With Diljit Dosanjh playing the lead opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan in 'Udta Punjab', we take a look at other actors from regional cinema who are all set to find a foothold in Bollywood...
Several faces from regional cinema make their Bollywood debut every year. This year being no exception, quite a few regional film stars are all set to try their luck in the Hindi film industry.
Diljit Dosanjh and Kareena Kapoor
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Kareena Kapoor Khan starrer 'Udta Punjab' has Punjabi actor Diljit Dosanjh as her co-star. To his credit, Diljit is a leading name in the Punjabi music scene and his film 'Jatt and Juliet' (2012) is considered to be the most successful film in the industry's history. Reportedly, Bebo and Diljit bonded over food while shooting for Udta Punjab in Amritsar apart from other locations in the interiors of the state. The actor-singer treated the actress to home-cooked traditional meals in addition to taking her around the city to savour the local delicacies. Diljit is a self-confessed Kareena fan and claims that he couldn't believe his luck at getting an opportunity to work with the actress. He says, "God has been kind to me. I was offered a few roles earlier, but never wanted to do a Hindi film just for the sake of it. I wanted to essay a strong role as in Udta Punjab to make my Bollywood debut."
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He adds, "Even at the height of success, Kareena is down-to-earth." During the shoot, Diljit gifted Bebo a traditional Phulkari dupatta and a heritage sword for her husband, Saif Ali Khan. He also composed and sang a song for her.
hitlist takes a look at other actors from regional cinema who will make their Bollywood debuts this year:
Gippy Grewal
The Punjabi actor will be seen opposite Govinda's daughter, Tina Ahuja, in Second Hand Husband that releases next month. Gippy is an actor-singer who shot to fame with a song titled Phulkari.
Tina Ahuja (left) and Gippy Grewal
Tina's entry into Bollywood was due for long. She was initially slated to make her debut in 'Manchali' opposite boxing champ Vijendra Singh. The project, however, never took off. Later, Vinod Khanna's nephew, Akhil Kapoor, was slated to step in as her hero and the film was rechristened 'Tutak Tutak Tutiya', but that too did not happen. Tina is now finally making her debut in 'Second Hand Husband'. Talking about her co-star she says, "Gippy is a star in Punjabi cinema and a talented actor. I think that the audience today is looking for great stories that are told well and unconventional casting can work if the character fits the story. I get mails from Punjab every day with people telling me that they are looking forward to seeing us in the film. The audience wants to be entertained and are now open to films with newcomers and crossover stars as well."
Diganth
The Kannada actor will make his Bollywood debut alongside debutante Anushka Ranjan in cinematographer-turned-director Binod Pradhan's, 'Wedding Pullav'.
Diganth (left) and Anushka Ranjan
The film is centered on a big fat Punjabi destination wedding and has been shot in Thailand and New Delhi. The film also stars Rishi Kapoor and Satish Kaushik.
Sudheer Babu
Mohan Babu's nephew is all set to play a pivotal role in the Shraddha Kapoor-Tiger Shroff starrer, 'Baaghi'. Apparently, the makers wanted a fresh face that could essay a gray character and Sudheer fit the bill.
Sudheer Babu and Shraddha Kapoor
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