How reluctant Diljit Dosanjh was coerced to be part of Jatt & Juliet 1

Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh is coming back with the third instalment of his super hit franchise, ‘Jatt and Juliet’, which pairs him opposite popular actress Neeru Bajwa. During the trailer launch of the film recently, Diljit and Neeru opened about why they love working with each other and what makes their pair special.

Diljit is going to be seen donning the uniform once again in this rom-com. Speaking about the film, Diljit said, “Punjab Police’s attitude is a very different and unique, which we have seen since we were kids. They have sweet and witty humour. I can’t copy everything, but I’ve tried as much as I could. When we were in Canada for the shoot, I went to the washroom in the police costume. One person from Punjab met me in the washroom and asked me, ‘So, you guys have come here as well?’ I have tried to copy Punjab Police’s unique style.”

Neeru has been associated with this film since its first part, which was released 12 years ago. The actress has also completed 20 years in the Punjabi film industry. Recalling her journey, she said, “I want to thank my audience who has supported me when I broke some stereotypes, working after getting married and having children. I think our Punjabi audience is very progressive, however, we have been underestimating them. After 20 years in the industry, I continue to be an actress, which is such a big deal for me. I’d never thought I would be in the film industry for such a long time.”

Neeru further gave credit to her co-star Diljit for putting the industry on the world map and said, “It is such a beautiful feeling because like any other Punjabi, I love this man sitting here. I am so proud of him. The film is magical. Just working with him, especially at this stage, seeing where he has reached and what he is doing for all of us, is great. We are on the stage because of him. He has put Punjabi cinema on the world map. So, a big thank you.”

Continuing further, Neeru said, “Seeing him grow so much makes me emotional. We both are introverts. You don’t always have to talk or party together to have that chemistry. We are very fond of each other, so, some sort of magic and vibration happened for the film.”

Meanwhile, Diljit, too, was all praise for his first co-star. He said, “I remember Jimmy Shergill and Neeru ji had done a film called ‘Mail Kara De’. My first scene was with Neeru. I was very inspired by her. For the first time I saw a vanity van, it was like a dream! She was my first co-actor. She is lucky for me. We have done many films together.”

Narrating how he initially was not keen to be part of ‘Jatt and Juliet’ Part 1, but ended up doing two parts, Diljit shared a funny incident. He said, “Darshan Singh Grewal, the producer of ‘Jatt and Juliet 1’, called me to do a film. I had some issues with him, so I decided not to do the film. When I went to say no to the film, in a filmy style he signed a blank cheque and asked me to fill any amount and told me ‘We have to do this film!’.”

Continuing further, Diljit said, “I took my manager outside to have a word and asked him, “What should I do?” He said, “We can’t say no now.” Then I asked him who charged the highest fees at that time, and he replied “Gurdas Mann sahib”. So, we chose to fill the same fees charged by Gurdas ji, thinking the producer will back out of the film. But to our surprise, he agreed to it and sent us to Canada. However, midway his money got over. Then a second producer came into the scene and then a third producer came in when we faced further shortage of money.”

“It was then decided to sign up Neeru for the film. But knowing the high fees that she charged, we all decided to tell her that we’ve taken Rs 5 lakh each and requested her to do the film with us. After ‘Jatt and Juliet’ became hit, Darshan Grewal came to me first with another blank cheque and this time around I charged him a higher amount than before and he agreed to that as well. My standard was set by Darshan paaji. So, I took double of what I got in the first part,” narrated Diljit.

‘Jatt and Juliet 3’ is directed by Jagdeep Sidhu and is set to release on June 27.