
What all research you did for the film?
We collectively did a lot of research for the film. I personally don’t feel that we can’t make a film on same plots. If you see old Hindi movies, you will get to see some 20 odd films on the same subject. It all depends how you make it.
Will you continue doing Punjabi films after debuting in Bollywood?
I can never leave Punjab as it runs in my blood. The Punjabi industry is responsible for my journey so far. Films like Lucknow Central are not been made back there. There are few stories which are only Bollywood centric so I will surely plan to do one or two films each year in Hindi. I have always played hero in Punjabi films but Lucknow Central was something different for me. I will be also seen in Solo which is again a very different film as per Punjabi standards.
You are a successful singer, how did you plan to act?
I used to act in my school in Punjabi and I did a lot of theatre as well. I belong to a middle class family so I couldn’t come to Mumbai to struggle in Hindi films. Punjab industry has also evolved over these years and the people started approaching me for work.
Do you think an artist always has a small shelf life?
It’s been 17 years for me as a singer. I believe from 2003 onwards, my career kick started well. At one point of time, I used to do around 50 shows per month and my sleep went for a toss. I used to change clothes in my car while travelling; it became a house on wheels for me. Honey Singh came to me in 2008-09 and requested me to do a song with him. Later, he did 3-4 songs in my film Mirza which got him recognition. Soon after, we both composed Angreji Beat which went on to become a party anthem. I feel it is about time and luck. Baadshah is like my younger brother. In 2003, I launched him but couldn’t work. I used to tell him to do shows in less money but to get visibility.
How was your association with Farhan Akhtar and other co-actors?
In our entire gang, Inaam is the most notorious. He used to lighten up the mood on the sets. We opened up with each other quite early. They all were fun to work with. Inaam and Farhan visited my house in Punjab too.
