Jagdeep Sidhu has written scripts for some remarkable Punjabi films- Nikka Zaildar 1, 2 and 3, Sargi to quote few. He has penned a dozen Hindi film scripts too, most of which are in-the-making, meet this upcoming Indian film director, writer, script and dialogue writer who is set to rule the cinema world with his mighty pen and hearty scripts.
How did your career unfold- what led to your decision of choosing direction and script-writing?
Since childhood, I was very passionate about movies. At the age of seven, I decided that I will go to Bombay someday. My family wanted me to join the Army, so I studied in Sainik School. But inside my mind, I was totally drenched in the movies world! I cleared NIFT entrance and chose Bombay for my further studies. I deliberately took admission there and made excuses in front of my parents. I really want to do something in movies. After going to Bombay, I was not too much interested in studying; I knew my aim is to do something else and my heart was somewhere else. I dropped out of college, after my fifth semester, and struggled for my passion. It all started in 2009. After struggling a lot I finally joined TV three-four years back. I worked in movie production, writing and the moment I decided to leave Bombay and go back home as I was unsure about career here, I got my first script writing break in 2013. I had almost reached the station to go back when I received a call and everything changed for me.
Who are the biggest inspirations for your career?
My inspiration was the real-life struggles and stories of writers, directors and actors. I listened to their interviews on ‘Jeena isi ka naam hai’ show. I observed that every person has their own journey which is full of struggles and I followed those things that inspired me a lot. I always thought they struggled a lot and have achieved great heights and so will I someday. One thing that kept me going was my love for Bombay. I have no idea how would I go there and where will I live, but I just had a passion of going there throughout my struggling days. Every small story gives me hope and is my motivation and inspiration.
During your first directorial and writing debut, what roadblocks did you face?
My first movie as a writer was RSVP (I was a dialogue-writer for that), which I got after a lot of struggle and time. I have written 10 to 12 scripts for Hindi movies which have not been made. The scripts I wrote includes, Dharma productions, Karan Johar’s film with Hritik Roshan as lead and one was for Remo D Souza’s film with Salman Khan as a lead actor, I wrote for these movies but they are not yet made. I have worked a lot with big directors but unfortunately the movies are not directed yet! There is a lot of struggle still going on if I talk about Hindi movies. About the Punjabi industry, I faced my share of struggle here too. I had a script which was very close to my heart, I narrated it to several directors but nobody was willing to do it. When everybody refused, I thought of directing it myself and ‘Qismat’ came out. That was my directorial debut. I did face too many problems as a director and I never wanted to be one. This was a story that was very close to me, so for that I ventured into direction.
Which is your personal favourite movie; that you really enjoyed directing?
I have done two movies as a director so the best one will be Qismat for the rest of my life because the script was very close to my heart and the response it got from the audience was over-whelming. Sargun and Ammy are very close friends. The film was more like a get together. The second movie is ‘Shadaa’, I am working for the first time with Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, they both are big stars so when I started off I was little nervous. But eventually it came out all well and everyone got comfortable. I hope that it goes on to be a big hit too.
Tell us about your experience of directing the Punjabi movie ‘Qismat’
Honestly, I did not realize that the shoot for the film is over. It was very smooth and easy for me. I used to fight for the other movies which I have done as a writer, but in Qismat everything went calmly. I did not have to shout at anyone, not even for a single time! It was a very good experience, especially because there was no outrage and annoyance. Somehow, after Qismat, I am little more mature. It created a friendly environment and everybody was surprised that the shoot of the film was over. It was an excellent experience.
How do you come up with ideas for your films?
I get ideas from a character or just a conversation or a story that relates with my thought process. There is no specific source for these ideas. For writers, the best thing they do is observe, and keep it in their subconscious mind. Sometimes the ideas come from within and we do not have to go out anywhere to search for them. There are numerous ways to hunt for ideas and I keep all the doors open.
What are the three important things you keep in mind while directing the film?
Script: It is the most important element for me.
Emotions: The right expression and emotional justification of the line should be portrayed on screen. The performance of actors with the right emotions matters for me more than anything else.
Team work: Working on a large project requires a great team. I love to listen to my team as they do possibly have good ideas and their suggestions can prove useful for the film. You have to trust and listen to your team. But at the end ‘you’ have to take the right decision because it is your product. You should not get carried away by all the things they say.
Who are the best actor and actress to work with?
I have enjoyed working with actors in both my films, Qismat and Shadaa, but Qismat has the special place in my heart.
Can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
My upcoming project as a director is Shadaa and as a writer, Nikka Zaildar 3, Guddiyan Patole, Shadaa and Surkhi Bindi.
Do you recall any funny moments on the sets or during the course of a movie?
A very funny experience was when our producer Pawan Gill performed on the song of Diljit Dosanjh, Putt Jatt Da. We used to wait on the sets what funny act Pawan would do that day after the shoot was over! We actually have 10 videos recorded of Pawan in different styles with Sonam Bajwa, Neeru Bajwa and Rubina Bajwa during the song’s shoot. The whole crew was excited about this back then.
If you get the opportunity to remake a movie, which one would you go for?
If I have to remake one movie that will be Dana Paani. The script and the story of the movies was very nice but it did not come out well on the screen. As a film I did not like that movie but as a story I loved it, so I really want to do that one again.
Which actor or actress do you wish to work with?
I wish to work with Sanjay Dutt, he is my favorite actor since childhood.
What will you chose if you have to choose between working as a director and script-writer?
I love writing, it is my first profession and I love writing but now I am enjoying direction as well. I cannot choose between them but yes writing is my first calling.
Have you ever thought of directing all the films that you write?
Not really, I do not wish to direct all the scripts I write. There are only few scripts that your heart years to direct, but not all!