Jassie Gill seeks broader portrayals of Delhi Punjabis in film

Jassie Gill says he would like to make a film or music video in Delhi and portray the city’s Punjabi community with more range than he usually sees on screen.

The singer and actor was in the capital to walk as a showstopper at Delhi Times Fashion Week, his third ramp appearance. He said his first visit to Delhi was for a film promotion in Rohini, soon after he began singing. The visit was discouraging, he said, as a small audience dispersed after Honey Singh arrived.

Delhi has since become a frequent work stop for Gill. He said he has visited for about 12 years, at times nearly twice a week, for performances, shoots and wedding events. Many of his shows in the coming wedding season are scheduled in Delhi, he said, adding that Delhi and Jaipur bring the highest views for many of his songs.

Most visits have left him seeing little beyond airports, hotels and banquet halls, Gill said. Given time, he would like to visit Khan Market for kebabs and spend time around India Gate.

Gill said films often reduce Delhi Punjabis to drinking, mischief and flirtation. He said he would like to show other dimensions of their lives, including Punjabi artists and people who do sewa at gurdwaras.