In a recent interview, actor Paramvir Singh Cheema expressed his determination to challenge the long-standing Bollywood stereotype of portraying Punjabis as always cheerful and merry through his latest series, ‘Chamak.’
In the series, Cheema takes on the role of Kaala, a young aspiring rapper returning to Punjab from Canada to uncover the mysterious death of his father, Taara Singh, a renowned singer shot dead during a packed performance years ago.
Cheema, who previously played a Punjabi cop in ‘Tabbar,’ emphasized his commitment to avoiding the perpetuation of stereotypes. He explained, “I wanted to break that Punjabi stereotype with ‘Chamak.'”
The actor highlighted the recent trend in web series like ‘CAT,’ ‘Kohrra,’ ‘Tabbar,’ and ‘Chamak,’ where filmmakers have delved deeper into the intricacies of Punjab. Cheema believes that there is much more to explore about the state beyond the traditional narratives.
He pointed out the need to showcase the diverse stories of Punjab, including those of female protagonists, and emphasized the untapped potential for storytelling about the state’s rich history and culture.
While ‘Chamak’ is a musical thriller exploring themes of identity, home, and revenge, Cheema underlined its broader message that no artist should face harm. The series draws inspiration from true events involving the untimely deaths of notable Punjabi artists like Amar Singh Chamkila and Sidhu Moosewala.
Cheema expressed his view on the unfortunate incidents, stating, “All in all, no human being should be killed. But, an artist is killed because of their art.”
Directed by Rohit Jugraj, ‘Chamak’ has received positive reviews and features cameo appearances by renowned figures such as Gippy Grewal, Mika Singh, Malkit Singh, and others.
The series explores the roots of the Punjabi music industry, politics, and crime, shedding light on the complexities within the state. Cheema acknowledged the positive response to such explorations, indicating a growing interest in realistic and diverse storytelling.
The actor, who initially had reservations about Gippy Grewal playing his on-screen father, shared the joyous moment when Grewal took on the role. Cheema’s father, recognizing Grewal’s stature, remarked, “Waah yaar, you’ve become a hero!”
Paramvir Singh Cheema’s journey into the entertainment industry began with a modeling career and eventually led him to acting. Despite facing challenges and a three-year struggle, he found success in projects like ‘Kaleerein,’ ‘Tabbar,’ and ‘Chamak.’
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, actors like Cheema are breaking away from stereotypes and contributing to a more nuanced portrayal of diverse cultures and narratives.
