Deepti Sadhwani: From working in the banking sector to joining showbiz, this actress-turned-singer looks set to leave a mark in the Punjabi entertainment industry.
While not many have the courage to bid adieu to a corporate job at a young age to join the entertainment industry, Deepti Sadhwani has started to find her feet in the showbiz after taking a brave step with respect to her "secure" professional life.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affecting the year 2020 in more ways than one, a significant positive for the Haryanvi entertainment industry was the emergence of different YouTube channels by names who had done exceedingly well in Punjab for years.
Sadhwani, who got to work with arguably the two biggest contemporary names from Haryana in Badshah and Fazilpuria, has been a beneficiary of the aforementioned after her most successful song was released by an illustrious label in White Hill Dhaakad.
In a recent interview with Punjabi Mania, Sadhwani opened up on the response received by Fazilpuria and Afsana Khan's 'Lala Lori', her transformation and upcoming fascinating projects in the Punjabi music industry.
In vicinity of 75 million views, 'Lala Lori' has been your most successful song till date. What kind of a response have you received?
I have received a very positive feedback. People are loving the song. Although the number of mass gatherings have reduced [due to the COVID-19 pandemic] now, I still get tagged a lot in people's videos across social media platforms. People have made [Instagram] reels, dance covers and are continually listening to the song in their cars. I hope we'll cross the 100-million mark.
You had a secure corporate job before joining the showbiz. How did the transformation happen?
After I passed school, I was fond of participating in Miss India. Before going to Miss India, I had participated in Miss North India. Just as I passed the 12th standard, I had won Miss North India. After qualifying for the initial rounds of Miss India, I started developing interests such as acting and theatre. While I continued to pursue the same in addition to modelling, my MBA got over and my parents wanted me to take up a "settled job".
I started working in the banking industry in Mumbai and they eventually sent me to London. Upon returning from London, I instantly decided to quit the job and follow my passion. I then did a movie which is yet to release. I hope it releases soon. I followed it up with a few music videos and am currently in Dubai for the same purpose.
How did the opportunity of working with Badshah and Fazilpuria come to you?
Badshah, the amazing artist that he is, I always wanted to work with him. He knew me from two years. We had discussed a few projects but somehow nothing materialized. 'Haryana Roadways' was meant to be shot during the lockdown and they were in search of a female lead. I was offered the same but was asked if I'll be able to shoot amidst the lockdown. I said 'Why not?'
Flights had just begun in June and I was asked to reach Delhi and then Chandigarh [by road]. I mean we took a lot of precautions. After multiple COVID tests, PPE kits, temperature checks and all, we thought as if it's a hospital and not a set [laughs].
Then I did a [Hindi] song with Vishal Mishra and Nishawn Bhullar ['Toot Jaayein']. Arvindr Khaira was directing the video. Working with him was an honour. Since Fazilpuria had sung Haryana Roadways, his team had confirmed another song [Lala Lori] saying that it will be shot after a month.
Throw some light on your upcoming projects.
Most recently, I have shot a music video with Meet Brothers. They have rapped in this song and even featured in its video. I am the co-singer and model in it. It has been shot on some very beautiful locations. It is named 'Butterfly'. It's a very cute song about a girl in a coffee shop.
Currently, I am rehearsing for a couple of MixSingh's songs. There are two songs by Desi Crew. We have a Maninder Buttar song as well. Even Rahul Nayak. So, these are the composers with whom I'll be working with really soon.
