"Didn't want anyone else to play Chaaku": Jagjeet Sandhu opens up on 'Paatal Lok' character

Jagjeet Sandhu opens up on ‘Paatal Lok’ character: The skillful actor reveals love for his character named ‘Chaaku’ in upcoming web-series on Prime Video.

Actor Jagjeet Sandhu, who has been part of more than a dozen Punjabi movies in the last decade and a half, will now be seen in his first web-series on Amazon Prime Video. Titled ‘Paatal Lok’, the web-series which is created by Sudip Sharma will be made public on this Friday, i.e., May 15.

Laying emphasis on incredible writing and inch-perfect casting in an interview with Punjabi Mania, Sandhu expressed conviction regarding Paatal Lok standing tall on its potential and not letting people down upon its release.

Being asked about making the cut to be part of the series, Sandhu revealed his first reaction after receiving a call for an audition. Sandhu also communicated his admiration for Sudip Sharma, who has previously written critically acclaimed movies like ‘NH 10’ (2015), ‘Udta Punjab’ (2016) and ‘Sonchiriya’ (2019).

“When they had called me for the audition, I thought this is a character which I can perform in the best possible manner. It was for the first time that I felt so strongly for a character. I had never been this much confident regarding a character in the past. I was like no one can play this better than me.

“There are some characters which you want to be part of your career. Fortunately, this one came my way. After getting shortlisted, I auditioned for three more times. I was curious to know more not only about the character but also about the whole series. I went to Mumbai and met Sudip Sharma. It was great meeting him. I consider this to be the best opportunity to prove my mettle in Bollywood,” Sandhu said.

Jagjeet Sandhu opens up on ‘Paatal Lok’ character

The trailer, which had released to invigorating response a week ago, had confirmed that the premise of the series lies in Sandhu and three more people getting booked for conspiring to murder a well-known journalist. Sandhu, who is playing the character of Tope Singh aka Chaaku, is expecting people to fall for his character.

“You can’t entirely call it as a negative character. I can’t reveal much but I expect people to fall for Chaaku rather than dislike him. You know, when I had received the call for an audition, I asked them for three days to prepare myself. I wanted to put my best foot forward as I didn’t want anyone else to play Chaaku,” Sandhu added.

Sandhu, who played the role of Dr. Rakesh Singh in ‘Leila’ on Netflix last year, lauded the format of a “web-series” primarily due to the room it gives to the artists to perform. An adept actor who constantly gets to work as a second-fiddle in Punjabi movies, Sandhu admitted being in awe of working in two web-series in as many years.

“Artist de keede bahut nikalde hai ehde ch [A web-series brings the best out of actors]. There is no limit to thoughts in this format. Films, especially Punjabi, cater to a very niche viewpoint and audience. [In Punjabi films] We mostly do what people want to see. You don’t feel satisfied as an actor.

“I remember being asleep after the first day of shooting for Paatal Lok. It was such a satisfactory sleep. You feel that you have done something. It’s this inexplicable feeling of doing something you always wanted to do. I thank god that I got to play this part. Such an opportunity confirms that if you wish something wholeheartedly, you end up achieving it.

“I am still considered as a supporting actor in Punjab. The thing about the web space is that it has quashed the notion of being a supporting or a lead actor. Everyone is a hero over here. You feel that validation while working in a web-series,” Sandhu mentioned.

The format has also provided Sandhu a golden chance of working with some stellar actors, writers and technicians. Apart from hailing the overall environment of working in a web-series, Sandhu divulged learning a lot from co-actor Jaideep Ahlawat.

“The best part about working with those people is the overall environment which you get to perform in. If you come to think of it, it starts from their writing process. Their scripts are locked well in advance. I got two good months to prepare myself for this character.

“When you have so much time, you start imagining things in your mind. You won’t believe this but whatever I had thought, the actual environment on the set ended up being three times better. It was the biggest high. The same has never happened with me in the Punjabi industry.

“Talking about the experience of working with someone like Jaideep [Ahlawat], the best part is that he doesn’t think about anything other than work. His conversations are only work-related. Jaideep is an outstanding person [to work with]. He guides you a lot. I have personally learnt a lot from him. Working with him has given me immense confidence,” Sandhu further said.

“I am a bit worried and even bemused…”

Having tasted blood at a higher level, Sandhu didn’t shy away from saying that he will have to be a tad extra careful before signing new Punjabi movies for his rich experiences will hinder him from doing a movie just for the sake of it.

“Honestly speaking, I am a bit worried and even bemused regarding my decisions related to the Punjabi industry getting affected now. Once you’ve worked at that level, you can’t work in below par films. You can’t see yourself not performing to the best of your abilities. Having said that, I am confident that people will offer me roles according to my potential in the Punjabi industry,” Sandhu opined.

In addition to Leila and Paatal Lok, Sandhu has been part of six Punjabi movies since the start of 2019. While some movies didn’t work at the box-office, Sandhu personally managed to register praiseworthy performances on each occasion. Being vocal on working in both quality and quantity, Sandhu disclosed on being an active planner when it comes to his career.

“I am someone who plans a lot. I believe things can go haywire if you don’t plan in advance. I always think about the release dates. For example, if this series is releasing on May 15, you won’t see me in a terrible movie after a month.

“Whichever movie has happened in the past has happened. But, I won’t sign a mediocre movie after working in a series like Paatal Lok. See, there are many terrific actors other than me in this country. I think it’s all about decisions. They can make or break you,” Sandhu added.

With the novel COVID-19 pandemic affecting the release of movies across the nation, Sandhu believes that filmmakers will have to up the ante with respect to the quality of movies. Sandhu, who was last seen in Jagdeep Sidhu’s ‘Sufna‘, commented on how the ongoing lockdown will change the audiences’ perspective regarding watching movies in cinema halls.

“I believe you can’t please the audience with bad movies now. The ongoing lockdown will surely change the perspective of the viewers. See, people are afraid [due to coronavirus]. They won’t visit the cinema halls easily. Leave aside cinemas, people will think twice before even stepping out. By the time cinemas reopen, people would have watched a lot of spectacular content across OTT platforms.

“I mean the lockdown hasn’t left many sources of entertainment. Even people in villages are watching content on Netflix and Amazon Prime now. People who have watched things like ‘Narcos’ or ‘Money Heist’ won’t appreciate ordinary films in cinema halls now. Any genuine cinema-lover will have accounts on streaming apps. Hence, makers will have to up the ante to allure people and earn applauds,” Sandhu concluded.

About Dixit Bhargav

<p>Engineer. Sports Management student. Cricket enthusiast. Ardent follower of the Punjabi cinema.</p>