Sargun Mehta, known for her upcoming role in the Punjabi film “Jatt Nuu Chudail Takri,” recently discussed her experience as a producer and her decision to stay away from Bollywood.
She emphasized her passion for acting but revealed that producing allows her to explore unique projects that may not come her way otherwise.
“I prefer being an actor any day, I am a producer because I want to act in projects that nobody else would ever offer to me.”
Transitioning into producing, Sargun highlighted her journey in the Punjabi film industry, where she has made a mark despite initial skepticism.
She explained that her decision to delve into regional cinema stemmed from a deep-seated calling, despite warnings about its limited reach in the past. However, she noted the significant growth the industry has witnessed over the years, contrary to its earlier status. She said,
“I didn’t have skepticism. I left a lot behind. I had a TV show, a South offer that I left because the Punjabi industry just felt like a calling for me. Everybody told me that I was going from a national medium to regional cinema that was not catering to any audience at that time. Seven years back when I finished my first film Angrej, and I was supposed to do a second one, I realized that only 5 to 6 films were being made there in a year. You couldn’t get cast in all 6 films, it was a very small medium at that time. Today 70 films are made in a year and we do a business close to Rs 100 crore, that’s how the cinema has seen a jump in 8 years. Today, Angerj is a classic in Punjab, but the national audience doesn’t know about it.”
Reflecting on her Bollywood prospects, Sargun pointed out the lack of opportunities that existed for her at the time.
She mentioned the absence of offers and the distant nature of the industry, contrasting it with the present scenario where platforms like Instagram have bridged the gap between regional and national cinema.
When asked why she not considered a career in Bollywood, Sargun quickly replied,
“Who was taking me in Bollywood then? No one came and told me ‘aaja tujhe star banata hu (come I’ll make you a star).’ Today things seem a little closer to actors because there is Instagram, the industry feels 10 steps closer. There are so many options to act, the barriers between regional cinema have diluted, but we didn’t have that. I never wanted to not be a heroine or not do anything important in a film, so I chose to start there.”
As she navigates her role as a producer, Sargun admitted to a shift in perspective regarding actors. She acknowledged that not all actors are to her liking, a realization she came to after experiencing the challenges faced by producers firsthand. This newfound awareness has made her more cautious and discerning in her dealings with actors, a departure from her earlier mindset.
“Ab mujhe saare actors acche nahi lagte (Now I don’t like all actors). Earlier I would believe everything that an actor said about a producer being stingy or other things. There is so much that goes on the other side. Now I am 20 times more careful when dealing with a producer. As an actor I was like that earlier also, I don’t even ask for water. Now when actors make demands, I say in my head you know nothing. As a producer, I don’t like all actors. It’s a very weird thing.”
Despite her reservations about horror films, Sargun expressed excitement about her latest project, “Jatt Nuu Chudail Takri,” which she believes offers a refreshing take on the genre. She also shared her dream of working with Shah Rukh Khan, envisioning herself in romantic scenes with the Bollywood icon.
“I want to romance him on screen. Every time I see SRK romancing somebody I just close my eyes and think that’s me. I saw Challeya recently and mentally I replaced Nayanthara with myself I do that with every woman he romances.”
Watch the interview here:
Sargun Mehta remains dedicated to entertaining her audience through diverse roles and projects, embracing both acting and producing as avenues for creative expression.