Popular Punjabi actor-singer Jassi Gill says there is no sense of competition between him and Diljeet Dosanjh, and credits the latter for changing the perception of Sikh men on screen.
Jassi is set to make his Bollywood debut with "Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi" and feels people should be glad that Punjabi actors are getting prominence in Hindi films.
"There is no comparison or competition with Diljeet. We both are doing our thing. I think people should be proud that both of us from Punjab have made a name here in this industry," Jassi told PTI.
"I thank Diljeet for proving that a normal sardar guy can play diverse roles and have a massive reach. Before this, sardars were only shown as comedians. People who played sardars used to wear fake turbans and Punjabis always felt this is not how a Punjabi guy would be. Diljeet came and changed the perception," he added.
Jassi says his connection with the "Udta Punjab" star goes back a long way as he was fascinated the way Diljeet would wear his turban and learnt from him.
"I was in school when Diljeet had just started out and I used to look at him and other singers and would imitate their turban. I learnt how to make turban by looking at them," he adds.
Jassi made his acting debut in Punjabi films 2014 with "Mr & Mrs 420" and followed it up with movies like "Dil Vil Pyar Vyar" and "Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin."
Jassi says he has reached this far not by comparing his work with others but by competing with himself.
"I am aware that people do comparisons. I've never done anything to be better than someone. Wherever I've reached, it's because I've only tried to better my work. Competition isn't my nature when it comes to work," he says.
For his debut Bollywood film, the 29-year-old actor will be seen working alongside Sonakshi Sinha, Diana Penty and Jimmy Shergill, among others.
Jassi says the experience of shooting "Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi" taught him more than just good acting.
"I was very nervous on the first few days. All these are big stars and I was not sure how it'll be like. I was scared that what if I don't perform well out of nervousness. But after a while I realised that they are such nice, simple and humble people.
"I learnt acting from them but also that no matter what, always remain humble. Never believe that you are above and beyond everyone. It was the best feeling for me to learn so many things from a film set," he added.
Produced by Aanand L Rai and directed by Mudassar Aziz, the film is scheduled to release on August 24.
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