I want to prove that singers can act as well: Sukhwinder
- Jyothi Venkatesh, Sampurn Media
He has sung, composed for a Spielberg film
To say that 2009 has been a fabulous year for Sukhwinder Singh would probably be an understatement. In February, Slumdog Millionaire won accolades and eight Oscars, and ‘Jai Ho’ became a rage across the world. Although Sukhwinder didn’t receive the award, Gulzarsaab – who won one for the lyrics – gave him all the credit for the song’s success.
That apart, Sukhwinder bagged a Filmfare trophy for ‘Haule Haule’ (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi), and gave us one more earth-shattering track in Kaminey’s ‘Dhan Te Nan’. Today, Sukhwinder is arguably the best singer of the Hindi movie industry. After entertaining us for years with his evocative and powerful vocals, he’s set to don an actor’s garb for the movie Khudi Ko Kar Buland Itna. In an interview, he spoke to us about his role in the movie, his wish to dispel a myth or two, and why he would never trade singing for an actor’s job.
What prompted you to take up acting?
Nothing can prompt me better more than the storyline. It is the poetry and melody of a song that attracts me as a singer. When Jagbir Dahiyasaab, who is the director of the film, came to me initially, it was only for recording a song. They weren’t sure if I would sing for a new composer like Onkar. But I loved the poetry and the song was recorded.
Then how were you zeroed in as the leading man of the film?
When I was recording the second song, Jagbir Dahiya was present for the recording. He thought that I suited the character very well. You see whenever I sing a song, I get into the spirit of it and the expressions show on my face. So, he offered me this role. Though initially I said no, when he asked me again and again persistently, I asked them to let me read the script. Once I read the script, I was hooked.
What role are you playing in the film?
I play the character of Rishi in the film. Rishi is a simple guy from a small town who comes to Mumbai and meets two other boys played by Vikrum Kumar and Rufi Khan.
What made you accept the role?
To tell you the truth, it was the simplicity of my character and the depth of the story that attracted me to this film. I am not complicated and even Rishi is a very simple and straight guy. Rishi is a philosopher who lives by his principles. He bothers too much about people and society. It’s his journey with his friends that forms the crux of this socially relevant film.
