In a world rife with chaos, actor-filmmaker Jagjeet Sandhu believes that art is the key to finding peace. Gaining recognition from his role in Paatal Lok, Jagjeet is selective about his projects, aiming to take on roles that challenge him. With previous works like Oye Bhole Oye, Rupinder Gandhi, and Dakuaan Da Munda, he remains committed to his first love—theatre, which he considers a continual learning experience.
Jagjeet stars in the upcoming film Chor Dil, set for release this Friday. He describes the film’s unique premise: a man undergoes a heart transplant and soon turns to theft. In preparation for this role, he has adopted a clean-shaven look, which he admits makes him feel a bit shy.
A graduate of the Department of Theatre at Panjab University, Jagjeet emphasizes the importance of training for actors. He notes that while some may be born with talent, training is crucial for mastering spontaneity on set, as films are rarely shot in a linear fashion. Despite receiving numerous offers after Paatal Lok, he chooses projects based on their potential to excite him, avoiding typecasting by passing on many similar roles.
Jagjeet seeks films that not only entertain but also convey meaningful messages. He believes that while Punjabi cinema will always prioritize entertainment, it can also serve a greater purpose. Among his notable projects is a biopic on Jaswant Singh Khalra, which he considers significant enough to alter his wedding plans for its release.
In addition to acting, Jagjeet is involved in production. He founded his own production house to create films aligned with his vision. His previous project, Oye Bhole Oye, received positive feedback despite its modest scale.
Chor Dil marks the directorial debut of Jangvir Singh, who initially approached Jagjeet with a different script. After rejecting it due to its conventional wedding theme, they collaborated on this new story instead. The film was shot in the UK and features newcomers alongside seasoned actors like Fida Gill, who is excited about her debut in Punjabi cinema.
As the Punjabi film industry evolves, Jagjeet acknowledges the challenges of competing with larger South Indian productions but remains optimistic about creating sensible cinema that resonates with audiences.
