Daljit Dosanjh 4Surrey: Punjab 1984, a White Hill production was launched in Surrey on Wednesday. Punjabi singer, actor and television presenter Dalit Dosanjh is playing the lead role in the film. Noted actors Kirron Kher,  Rana Ranbir, Pawan Malhotra are the part of this ambitious project. The film uses the Punjab of 1984 as its backdrop and builds on a sensitive and heartwarming story about a mother’s wait for her son to return and a son’s struggle. The movie has been filmed at Tarn Taran, Amritsar and Himachal.

Daljit and Rana Ranbir were present at the press conference along with the producers Sunny Sidhu and Daljit Thind of Thind properties.

Answering the questions of media, Sunny said that the purpose behind the film is to tell the young generation about the events that took place in Punjab after 1984 incidents. We are inspired from a true story. It’s a human story where 1984 is the background. There is no political angle to the movie.

He said the reason we have done the global launch from here is because the production company is from Vancouver and also many people who have witnessed this era live here. We will be giving 10 % of our profit to the organizations fighting for justice for victims of 1984.

When questioned about similar movies being made in last couple of years, Sunny said, “Our movie is different. There has been no movie such as this in recent times. We had decided to make the film during the Jatt and Juliet 1 but had to put on hold the idea till the time we had enough money to make this historic movie. We spent around $3 million Canadian dollars.”

Taking questions from the media, Rana Ranbir said that his character is serious one, very opposite to the one he usually plays on screen, I do try to portray serious characters in theatre but this is the first time that I am playing a serious role on silver screen. I took it as challenge and I am hoping that after this film I will be taken as a serious actor as well and given opportunity to play many more substantial roles.

Asian Journal asked Rana about his role and expectations from the movie, Rana said this is first attempt towards a serious role; he got a chance to polish his acting skills while filming for the movie. On Asked about his dream role, Rana said, “I would like to be part of a movie based on novel Adh Chandini Raat written by Gurdial Singh.”

Speaking with Asian Journal at the sideline of the event Diljit Dosanjh told that he is hoping that his fans will like his effort to present a serious side of him as an actor. He added that he is proud of his effort; it took lots of hard work especially at mental level to go back in the era and re-live it for the screen. This role has made me realized another dimension of myself, I am proud of it.

When asked about the research that went into making this movie, Daljit said, “There are people who are still living with the memories and pain of those dark times. I met them, watched documentaries before beginning shoot for the movie.”

Daljit plans to play a historic character if this film is well accepted by audience, he declined to disclose the name of historic figure. As for Bollywood, it is on Daljit’s  to-be-part of list but he said he will only enter Bollywood if  he is offered a substantial role.