On a Roll

Usually it’s the leading men who make a grand appearance — their big fat egos,big boy cars,an entourage of bouncers,all in tow. But today,it was Neeru Bajwa,who rolled in at the Press Club in her SUV,followed by an army of bodyguards,her manager and assistants. “It’s girl power,” she flashes a smile,looking way younger,fitter and radiant in the warm winter sun. The leading lady of Punjabi cinema,the only one to be precise,Bajwa’s all set for her next film,Pata Nahin Rabb Kehdeyan Rangan Ch Raazi with Tarun Khanna,which releases on February 17 worldwide. “We are also releasing the film in Dubai,which is a first for us,” said the actress,who has now risen from the ranks and is in every second Punjabi film. “Every second successful Punjabi film,” Bajwa’s quick to add. Directed by Ravinder Peepat,Pata Nahin… is a complete entertainer. “It’s a gift,for working with Ravinderji was on my wishlist ever since I saw his film,Waaris. The audience will see a new me in the film,” said Bajwa,who plays the role of a no-nonsense and focused girl,who is just not a decoration piece in the film. “I do much more than just smiling and singing in the film and get to explore comedy,drama and romance,’’ quips the actor,who has lived in Canada for a long time.

Shot in Bangkok and Shimla,the film’s basic premise is to move on,go with the flow,for there is a reason behind everything that happens. “It also draws inspiration from the life of the film’s writer,Harman. “He’s a genius and a talent to look out for,” says Bajwa about the Patiala-based debutant and also pays compliments to newcomer and her next Punjabi film,Jatt and Juliet’s leading man,Diljeet,who she says,is an actor to watch out for.

Punjab,believes Bajwa,has no dearth of good-looking and talented people,“Filmmakers need to tap into this talent pool rather than pick actors,who don’t have much work in Bollywood,” said Bajwa,who dismisses award functions too.

Charting new ways,Bajwa hopes that she can prove her mettle as a filmmaker in the near future. “I don’t see myself doing anything but films,and I really hope to do something for the women of Punjab,” said the actor,who is looking forward to her next Hindi film Bhaiyyaji Superhit with director Neeraj Pathak and actors Sunny Deol and Arshad Warsi.