Yes it’s a delight! Not only for Punjab’s acclaimed singer-poet and Sufi artist Satinder Sartaaj, but also for the whole Punjabi film fraternity. This cinema is already known worldwide. But now, it is going to be ‘truly’ international with ‘The Black Prince’, a tragic yet fascinating story about the last king of the state of Punjab, Maharaja Duleep Singh. The film, based on real life, marks the acting debut of Satinder Sartaaj who is already one of the most loved figures of Punjab. Brillstein Entertainment Partners executive Jai Khanna will co-produce the film which has been written and to be directed by Los Angeles (USA) based Indian filmmaker Kavi Raz.
A multi-gifted artist, songwriter, singer, composer and poet, today Dr. Satinder Sartaaj possesses an unprecedented list of achievements and remains in the fore front of his craft, a true inspiration. As an artist he excites, enlightens, leads and embraces his fans with insights into life’s meaning and deepest feelings. Born in the village of Bajrawar, Distt Hoshiarpur (Punjab eastern), as a child Sartaaj was hooked to the melody emanating from the flute and sarangi of the wandering artists. He graduated in Music with Honours from Government College, Hoshiarpur. After his Masters and M.Phil, he completed his PhD with specialization in Sufi poetry. He then taught in the Music Department in Punjab University for 6 years.
On being asked about his debut, Sartaaj smiles and says, “I think this question is not right! Who would not like to have such a debut in his life. It is an unknown dream come true. Unknown, because in the wave of my learning of music, I could not really felt my inclination towards cinema. And of course music is an integral part of films, so this makes a good way for me. During the past few years, I have been reading a lot of screenplays but I found a deep and profound connection with this story. It’s an emotional journey of identity, dignity and legacy.”
The bilingual English-Hindi project is budgeted at about $5 million and is out to potential producing partners in India. Set in India and the UK, the film’s team is eyeing a late September start date. Brillstein will help shepherd the various international cast, crew and production logistics, as well as begin to secure international sales.
The film follows the story of the last Sikh Maharaja (the son of the powerful ruler Ranjit Singh), who was placed on the throne at the age of 5, after the death of his father. In 1849, Punjab was annexed to British India and the young prince was removed from the throne and eventually sent off to England. His attempts to return to India and reclaim his kingdom were thwarted by the British. He ended up a pauper, dying alone in a Paris hotel in 1893.
