Cinema of Punjab
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Punjabi cinema, sometimes metonymously referred to as Pollywood or Punjwood is the Punjabi-language film industry centered around the
India India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
n state of
Punjab Punjab (; Punjabi: پنجاب ; ਪੰਜਾਬ ; ; also romanised as ''Panjāb'' or ''Panj-Āb'') is a geopolitical, cultural, and historical region in South Asia, specifically in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, comprising ...
, and based in
Amritsar Amritsar (), historically also known as Rāmdāspur and colloquially as ''Ambarsar'', is the second largest city in the Indian state of Punjab, after Ludhiana. It is a major cultural, transportation and economic centre, located in the Majha r ...
and
Mohali Mohali, officially known as Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, is a planned city in the Mohali district in Punjab (India), Punjab, India, which is an administrative and a commercial hub lying south-west of Chandigarh. It is the headquarters of the Moh ...
. The cinema of
Punjab Punjab (; Punjabi: پنجاب ; ਪੰਜਾਬ ; ; also romanised as ''Panjāb'' or ''Panj-Āb'') is a geopolitical, cultural, and historical region in South Asia, specifically in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, comprising ...
has its beginnings with the 1928 production of '' Daughters of Today'', the earliest feature film produced in the region. The first
sound film A sound film is a motion picture with synchronized sound, or sound technologically coupled to image, as opposed to a silent film. The first known public exhibition of projected sound films took place in Paris in 1900, but decades passed before ...
, ''
Heer Ranjha ''Heer Ranjha'' (or ''Heer and Ranjha'') ( pnb, , ਹੀਰ ਰਾਂਝਾ ) is one of several popular tragic romances of Punjab, other important ones being "Sohni Mahiwal", "Mirza Sahiban" and " Sassi Punnhun". There are several poetic na ...
'', using the
sound-on-disc Sound-on-disc is a class of sound film processes using a phonograph or other disc to record or play back sound in sync with a motion picture. Early sound-on-disc systems used a mechanical interlock with the movie projector, while more recent syste ...
technology, was released in 1932. Since then, many films have been produced in Punjabi cinema, a number of which have received international recognition. Many actors and filmmakers started their careers in Punjabi films, a number of whom have acquired international reputations, and a number of whom have found greater financial benefits in careers in larger film producing industries.


History

Film operations started in the 1920s in
Lahore Lahore ( ; pnb, ; ur, ) is the second most populous city in Pakistan after Karachi and 26th most populous city in the world, with a population of over 13 million. It is the capital of the province of Punjab where it is the largest city. ...
, the provincial capital of
British Punjab Punjab was a province of British India. Most of the Punjab region was annexed by the East India Company in 2 April 1849, and declared a province of British Rule, it was one of the last areas of the Indian subcontinent to fall under British co ...
. The first silent film, '' Daughters of Today'', was released in 1924 in Lahore; the city had nine operational cinema houses. Movies shown at these cinemas were mostly produced in
Bombay Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' financial centre of India. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Mumbai is the second- ...
and
Calcutta Kolkata (, or , ; also known as Calcutta , List of renamed places in India#West Bengal, the official name until 2001) is the Capital city, capital of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of West Bengal, on the eastern ba ...
, and seldom from Hollywood and
London London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a majo ...
. ''Daughters of Today'' was a brainchild of G.K. Mehta, a former officer with the North-Western Railways who, much like H. S. Bhatavdekar, had imported a camera into the country. Mehta continued to produce newsreel coverage for companies abroad and delved into further film projects but his dedication gave way when he promptly left the film industry for more profitable ventures. But it was to be later in 1929–1930, when
Abdur Rashid Kardar Abdur Rashid Kardar (1904–1989) was an Indian film actor, director and producer. He is credited with establishing the film industry in the Bhati Gate locality of Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan).Husn Ka Daku ''Husn Ka Daku'' is a 1929 action adventure silent film directed by A. R. Kardar. The film, also called ''Mysterious Eagle'' was made by Kardar's Playart Phototone. Kardar acted in this, his first production from Playart Phototone. Playart Photo ...
'' was released, that the film industry had established in essence in Lahore's
Bhati Gate Bhati Gate ( ur, , ''Bhati Darwaza'') is one of the historic thirteen gates of the Walled City of Lahore in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Bhati Gate also serves as a union council located in the Ravi Zone. The gate is located near Data Darbar a ...
locality. Kardar, a professional
calligraphist Calligraphy (from el, link=y, καλλιγραφία) is a visual art related to writing. It is the design and execution of lettering with a pen, ink brush, or other writing instrument. Contemporary calligraphic practice can be defined as "t ...
, was accompanied by his fellow-artist and friend Muhammad Ismail, who would make the posters for his films.


Sound films (1930s–1946)

Although Kardar had worked with G.K. Mehta on ''The Daughters of Today'', he felt he needed to continue working and stay active in the industry. Alongside Ismail, he sold all his belongings to set up a studio and a production company under the name United Players Corporation, in 1928. Set up at Ravi Road (now Timber Market), the duo hired actors to work with them on their projects. Shooting was mainly done in daylight and limited their productivity, but the area they encompassed was enriched with locations, including important landmarks. The duo modeled their work on American and English films with influences not just prevalent in actors' attires but the movie titles and expressed a desire to seek all means necessary to make a sound film of their own. Actors who worked for the studio included Hiralal, Gul Hamid, Nazir, Pran Sikhand, Kaushalya Devi, Gulzaar, Mumtaaz and Ahmed Deen. ''Husn Ka Daku'', also known as ''Mysterious Eagle'', Kardar's directorial début would firmly add him into the directors guild. Produced by Hakim Ram Prasad, the 1932 released ''
Heer Ranjha ''Heer Ranjha'' (or ''Heer and Ranjha'') ( pnb, , ਹੀਰ ਰਾਂਝਾ ) is one of several popular tragic romances of Punjab, other important ones being "Sohni Mahiwal", "Mirza Sahiban" and " Sassi Punnhun". There are several poetic na ...
'', originally titled ''Hoor Punjab'', was the first Punjabi sound film ever made. Hakim provided the studio with the equipment necessary to direct the sound film, marked as the last directed by Kardar in Lahore, starring M. Ismail while launching the careers of Rafiq Ghaznavi, Nazeer and Anwari. Produced by Indira Movie Tone, Krishna Dev Mehra released his directorial début, '' Pind Di Kudi'', in 1935. The sound film, Pind Di Kudi was produced in Calcutta and released in Lahore and introduced young Noor Jahan as an actor and a playback singer. Due to the success of this film, interest in Punjabi films started to escalate; therefore, in 1938, with the assistance of Madan Mohan Mehra, K.D. Mehra released his second Punjabi sound film, '' Heer Sial''. Studios started to open and many actors, filmmakers and technicians shifted from
Bombay Mumbai (, ; also known as Bombay — the official name until 1995) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the ''de facto'' financial centre of India. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Mumbai is the second- ...
and Calcutta to Lahore. Prominent names included
Shanta Apte Shanta Apte (1916–1964) was an Indian actress-singer who worked in Marathi and Hindi cinema. Renowned for her roles in films like ''Duniya Na Mane/Kunku'' (1937) and '' Amar Jyoti'' (1936) under the Prabhat Films banner, she was active in In ...
, Motilal, Chandra Mohan, Hiralal, Noor Jehan,
Mumtaz Shanti Mumtaz Shanti (28 May 1926 – 19 October 1994) was a popular actress in Indian and Pakistani Cinema during 1940s and 1950s. She was known as ''The Jubilee Girl'' because of her roles in films '' Basant'' and '' Kismet''. She worked in films in ...
, Wali, Syed Attahullah Shah Hashmi, Krishna Kumar, and Shanker Hussain.
Baldev Raj Chopra Baldev Raj Chopra (22 April 1914 – 5 November 2008) was a famous Indian director and producer of Bollywood industry and television series . Best known for directing Hindi films like ''Naya Daur'' (1957), '' Sadhna'' (1958), ''Kanoon'' (1961) ...
, later known as a director, started from the Punjabi film industry in Lahore, where he operated a film magazine called the ''Cine Herald''. Likewise,
Ramanand Sagar Chandramauli Chopra ( ; 29 December 1917 – 12 December 2005) known professionally as Ramanand Sagar, was an Indian filmmaker, editor, playwright, poet and an author. He is best known for making the television show '' Ramayan'' (1987-1988). The ...
, later a director, was associated with the ''Evening News'' and Syed Attahullah Shah Hashmi worked for the film newspaper, ''Adakar''. Bhati Gate is known to have produced some of most notable actors, writers and artists, but with tensions running swift towards the independence of Pakistan and India in 1947, most of the actors traveled into areas that are now a part of modern India. The industry left in Lahore would later be termed as
Lollywood Lollywood ( ur, , translit=lâli vuḍ) refers to Pakistan's film industry based in Lahore, previously the base for both Punjabi and Urdu language film production. Lahore has been the center of Pakistani cinema since the partition of ...
, a portmanteau of Lahore and Hollywood.


Post–Punjab partition

In 1947, the British province of Punjab was partitioned between India and Pakistan. West Punjab became part of Pakistan and East Punjab became part of India. This compelled Punjabi film actors, filmmakers and musicians to work in the Bombay industry, including actors such as
K.L. Saigal Kundan Lal Saigal, often abbreviated as K. L. Saigal (11 April 1904 – 18 January 1947), was an Indian singer and actor who is considered the first superstar of the Hindi film industry, which was centred in Kolkata during Saigal's time, but is ...
,
Prithviraj Kapoor Prithviraj Kapoor (born Prithvinath Kapoor; 3 November 1906 – 29 May 1972) was an Indian actor who is also considered to be one of the founding figures of Hindi cinema. He was associated with IPTA as one of its founding members and establish ...
,
Dilip Kumar Mohammed Yusuf Khan (; 11 December 1922 – 7 July 2021), better known by his stage name Dilip Kumar, was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi cinema. Credited with pioneering method acting in cinema, he dominated the Indian movie scene from lat ...
and
Dev Anand Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand (26 September 1923 – 3 December 2011), better known as Dev Anand, was an Indian actor, writer, director and producer known for his work in Hindi cinema, through a career that spanned over six decades. He was ...
and singers such as
Mohammed Rafi Mohammed Rafi (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980) was an Indian playback singer and musician. He is considered to have been one of the greatest and most influential singers of the Indian subcontinent. Rafi was notable for his versatility and ...
, Noorjahan and
Shamshad Begum Shamshad Begum (Hindi: शमशाद बेगम, IAST: ''Śamśād Bēgam''; 14 April 1919 – 23 April 2013) was an Indian singer who was one of the first playback singers in the Hindi film industry. Notable for her distinctive voice and ...
. In 1948, Roop K. Shorey directed the first Punjabi film following the partition of Punjab. Other notable films of the late 1940s included
Lachhi Lachhi ( pa, ਲੱਛੀ) is a 1949 Punjabi film. The film was a big hit. Hansraj Behl composed the music and Mulk Raj Bhakhri penned the lyrics. Mohammad Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum,S.Balbir are the lead playback singers. Its so ...
(1949), Mundri (1949) and
Pheray ''Pheray'' is a 1949 Pakistani Punjabi-language film directed by Nazir Ahmed Khan.Posti Posti can refer to: * ''Posti'' (1950 film), a Punjabi film * Posti Group, the Finnish national post office * Posti, Estonia, a place in south-eastern Estonia * Posti SA, tea company in Poland * ''Posti'' (2022 film), a Punjabi film {{Disa ...
'', ''
Do Lachhian ''Do Lachhian'' ( pa, ਦੋ ਲੱਛੀਆਂ) is a 1960 (sometimes written 1959) Punjabi film directed by Jugal Kishore, starring Gopal Sehgal, Daljeet, Indira Billi and Krishna Kumari in lead roles. Synopsis ''Do Lachhian'' is a romanti ...
'' and '' Bhangra'' with some success but were not able to revive Punjabi cinema. Songs from the films would run for months and years on the radio resulting in a long-term audience for the films. Post-partition, the trend of comedies continued. One of the hit comedies was Mulkh Raj Bhakhri's ''Bhangra'' (1958), starring Sundar and Nishi. It was remade by director Mohan Bhakhri as ''Jatti'' in 1980 with
Mehar Mittal Mehar Mittal (24 October 1934 – 22 October 2016)The ...
and Aparna Chowdhry, and it was again a commercial success. The music from the film was by
Hansraj Behl Hansraj Behl (19 November 1916 – 20 May 1984) was an Indian music composer, who composed music both for Hindi and Punjabi films. Early life and education Born in Ambala, British Punjab, Hansraj received his early education in music from ...
with lyrics by
Verma Malik Verma Malik (13 April 1925 – 15 March 2009) was a Bollywood film songs lyricist. He was an active freedom fighter during the British Raj. He wrote many patriotic songs and bhajans and recited them immediately prior to penning lyrics for fi ...
. Songs sung by Shamshad and Rafi like "Batti balkay banere utte rakhdi han, rah bhul na jave chann mera" and "Chitte dand hasnon nayion rehnde" were widespread hits. ''Johnny Walker'' (1957) was a hit. The big-budget romantic Punjabi film by director Padam Prakash Maheshwary, '' Satluj De Kande'', was released in 1964. This film starred
Balraj Sahni Brigadier Balraj (born Balasegaram Kandiah) was a senior commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Early life Balraj was the fifth and youngest child of Kandiah and Kannagias. He received his primary education in Kokkuthoduwaai ...
, Nishi, Wasti, and Mirza Musharraf, with music by
Hansraj Behl Hansraj Behl (19 November 1916 – 20 May 1984) was an Indian music composer, who composed music both for Hindi and Punjabi films. Early life and education Born in Ambala, British Punjab, Hansraj received his early education in music from ...
. This was the only Punjabi film starring Balraj Sahni. It was a major hit and earned a
National Film Award The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it has been administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directora ...
. ''Satluj de Kande'' was telecasted three times on the public TV channel
Doordarshan Doordarshan (abbreviated as DD; Hindi: , ) is an Indian public service broadcaster founded by the Government of India, owned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and one of Prasar Bharati's two divisions. One of India's largest bro ...
in India. In 1969 the religious film ''
Nanak Nam Jahaz Hai ''Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai'' is a 1969 National Award winning Punjabi film directed by Ram Maheshwary, starring Prithviraj Kapoor, I. S. Johar, Nishi and Vimi. The film is based on a true incident which took place at Golden Temple, Amritsar. The ...
'' starring
Prithviraj Kapoor Prithviraj Kapoor (born Prithvinath Kapoor; 3 November 1906 – 29 May 1972) was an Indian actor who is also considered to be one of the founding figures of Hindi cinema. He was associated with IPTA as one of its founding members and establish ...
,
I. S. Johar Inder Sen Johar(16 February 1920 – 10 March 1984), better known as I. S. Johar, was an Indian actor, writer, producer and director, who excelled in comedic roles. Early life Inderjeet Singh Johar was born on 16th February, 1920 in Talagang ...
, Vimmi, Som Dutt, Nishi, Suresh, and David Abraham was released. The film was the first really major successful Punjabi film in post-independent India, with a major cultural impact on
Punjabi Sikhs Punjabi Sikhs are adherents of Sikhism who identify linguistically, culturally, and genealogically as Punjabis and are native of Undivided Punjab region of Indian Subcontinent. Sikhism is an Indigenous religion born and brought up in Punjab ...
at home and abroad, and is credited with the revival of the Punjabi film industry in India. People stood in kilometre-long lines to buy a ticket for the film.


1970s

After the success of ''Nanak Nam Jahaz Hai'', films were released in huge numbers. Hindi actors of Punjabi descent became interested in Punjabi films. '' Kankan De Ohle'' (
Dharmendra Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 301 ...
,
Asha Parekh Asha Parekh (born 2 October 1942) is a retired Indian actress, film director, and producer who appeared in many commercially successful films throughout her career. She was the highest paid actress of her time and was one of the most successful ...
and Ravindra Kapoor) and '' Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar'' (
Dara Singh Dara Singh Randhawa (born Deedar Singh Randhawa; 19 November 1928 – 12 July 2012) was an Indian professional wrestler, actor, director and politician. He started acting in 1952 and was the first sportsman to be nominated to the Rajya Sab ...
,
Balraj Sahni Brigadier Balraj (born Balasegaram Kandiah) was a senior commander of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Early life Balraj was the fifth and youngest child of Kandiah and Kannagias. He received his primary education in Kokkuthoduwaai ...
, Ram Mohan and Asha Sachdev) were released in 1970. 1971 saw no major releases. In 1972,
Dara Singh Dara Singh Randhawa (born Deedar Singh Randhawa; 19 November 1928 – 12 July 2012) was an Indian professional wrestler, actor, director and politician. He started acting in 1952 and was the first sportsman to be nominated to the Rajya Sab ...
starred with
Prithviraj Kapoor Prithviraj Kapoor (born Prithvinath Kapoor; 3 November 1906 – 29 May 1972) was an Indian actor who is also considered to be one of the founding figures of Hindi cinema. He was associated with IPTA as one of its founding members and establish ...
in ''Mele Mitran De''. ''
Man Jeete Jag Jeet ''Man Jeete Jag Jeet'' is a 1973 religious Punjabi film directed by B.S. Thapa, starring Sunil Dutt, Radha Saluja and Ranjeet in lead roles. Music & Gurbani Shabad There are a total of 11 songs in the movie songs were composed by S. Mohinder ...
'', a religious film starring
Sunil Dutt Sunil Dutt (born Balraj Dutt; 6 June 1929 — 25 May 2005) was an Indian actor, film producer, director and politician. Dutt was one of the major stars of Hindi cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s and continued to star in many successful film ...
,
Radha Saluja Radha Saluja is an Indian actress who has worked mainly in Hindi cinema, Punjabi cinema and Tamil, with a few Bengali, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada movies. An alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India, she is known for her films op ...
and
Ranjeet Ranjeet Bedi (born 13 September 1942 as Gopal Bedi) popularly known as Ranjeet, is an Indian actor and film director born in Jandiala Guru near Amritsar (Punjab), best known for his work in Bollywood.Singh, Nonika (1999)Ranjeet's triple love" ...
, was a major release of 1973. In 1974, ''
Do Sher ''Do Sher '' is a 1974 Bollywood film starring Dharmendra.https://www.thehartwickcollection.com/products/do-sher-1-1974 Cast * Rajendra Kumar * Dharmendra Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, ...
'' (
Dharmendra Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 301 ...
and
Rajendra Kumar Rajendra Kumar Tuli (20 July 1927 – 12 July 1999) was an Indian actor who starred in Bollywood films. Starting his career in 1949, he appeared in more than 80 films in a career spanning over four decades. He was popularly known as the 'Jubil ...
), ''Bhagat Dhanna Jatt'' (
Dara Singh Dara Singh Randhawa (born Deedar Singh Randhawa; 19 November 1928 – 12 July 2012) was an Indian professional wrestler, actor, director and politician. He started acting in 1952 and was the first sportsman to be nominated to the Rajya Sab ...
and Feroz Khan), ''Sacha Mera Roop Hai'' ( Manmohan Krishan) and '' Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam'' (Shaminder Singh and Radha Saluja) were released. The most successful was ''Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam'', due to the wide appeal of its religious historical setting and appearances by Bollywood actors including
Sunil Dutt Sunil Dutt (born Balraj Dutt; 6 June 1929 — 25 May 2005) was an Indian actor, film producer, director and politician. Dutt was one of the major stars of Hindi cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s and continued to star in many successful film ...
,
Rajendra Kumar Rajendra Kumar Tuli (20 July 1927 – 12 July 1999) was an Indian actor who starred in Bollywood films. Starting his career in 1949, he appeared in more than 80 films in a career spanning over four decades. He was popularly known as the 'Jubil ...
,
Dharmendra Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 301 ...
, Johnny Walker,
Ranjeet Ranjeet Bedi (born 13 September 1942 as Gopal Bedi) popularly known as Ranjeet, is an Indian actor and film director born in Jandiala Guru near Amritsar (Punjab), best known for his work in Bollywood.Singh, Nonika (1999)Ranjeet's triple love" ...
and
Dara Singh Dara Singh Randhawa (born Deedar Singh Randhawa; 19 November 1928 – 12 July 2012) was an Indian professional wrestler, actor, director and politician. He started acting in 1952 and was the first sportsman to be nominated to the Rajya Sab ...
. '' Teri Meri Ik Jindri'' (1975) starred
Dharmendra Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 301 ...
and introduced his cousin
Veerendra Veerendra was an Indian film actor, director, producer and writer who made 25 Punjabi-language films in his 12-year career. He made his debut with the film '' Teri Meri Ek Jindri,'' released in 1975, featuring Dharmendra. He was a regular in Pun ...
. Many films were released in 1976: ''Daaj'', ''Giddha'', ''Main Papi Tum Bakhshanhaar'', ''Papi Tarey Anek'', '' Santo Banto'', ''Sardar-E-Azam'', ''Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun'', ''Taakra'', and ''Yamla Jatt''. ''Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun'' was the biggest hit and starred Dara Singh in the main lead;
Rajesh Khanna Rajesh Khanna () (; born Jatin Khanna; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. He is called as the "First Superstar of Hindi cinema", he consecutively starred in a record ...
made a special appearance as the Qawal. The film ran into conflict with the Sikh political parties as the film had
Fauj-i-Khas The ''Fauj-i-Khas'' was a brigade of the Fauj-i-Ain section of the Sikh Khalsa Army of Punjab. It consisted of very experienced elites and had separate flag and emblem. It was strictly disciplined on French pattern. All the equipment and weapons ...
soldiers wearing fake beards. The year 1977 was not a major one for the Punjabi film industry. ''Jai Mata Di'', ''Saal Solvan Chadya'', ''Sat Sri Akal'', and ''Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha'' were released, amongst others. ''Saal Solvan Chadya'' was a highlight because of the cameo appearance by
Rekha Bhanurekha Ganesan (born 10 October 1954), better known by her stage name Rekha, is an Indian actress who appears predominantly in Hindi films. Acknowledged as one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema, she has starred in more than 180 fil ...
. ''Sat Sri Akal'' was another hit film. It starred
Sunil Dutt Sunil Dutt (born Balraj Dutt; 6 June 1929 — 25 May 2005) was an Indian actor, film producer, director and politician. Dutt was one of the major stars of Hindi cinema in the late 1950s and 1960s and continued to star in many successful film ...
,
Shatrughan Sinha Shatrughan Prasad Sinha (born 9 December 1945) is an Indian actor and politician. He is a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Asansol (Lok Sabha constituency), Asansol constituency as a member of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Earlier he ...
, and
Premnath Prem Nath Malhotra, better known as Prem Nath, was an Indian actor and director, who was best known for his works in Hindi films. Nath made his debut with the film ''Ajit'' (1948), and went on to appear in over 100 films throughout his career. ...
. In 1978 ''Udeekan'', ''Dhyani Bhagat'', ''Jai Mata Sheranwali'', and ''Jindri Yar Di'' were released. The drama ''Udeekan'' was a hit. ''Walayati Babu'', the first ever remake in Punjabi cinema, was released in 1978. The film was remade from the Punjabi film of the same name by Johnny Walker; it featured a special appearance by Amitabh Bachchan and
Mehar Mittal Mehar Mittal (24 October 1934 – 22 October 2016)The ...
played the main lead. 1979 was a big year: ''Guru Manio Granth'', ''Jatt Punjabi'', ''Kunwara Mama'', ''Sukhi Pariwar'', and ''Til Til Dalekha'' were released. The religious film ''Guru Manio Granth'' was an instant hit. ''Jatt Punjabi'' had a big cast and a special appearance by
Manoj Kumar Harikrishan Goswami (born 24 July 1937), better known by his screen name Manoj Kumar, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, lyricist and editor who worked in Hindi cinema. He is known for acting and making films with patriotic theme ...
. ''Til Til Da Lekha'' starred
Rajesh Khanna Rajesh Khanna () (; born Jatin Khanna; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. He is called as the "First Superstar of Hindi cinema", he consecutively starred in a record ...
as the main lead hero and
Mehar Mittal Mehar Mittal (24 October 1934 – 22 October 2016)The ...
played the comedian's role; the film became a golden jubilee hit at the box office. ''Til Til Dalekha'' was the second Punjabi movie of Rajesh Khanna and his first film as the lead hero in Punjabi films. It won the Punjab State Government award for best story writer and second best feature film of 1979. The first Punjabi mystery film, ''Vangaar (The Challenge)'', was released but it failed to become a hit.


1980s

''
Chann Pardesi ''Chann Pardesi'' is a Punjabi language film released in 1981. It was directed by Chitrarth Singh and starred Raj Babbar, Rama Vij, Amrish Puri, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Om Puri. Chann Pardesi was a seminal film that debuted many future Bo ...
'', the first Punjabi film to win the national award, was released in 1980, and was the biggest hit of that year. It starred
Raj Babbar Raj Babbar (born 23 June 1952) is an Indian Hindi and Punjabi film actor and politician belonging to Indian National Congress. three-time member of the Lok Sabha and a two-time member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. He was the Pr ...
, Rama Vij,
Amrish Puri Amrish Puri (22 June 1932 – 12 January 2005) was an Indian actor, who was one of the most notable and important figures in Indian cinema and Theatre. He acted in more than 450 films, established himself as one of the most popular actors ...
,
Om Puri Om Prakash Puri (18 October 1950 – 6 January 2017) was an Indian actor who appeared in mainstream commercial Hindi films as well as Bengali, Kannada,English, Punjabi and one Telugu film, as well as independent and art films and also starred ...
, and
Kulbhushan Kharbanda Kulbhushan Kharbanda (born 21 October 1944) is an Indian actor who works in Hindi and Punjabi films. He is best known for his role as the antagonist Shakaal in '' Shaan'' (1980), Starting off with the Delhi-based theatre group 'Yatrik' in the 1 ...
. ''Fauji Chacha'' had veteran Bollywood actor
Sanjeev Kumar Sanjeev Kumar (born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala; 9 July 1938 – 6 November 1985) was an Indian actor. He is well remembered for his versatility and genuine portrayal of his characters. He acted in genres ranging from romantic dramas to thriller ...
in the lead. A remake of Mulkh Raj Bhakhri's 1958 film ''Bhangra'' came out in 1980 from director Mohan Bhakhri. The film was titled ''Jatti'', and starred Sundar, Nishi, Mehar Mittal, and Aparna Chowdhry. As with the original, the remake was a tremendous success. 1981 had only one hit: ''Balbiro Bhabhi''. This film had
Veerendra Veerendra was an Indian film actor, director, producer and writer who made 25 Punjabi-language films in his 12-year career. He made his debut with the film '' Teri Meri Ek Jindri,'' released in 1975, featuring Dharmendra. He was a regular in Pun ...
in the lead role. Two major releases of 1982 were and ''Jatt Da Gandasa'' and ''Sarpanch''. ''Sarpanch'' starred Veerendra. In 1983, many movies were released, with ''
Putt Jattan De ''Putt Jattan De'' is a 1983 Punjabi film produced by Devinder Singh Gill and Iqbal Dhillon and directed by Jagjit Gill. It starred Daljeet Kaur and Baldev Khosa with Hindi stars Shatrughan Sinha and Dharmendra making special appearances. Suri ...
'' being the biggest commercially. Veerendra had another hit in 1984 with the film ''Yaari Jatt Di''. This was the first Punjabi film to have more than half its footage shot in the United Kingdom. ''Mamla Garbar Hai'' was a hit for actor Gurdas Mann. The film's songs were especially loved. Two hit films of 1985 were Mohammad Sadiq's ''Guddo'' and Veerendra's ''Vairi'', ''Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da'' was also in 1985, it is religious film that established
Gurdas Mann Gurdas Maan is an Indian playback singer, songwriter and actor mainly associated with Punjabi and Hindi language music and films. He gained national attention in 1980 with the song "Dil Da Mamla Hai". Since then, he had gone on to record over ...
as a star.. ''Long Da Lishkara'' was the big hit of 1986, starring
Raj Babbar Raj Babbar (born 23 June 1952) is an Indian Hindi and Punjabi film actor and politician belonging to Indian National Congress. three-time member of the Lok Sabha and a two-time member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. He was the Pr ...
,
Gurdas Mann Gurdas Maan is an Indian playback singer, songwriter and actor mainly associated with Punjabi and Hindi language music and films. He gained national attention in 1980 with the song "Dil Da Mamla Hai". Since then, he had gone on to record over ...
,
Om Puri Om Prakash Puri (18 October 1950 – 6 January 2017) was an Indian actor who appeared in mainstream commercial Hindi films as well as Bengali, Kannada,English, Punjabi and one Telugu film, as well as independent and art films and also starred ...
, and Nina Deol. In 1987 Veerendra starred in ''Patola'' and ''Jor Jatt Da''. Punjab was shaken with the assassination of Veerendra by gunshot during the filming of ''Jatt Tey Zameen''. The death opened the door for supporting actors including
Guggu Gill Kulwinder Singh Gill, (Jan 14, 1960) better known as Guggu Gill, is an Indian film actor who mainly works in Punjabi cinema. He was one of the leading actors in Punjabi cinema in the 1990s along with Yograj Singh. He has done 65-70 films so far. ...
and
Yograj Singh Yograj Singh (; born 25 March 1958) is an Indian actor and the former cricketer who played one Test and six One Day Internationals for India as a right-arm fast-medium bowler. His debut Test was at Wellington against New Zealand which India ...
to take leading roles. 1988 had '' Patola'' as one of the major release. In 1989 came the critically acclaimed '' Marhi Da Deeva''. The film starred
Raj Babbar Raj Babbar (born 23 June 1952) is an Indian Hindi and Punjabi film actor and politician belonging to Indian National Congress. three-time member of the Lok Sabha and a two-time member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. He was the Pr ...
,
Pankaj Kapur Pankaj Kapur (born 29 May 1954) is an Indian actor who has worked in Hindi theatre, television and films. He has appeared in several television serials and films. He is the recipient of several awards, including a Filmfare Award and three Nat ...
,
Kanwaljit Singh Kanwaljit Singh may refer to: * Kanwaljit Singh (politician), Indian politician * Kanwaljit Singh (actor), Indian actor * Kanwaljit Singh (cricketer), Indian former first-class cricketer * Prince Kanwaljit Singh, Indian Punjabi film actor See al ...
,
Parikshit Sahni Parikshit Sahni (born 1 January 1944) is an Indian actor who is known for playing the lead in TV series Barrister Vinod, ''Gul Gulshan Gulfaam'' (Doordarshan) and ''Gaatha'' (Star Plus). He has also appeared in three of Rajkumar Hirani's block ...
, and
Deepti Naval Deepti Naval (born 3 February 1952) is an Indian-born American actress, director, and writer, predominantly active in Hindi cinema. Her major contribution has been in the area of art cinema, winning critical acclaim for her sensitive and 'clos ...
.


1990s

In 1990 ''Qurbani Jatt Di'' was released, starring
Guggu Gill Kulwinder Singh Gill, (Jan 14, 1960) better known as Guggu Gill, is an Indian film actor who mainly works in Punjabi cinema. He was one of the leading actors in Punjabi cinema in the 1990s along with Yograj Singh. He has done 65-70 films so far. ...
,
Yograj Singh Yograj Singh (; born 25 March 1958) is an Indian actor and the former cricketer who played one Test and six One Day Internationals for India as a right-arm fast-medium bowler. His debut Test was at Wellington against New Zealand which India ...
,
Gurdas Mann Gurdas Maan is an Indian playback singer, songwriter and actor mainly associated with Punjabi and Hindi language music and films. He gained national attention in 1980 with the song "Dil Da Mamla Hai". Since then, he had gone on to record over ...
,
Dharmendra Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 301 ...
,
Raj Babbar Raj Babbar (born 23 June 1952) is an Indian Hindi and Punjabi film actor and politician belonging to Indian National Congress. three-time member of the Lok Sabha and a two-time member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. He was the Pr ...
and
Priti Sapru Priti Sapru (also spelled as Preeti Sapru), is an Indian actress known for her works in Punjabi and Hindi cinema. She featured in a number of films including '' Nimmo'', ''Yaari Jat Di'' and ''Qurbani Jatt Di'' among others, with actors Vee ...
. The film was directed by Preeti Sapru herself, and did well at the box office. A second important release was ''Dushmani Di Agg'', the last film of Veerendra. It also starred Gurdas Mann and Priti Sapru, and was successful at the box office. In 1991 the major film ''Anakh Jattan Di'' starred Daljeet Kaur and
Guggu Gill Kulwinder Singh Gill, (Jan 14, 1960) better known as Guggu Gill, is an Indian film actor who mainly works in Punjabi cinema. He was one of the leading actors in Punjabi cinema in the 1990s along with Yograj Singh. He has done 65-70 films so far. ...
. It was the first movie where the audience really accepted ex-villain Guggu Gill as a hero. The film was followed by films like ''Jor Jatt Da'', which managed to recover its cost. '' Badla Jatti Da'' was the major success of the year. It starred
Guggu Gill Kulwinder Singh Gill, (Jan 14, 1960) better known as Guggu Gill, is an Indian film actor who mainly works in Punjabi cinema. He was one of the leading actors in Punjabi cinema in the 1990s along with Yograj Singh. He has done 65-70 films so far. ...
, Yograj Singh in a villain role, and Aman Noorie. ''Udeekan Saun Diyan'' garnered critical acclaim, but was not a commercial success. ''Sounh Menoo Punjab Di'', starring Satish Kaul, Rama Vij, Mehar Mittal, and Pal Randhawa was also one of the releases of 1991. The film was directed by Sukhdev Ahluwalia, one of the most successful directors of Punjwood, and had music by Surinder Kohli. ''Vaisakhi'', starring
Deep Dhillon Deep Dhillon is an Indian actor who works in Hindi and Punjabi cinema. He played the role of Jayadratha in the famous Indian TV serial ''Mahabharat'' and appeared as Sahasrarjun in the TV serial '' Vishnu Puran''. He is known for playing Ins ...
and Sunita Dheer, was released in 1991 to critical acclaim, but did not succeed commercially. ''Jatt Jeona Morh'' was a major hit that year, and made Guggu Gill a superstar. Also released was
Yograj Singh Yograj Singh (; born 25 March 1958) is an Indian actor and the former cricketer who played one Test and six One Day Internationals for India as a right-arm fast-medium bowler. His debut Test was at Wellington against New Zealand which India ...
's ''Jagga Daku (1991 film)'', which did moderately well. ''Dil Da Mamla'', starring Guggu Gill and Amar Noori, did poorly at the box office. 1993 had films like ''Jatt Sucha Singh Soorma'' (with Yograj Singh and Neena Sidhu), ''Mirza Sahiban'' (starring Guggu Gill), ''Lalkara Jatt Da'', and ''Saali Adhi Gharwali''. These films managed to do adequately at the box office, but were not major successes. Preeti Sapru's ''Mehndi Shagnan Di'', starring Malkit Singh, Hansraj Hans, Preeti Sapru, and Yograj Singh, lost money. ''Kudi Canada Di'' starring Yograj Singh also did poorly. ''Kachehri'' (1994) starred Gurdas Mann, Yograj Singh, and others. The film was praised by critics, was a commercial success, and won a national award. A second release was ''Tabahi'', starring newcomer Vishal Singh; it was the blockbuster hit of the year. Guggu Gill's ''Vairi'' did quite well at the box office, but ''Jigra Jatt Da'', with Yograj Singh as the villain, did poorly at the box office. Kimi Verma starred in ''Naseebo'' and ''Qahar'' in 1995 to critical acclaim, but not commercial success. ''Naseebo'' managed to recover its costs. ''Pratigya'', starring Guggu Gill, Gurdas Maan, Preeti Sapru, and Dara Singh, did well at the box office. ''Zaildaar'' (Yograj Singh), ''Nain Preeto De'' (Yograj Singh), and ''Sir Dhad Di Baazi'' did well. Gurdas Mann's ''Baghawat'' did not. ''Jakhmi Jagirdar'' and ''Mera Punjab'' amongst others also did poorly that year. Punjabi cinema began to decline in 1996. Only the film ''Sukha'' (starring Vishal Singh) did well at the box office. ''Deson Pardeson'', ''Dhee Jatt Di'' (Upasana Singh, Gurkirtan, and Shivinder Mahal), ''Vichoda'' (Yograj Singh), ''Gawahi Jatt Di'', and ''Jorawar'' all did poorly at the box office. Dara Singh's ''Vindoo'' and Farha's ''Rabb Diyan Rakhan'' also fared poorly. Films of 1997 (''Mela'', ''Truck Driver'', ''Sardari'', ''Preetan De Pehredaar'', and ''Pachtaawa'') all failed to make a profit. Even Guggu Gill's films were not successful. ''Train to Pakistan'' was filmed in a mixture of Hindi and Punjabi, and was later dubbed into Punjabi for film festivals. In 1998, ''Purja Purja Kat Mare'' with Guggu Gill, ''Laali'' with Dara Singh, Ravinder Maan, and Vishal, and ''Dildaara'' with Kalbhooshan Kharbanda and
Tanuja Tanuja Samarth, known mononymously as Tanuja, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in the Hindi film industry. Part of the Mukherjee-Samarth family, she is the daughter of actress Shobhna Samarth and producer Kumarsen Samarth, and was ...
did not make money. Even big budget films like ''Guru Gobind Singh'' did poorly. The critically acclaimed film ''Main Maa Punjab Dee'' (directed by Balwant Dullat) won a National Award. The film ''Main Maa Punjab dee'' has been shown repeatedly on national television. The year ended on a positive note as
Jaspal Bhatti Jaspal Singh Bhatti (3 March 1955 – 25 October 2012) was an Indian television personality known for his satirical take on the problems of the common man. He is most well known for his television series '' Flop Show, Full Tension'' and mi ...
's ''
Mahaul Theek Hai ''Mahaul Theek Hai'' is a 1999 Indian Punjabi language comedy film directed by filmmaker Jaspal Bhatti. The English subtitled version is called ''The Atmosphere Is Right''. Plot ''Mahaul Theek Hai'' (meaning 'the situation is okay') is a recor ...
'' became an instant hit of Punjabi cinema. It was the first big hit since ''Jatt Jeona Morh'' (1991) and ''Badla Jatti Da'' (1992). Punjabi films were more successful in 1999. ''
Mahaul Theek Hai ''Mahaul Theek Hai'' is a 1999 Indian Punjabi language comedy film directed by filmmaker Jaspal Bhatti. The English subtitled version is called ''The Atmosphere Is Right''. Plot ''Mahaul Theek Hai'' (meaning 'the situation is okay') is a recor ...
'', ''
Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh ''Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh'' is a 1999 Indian Punjabi-language feature film based on the real-life love story of Boota Singh and Zainab, starring Gurdas Maan and Divya Dutta in the lead roles. The film is directed by Manoj Punj and pro ...
'' with
Gurdas Maan Gurdas Maan is an Indian playback singer, songwriter and actor mainly associated with Punjabi and Hindi language music and films. He gained national attention in 1980 with the song "Dil Da Mamla Hai". Since then, he had gone on to record over 3 ...
and
Divya Dutta Divya Dutta (born 25 September 1977) is an Indian actress and model. She has appeared in Hindi and Punjabi cinema, in addition to Malayalam and English-language films. She has received many awards including a National Film Award, a Filmfare Aw ...
was a critical and commercial success. ''Muqqadar'', ''Tera Mera Pyar'', ''Nadiyon Vichde Neer'', ''Door Nahin Nankana'', and ''Ishq Nachave Gali Gali'' (Randeep Virender, Manjeet Kullar, Deepak Saraf, Neeru Singh, and Surinder Sharma) all did poorly at the box office. ''Rajniti'', which was also made in Hindi, failed to make money.
Raj Babbar Raj Babbar (born 23 June 1952) is an Indian Hindi and Punjabi film actor and politician belonging to Indian National Congress. three-time member of the Lok Sabha and a two-time member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. He was the Pr ...
's ''Shaheed Udham Singh'' did well towards the end of the year. There were only two major hits that year, ''Shaheed e Mohabbat'' and ''Shaheed Udham Singh''.


2000s

In 2000 there was just a single release: ''Dard Pardesan De'', starring
Avinash Wadhawan Avinash Wadhawan is an Indian film and television actor. He has appeared in films like, '' Junoon'', '' Geet'' and '' Balmaa. He played in Colors TV show ''Balika Vadhu ''Balika Vadhu'' (English: The Child Bride) is an Indian soap opera th ...
,
Upasana Singh Upasana Singh (born 29 June 1975) is an Indian actress and stand-up comedian. Singh is known for her role as a deaf-mute in the 1997 film ''Judaai (1997 film), Judaai''. Later on, she got famous for her negative portrayal in ''Son Pari'' as C ...
, Paramveer, and
Deepshikha Deepshikha Nagpal simply known as Deepshikha, is an Indian actress and film director. She received acclaim in the Hindi film industry only after the release of ''Koyla''. She was also seen in the Bollywood movie ''Dhoom Dhadaka'' with Satish Ka ...
, which fared poorly in Punjab, but did very well overseas. ''Sikandra'' and ''Jagira'' were released in 2001. Avinash Wadhawan and
Ayesha Jhulka Ayesha Jhulka (born 28 July 1972) is an Indian actress who predominantly appears in Hindi films. She has also worked in Odia, Kannada and Telugu languages films. Career She has starred in films including '' Kurbaan'' (1991), ''Jo Jeeta Wohi ...
starred in ''Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaas'', which was released to the overseas market but not in Punjab. In 2002 '' Jee Ayan Nu'' was released, featuring singer-turned-actor
Harbhajan Mann Harbhajan Singh Mann (born 30 December 1965) is an Indian-Canadian singer, actor and film producer associated with Punjabi music and cinema. His movies include ''Jee Aayan Nu (2002)'', ''Asa Nu Mann Watnan Da (2004)'', ''Heer Ranjha (2009)'' and ...
and directed by
Manmohan Singh Manmohan Singh (; born 26 September 1932) is an Indian politician, economist and statesman who served as the 13th prime minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He is also the third longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indir ...
. The movie was made on a big budget for Punjwood – 9 million, as compared to the more typical 20–25 million. It was very successful. This was a turning point in the revival of Punjabi cinema. ''Badla'' came out in 2003. ''Asa Nu Maan Watna Da'' was released in 2004, again with actor Harbhajan Mann and director
Manmohan Singh Manmohan Singh (; born 26 September 1932) is an Indian politician, economist and statesman who served as the 13th prime minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He is also the third longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indir ...
. ''Jija Ji'', ''
Des Hoyaa Pardes ''Des Hoyaa Pardes'' is a 2004 Indian Punjabi language, Punjabi-language film, directed by Manoj Punj, starring Gurdas Maan, Juhi Chawla, Divya Dutta and Anup Soni. It won the National Film Awards, National Award for National Film Award for Best ...
'', ''Main Tu Assi Tussi'', ''
Yaaran Naal Baharan ''Yaaran Naal Baharan'' is a Punjabi feature film, released in 2005. It stars Jimmy Sheirgill in the lead role with Juhi Babbar, and was directed by Manmohan Singh. Plot This film tells a story of young hearts seeing each other and falling i ...
'', and ''Nalaik'' were released in 2005. ''Dil Apna Punjabi'' (again pairing Harbhajan and director
Manmohan Manmohan means 'Winner of the heart'. It is another name of Krishna, the Hindu deity, one of the "avatars" (or "incarnation") of Lord Vishnu. Manmohan may also refer to: *Man Mohan Adhikari (1920–1999), former Prime Minister of Nepal *Manmohan (a ...
), ''Ek Jind Ek Jaan'' (introducing
Prabhleen Sandhu Prabhleen Sandhu (born 5 December 1983) is an Indian Punjabi film actress who rose to fame with the Indian soap on periodic freedom struggle on COLORS' ''Mohe Rang De'' as Kranti, dons a different look and role in Zee's new show, '' Aapki Ant ...
), ''Mannat'' (directed and written by Gurbir Singh Grewal, having Jimmy Sheirgill and introducing
Kulraj Randhawa Kulraj Kaur Randhawa (born 16 May 1983) is an Indian actress who appears in Hindi Hindi ( Devanāgarī: or , ), or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi (Devanagari: ), is an Indo-Aryan language spoken chiefly in the Hindi Belt regi ...
), and '' Waris Shah: Ishq Daa Waaris'' came out in 2006. ''Kambdi Kalai'', a Punjabi diaspora movie based out of the United States, came out in 2006. ''Rustam-e-Hind'' and ''Mitti Wajan Mardi'' (with Harbhajan and
Manmohan Manmohan means 'Winner of the heart'. It is another name of Krishna, the Hindu deity, one of the "avatars" (or "incarnation") of Lord Vishnu. Manmohan may also refer to: *Man Mohan Adhikari (1920–1999), former Prime Minister of Nepal *Manmohan (a ...
) were released in 2007. A significant number of movies were produced in 2008: ''Hashar: A Love Story'' (introducing
Gurleen Chopra Gurleen Chopra, also known as Gurlen Kaur Chopraa, is an Indian actress and model. She has appeared in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Kannada and Punjabi films. Early life Gurleen Chopra was selected as "Miss Chandigarh" in her early age. Sh ...
), ''Yaariyan'', ''Mera Pind'', ''Lakh pardesi hoye'', ''Heaven on earth'', and ''Sat sri akal''. In 2009, ''Jag Jeodeye Deh Mele'' became a hit, and ''
Tera Mera Ki Rishta ''Tera Mera Ki Rishta'' is a 2009 Indian Punjabi language romantic drama film directed by Navaniat Singh and produced by Mukesh Sharma. The film stars Jimmy Sheirgill and Kulraj Randhawa in lead roles along with Anupam Kher, Raj Babbar, Ar ...
'' with
Jimmy Shergill Jimmy Sheirgill (born Jasjit Singh Gill; 3 December 1970), also credited as Jimmy Shergill, is an Indian actor and film producer who works in Hindi and Punjabi films. Sheirgill began his film career with the 1996 thriller '' Maachis''. His bre ...
and
Kulraj Randhawa Kulraj Kaur Randhawa (born 16 May 1983) is an Indian actress who appears in Hindi Hindi ( Devanāgarī: or , ), or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi (Devanagari: ), is an Indo-Aryan language spoken chiefly in the Hindi Belt regi ...
was a hit. But the biggest earner of all the Punjabi films was Manmohan Singh's ''
Munde U.K. De ''Munde U.K. De'' (), distributed in English-speaking territories with the additional tagline "British by Right, Punjabi by Heart!," is a Punjabi film by writer-director Manmohan Singh. The movie stars Jimmy Sheirgill, Amrinder Gill, Neeru Bajwa, ...
'' with
Jimmy Shergill Jimmy Sheirgill (born Jasjit Singh Gill; 3 December 1970), also credited as Jimmy Shergill, is an Indian actor and film producer who works in Hindi and Punjabi films. Sheirgill began his film career with the 1996 thriller '' Maachis''. His bre ...
and
Gurpreet Ghuggi Gurpreet Singh Waraich (born 19 July 1971), commonly known as Gurpreet Ghuggi, is an Indian actor, comedian and politician. He is known for his works in Punjabi and Hindi films. Ghuggi began his career by acting in theatre in the early 1990s, a ...
. ''
Munde U.K. De ''Munde U.K. De'' (), distributed in English-speaking territories with the additional tagline "British by Right, Punjabi by Heart!," is a Punjabi film by writer-director Manmohan Singh. The movie stars Jimmy Sheirgill, Amrinder Gill, Neeru Bajwa, ...
'' broke the record of ''Dil Apna Punjabi'' which was also directed by
Manmohan Singh Manmohan Singh (; born 26 September 1932) is an Indian politician, economist and statesman who served as the 13th prime minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He is also the third longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indir ...
and became the biggest earner of all the Punjabi movies. ''Mehndi Wale Hath'' (2006), written and directed by Harinder Gill and with the new-star cast of Goldie Somal, Gavie Chahal, and Prableen, was a hit film in
east Punjab East Punjab (known simply as Punjab from 1950) was a province and later a state of India from 1947 until 1966, consisting of the parts of the Punjab Province of British India that went to India following the partition of the province between ...
territory.


2010s

In 2010, 16 movies were released. ''
Mel Karade Rabba ''Mel Karade Rabba'' is a 2010 Punjabi film directed by Navaniat Singh and written by Dheeraj Rattan; produced by Rajan Batra and Vivek Ohri; it stars Jimmy Sheirgill and Neeru Bajwa in the lead roles. Pop singer Gippy Grewal made his acting ...
'' starring
Jimmy Shergill Jimmy Sheirgill (born Jasjit Singh Gill; 3 December 1970), also credited as Jimmy Shergill, is an Indian actor and film producer who works in Hindi and Punjabi films. Sheirgill began his film career with the 1996 thriller '' Maachis''. His bre ...
,
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
later broke all records and grossed 110 million net, becoming the highest-grossing Punjabi film ever. '' Babbu Maans '' Ekam – Son of Soil'' was released in April and was a smash hit. It brought British-punjabi actress
Mandy Takhar Mandy Takhar is a British actress who works in Indian cinema, predominantly in Punjabi with roles in Hindi and Tamil films as well. Early life Mandy Takhar was born and raised in the city of Wolverhampton in the UK. She traces her roots to Ma ...
to the industry. ''Jawani Zindabad'', written and directed by Harinder Gill and starring the famous Punjabi singer Raj Barar, Pooja Kanwal, Guggu Gill, and Gurkirtan, was released in March 2010. It became a big hit in Canada. ''Channa Sachi Muchi'', written and directed by Harinder Gill and starring
Miss Pooja Gurinder Kaur Kainth, popularly known by her stage name Miss Pooja is an Indian singer and actress who primarily sings Punjabi songs in Bhangra, Pop and Folk genres. Personal life Miss Pooja was born to Inderpal Kainth and Saroj Devi, a fam ...
and Goldie Somal, was released in August 2010. Also released in 2010 was ''Sukhmani (Hope for Life)'', starring Gurdas Maan, Juhi Chawla & Divya Dutta. In 2011, the film ''Ek Noor'' starring
Harshdeep Kaur Harshdeep Kaur (born 16 December 1986) is an Indian playback singer known for her Bollywood Hindi, Punjabi,English and Sufi songs. She is popularly known as "Sufi Ki Sultana" because of her soulful Sufi renditions. After winning titles in two ...
and
Yami Gautam Yami Gautam Dhar (born 28 November 1988) is an Indian actress known predominantly for her work in Hindi films. She sprang into prominence after doing some commercials for Glow & Lovely and began her acting career in television shows, followed ...
was released. ''Chhevan Dariya (The Sixth River)'', directed by Ish Amitoj Kaur, was released in September 2011. Kaur was the first Punjabi woman to have directed, produced, and written a Punjabi film. The film starred
Gulshan Grover Gulshan Grover (born 21 September 1955) is an Indian actor and producer who has appeared in over 100 films. He is popularly known as the "Bad Man" of Bollywood because of his ability to create an impact with his negative roles in films. Early ...
,
Neena Gupta Neena Gupta (born 4 June 1959) is an Indian actress and television director who works in Hindi films and television. Known for her work in both art-house and commercial films, she won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for pl ...
, Manpreet Singh, Lakhwinder Wadali, Christa Cannon and Rana Ranbir. At the end of the year ''Chak Jawana'' was released, directed by Simerjit Singh and starring
Gurdas Maan Gurdas Maan is an Indian playback singer, songwriter and actor mainly associated with Punjabi and Hindi language music and films. He gained national attention in 1980 with the song "Dil Da Mamla Hai". Since then, he had gone on to record over 3 ...
, Jonita Doda in the Lead Roles . In February 2011, the PTC Punjabi channel organised the first ever
PTC Punjabi Film Awards PTC Punjabi Film Awards are Indian film awards presented annually by the PTC Punjabi television network to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professional filmmakers and actors with achievements in the field of Punjabi cinema in ...
at Panchkula. It was a tremendous boost to the industry and was attended by the likes of
Om Puri Om Prakash Puri (18 October 1950 – 6 January 2017) was an Indian actor who appeared in mainstream commercial Hindi films as well as Bengali, Kannada,English, Punjabi and one Telugu film, as well as independent and art films and also starred ...
,
Prem Chopra Prem Chopra (born 23 September 1935) is an Indian actor in Hindi and Punjabi films. He has acted in 380 films over a span of over 60 years. He has a soft-spoken diction despite being a villain in most films. His 19 films, with him as antagonist ...
,
Gurdas Maan Gurdas Maan is an Indian playback singer, songwriter and actor mainly associated with Punjabi and Hindi language music and films. He gained national attention in 1980 with the song "Dil Da Mamla Hai". Since then, he had gone on to record over 3 ...
, Guddu Dhanoa,
Preeti Sapru Priti Sapru (also spelled as Preeti Sapru), is an Indian actress known for her works in Punjabi and Hindi cinema. She featured in a number of films including '' Nimmo'', ''Yaari Jat Di'' and ''Qurbani Jatt Di'' among others, with actors Veeren ...
,
Raza Murad Raza Murad (born 23 November 1950) is an Indian actor who appears primarily in Hindi films. He has over 250 Bollywood film credits. Murad has also appeared in Bhojpuri and other regional-language films and on Hindi television. Early life He i ...
,
Satish Kaul Satish Kaul (8 September 1946 – 10 April 2021) was an Indian actor in both Punjabi and Hindi movies. He acted in over 300 Hindi and Punjabi films and worked with Bollywood actors such as Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar and Shahrukh Khan amongst oth ...
,
Manmohan Singh Manmohan Singh (; born 26 September 1932) is an Indian politician, economist and statesman who served as the 13th prime minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He is also the third longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indir ...
,
Amrinder Gill Amrinder Singh Gill () is an Indian actor, singer, songwriter, and film producer who makes Punjabi-language films and music. He has been nominated for twenty-four PTC Punjabi Film Awards, winning seven including three for Best Actor, and two ...
,
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
,
Jasbir Jassi Jasbir Singh Bains (born 7 February 1970), better known by his stage name Jasbir Jassi, is an Indian singer, lyricist, performer and actor. he has released thirteen albums, his first pop album being ''Dil Le Gayee'', released in 1998 with Time ...
,
Puneet Issar Puneet Issar (born 6 November 1959) is an Indian actor, writer, director, producer and dialect coach best known for his works in Hindi films and television shows. Issar started his acting career as a villain in the Manmohan Desai's 1983 film '' ...
,
Rakesh Bedi Rakesh Bedi is an Indian film, stage and television actor. He is known for his comic roles in films such as ''Mera Damaad'' and '' Chashme Buddoor'' (1981). He has also appeared in television shows like ''Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi'' (1984), ''Shrimaa ...
,
Rama Vij Rama Vij ( hi, रमा विज, pa, ਰਮਾ ਵਿਜ) is an Indian actress who works in Hindi and Punjabi movies and TV serials. Career Vij is a well known name in Pollywood (Punjabi Cinema in India) and Bollywood. Her debut movie w ...
, Sudhanshu Pandey, and Akriti Kakkar. 2011 looks to be the year when the industry moves away from the "typical NRI-centered" storylines and towards more meaningful and creative storylines with movies like ''
The Lion of Punjab Lala Lajpat Rai (28 January 1865 - 17 November 1928) was an Indian author, freedom fighter, and politician. He played a vital role in the Indian Independence movement. He was popularly known as Punjab Kesari. He was one of the three members of ...
'' starring
Diljit Dosanjh Daljit Singh Dosanjh known professionally as Diljit Dosanjh (born 6 January 1984) is an Indian singer, actor, film producer and television personality. He works in Punjabi Music and subsequently in Punjabi cinema, Punjabi and Bollywood, Hind ...
and '' Dharti'' starring
Rannvijay Singh Ranvijay Singh Singha is an Indian actor, television personality and VJ. Ranvijay is known for his appearance in MTV Roadies, where he won the show. He was a part of the show from 2004 to 2020, earlier as a gang leader and then as a host. He als ...
. ''
Jihne Mera Dil Luteya ''Jihne Mera Dil Luteya'' () is a 2011 Indian Punjabi language romantic comedy film directed by Mandeep Kumar with story and screenplay by Dheeraj Rattan, produced by Batra Showbiz Pvt. Ltd. and starring Gippy Grewal, Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, ...
'' is a 2011 Punjabi film directed by Mandeep Kumar with story and screenplay by Dheeraj Rattan, produced by Batra Showbiz Pvt. Ltd. and starring
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
,
Diljit Dosanjh Daljit Singh Dosanjh known professionally as Diljit Dosanjh (born 6 January 1984) is an Indian singer, actor, film producer and television personality. He works in Punjabi Music and subsequently in Punjabi cinema, Punjabi and Bollywood, Hind ...
,
Neeru Bajwa Neeru Bajwa (born 26 August 1975) is a Canadian actress, director and producer who has mainly worked in Punjabi and Hindi films. She started her career in 1998 with Dev Anand's Bollywood film '' Main Solah Baras Ki'' and then moved on to work ...
, and
Jaswinder Bhalla Jaswinder Bhalla (born 4 May 1960) is an Indian actor and comedian who works in Punjabi cinema. He started his professional career as a comedian in 1988 with Chankata 88 and became actor with film Dulla Bhatti. He is best known for his comedy ...
. It grossed 125 million. These films raise the bar of Punjabi films and take Punjabi cinema to next level. In September 2011, ''
Yaara o Dildaara ''Yaara o Dildaara'' is a 2011 Indian drama film starring Harbhajan Maan, Tulip Joshi, Kabir Bedi, Gurpreet Ghuggi Gurpreet Singh Waraich (born 19 July 1971), commonly known as Gurpreet Ghuggi, is an Indian actor, comedian and politician. He ...
'' was released, directed by Ksshitij Chaudhary and starring
Harbhajan Mann Harbhajan Singh Mann (born 30 December 1965) is an Indian-Canadian singer, actor and film producer associated with Punjabi music and cinema. His movies include ''Jee Aayan Nu (2002)'', ''Asa Nu Mann Watnan Da (2004)'', ''Heer Ranjha (2009)'' and ...
, Jonita Doda,
Tulip Joshi Tulips (''Tulipa'') are a genus of spring-blooming perennial herbaceous bulbiferous geophytes (having bulbs as storage organs). The flowers are usually large, showy and brightly coloured, generally red, pink, yellow, or white (usually in war ...
,
Kabir Bedi Kabir Bedi ( pa, ਕਬੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਬੇਦੀ; born 16 January 1946) is an Indian actor. His career has spanned three continents covering India, the United States and especially Italy among other European countries in three media: f ...
, and Gurpreet Ghuggi. In October, ''
Yaar Annmulle ''Yaar Annmulle'' is a 2011 Indian Punjabi film directed by Anurag Singh. It stars Arya Babbar, Yuvraj Hans, Harish Verma, Jividha Sharma, Kajal Jain and Jenny Ghottra in lead roles. The film was released on 7 October 2011. Plot On his ...
'' introducing
Yuvraj Hans Yuvraj Hans is a Punjabi actor. He is the son of singer-turned politician and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Hans Raj Hans. Personal life His elder brother is Navraj Hans, who is also a singer and actor. Yuvraj married Mansi Sharma in February 2 ...
and
Harish Verma Harish Verma is an Indian actor who mostly works in Punjabi-language films. He made his debut in the 2010 film ''Panjaban'', and gained wide attention with ''Yaar Annmulle'' (2011). He made his singing debut with the track ''Ikk Vaari Hor Soc ...
was released. This film was a box office hit. This year was the considered as the golden year of Punjabi cinema and industry reached many milestones in this year by having all India impact. There was the release of Hollywood-style film ''
Mirza – The Untold Story ''Mirza: The Untold Story '' is a 2012 Indian Punjabi-language action romance film written and directed by Baljit Singh Deo. It stars Gippy Grewal and Mandy Takhar in the lead roles, with music rapper Honey Singh in his first commercial v ...
'' the most costly film () in the history of Punjabi cinema in April starring
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
and
Yo Yo Honey Singh Hirdesh Singh (born 15 March 1983), known professionally as Yo Yo Honey Singh or simply Honey Singh, is an Indian music producer, rapper, singer, songwriter and an actor. He started out in 2003 as a session and recording artist, and became a b ...
. In June the film '' Jatt & Juliet'' was greatest blockbuster and till now holds the title of best ever film of Punjabi cinema. This film established
Diljit Dosanjh Daljit Singh Dosanjh known professionally as Diljit Dosanjh (born 6 January 1984) is an Indian singer, actor, film producer and television personality. He works in Punjabi Music and subsequently in Punjabi cinema, Punjabi and Bollywood, Hind ...
and
Neeru Bajwa Neeru Bajwa (born 26 August 1975) is a Canadian actress, director and producer who has mainly worked in Punjabi and Hindi films. She started her career in 1998 with Dev Anand's Bollywood film '' Main Solah Baras Ki'' and then moved on to work ...
as superstars of Punjabi film industry. Himesh Reshammiya has purchased the remake rights of the movie for . In July 2012 out and out comedy film ''
Carry On Jatta ''Carry On Jatta'' is a 2012 Indian Punjabi comedy film directed by Smeep Kang and starring Gippy Grewal, and Mahie Gill. The film released on 27 July 2012. This movie was remade in Odia in 2015 as ''Pilata Bigidigala'', in Telugu in 2016 as '' ...
'' starring
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
was also blockbuster only after ''Jatt & Juliet'' commercially. First time in punjabi cinema sequel of sperhit film ''
Yaaran Naal Baharan ''Yaaran Naal Baharan'' is a Punjabi feature film, released in 2005. It stars Jimmy Sheirgill in the lead role with Juhi Babbar, and was directed by Manmohan Singh. Plot This film tells a story of young hearts seeing each other and falling i ...
'', film ''Yaraan Naal Baharaan 2'' was released. In September, ''
Ajj De Ranjhe ''Ajj De Ranjhe'' is a 2012 Punjabi film starring Aman Dhaliwal, Gurleen Chopra, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Kimi Verma, Kul Sidhu, Rana Ranbir. The movie is directed by Manmohan Singh. The movie was released on 7 September 2012. Plot ''Ajj De Ranjhe' ...
'' starring
Deep Dhillon Deep Dhillon is an Indian actor who works in Hindi and Punjabi cinema. He played the role of Jayadratha in the famous Indian TV serial ''Mahabharat'' and appeared as Sahasrarjun in the TV serial '' Vishnu Puran''. He is known for playing Ins ...
and Kul Sidhu was released. It was directed by Man ji. In October 2012, '' Saadi Wakhri Hai Shaan'', directed by Gurbir Grewal, was released. The film featured eight songs, which were composed by debut music director Dilpreet Bhatia. The film's music was a contemporary
fusion Fusion, or synthesis, is the process of combining two or more distinct entities into a new whole. Fusion may also refer to: Science and technology Physics *Nuclear fusion, multiple atomic nuclei combining to form one or more different atomic nucl ...
of western classical and Punjabi
folk music Folk music is a music genre that includes traditional folk music and the contemporary genre that evolved from the former during the 20th-century folk revival. Some types of folk music may be called world music. Traditional folk music has b ...
. This year many new Production houses started the production of too many comedy movies.
Binnu Dhillon Binnu Dhillon (born 29 August 1975) is an Indian actor who is known for his roles in Punjabi cinema and Hindi films . Early life and education Dhillon was born on 29 August 1975 in Dhuri, Sangrur, Punjab, where he did his schooling from Guru ...
,
Gurpreet Ghuggi Gurpreet Singh Waraich (born 19 July 1971), commonly known as Gurpreet Ghuggi, is an Indian actor, comedian and politician. He is known for his works in Punjabi and Hindi films. Ghuggi began his career by acting in theatre in the early 1990s, a ...
,
Jaswinder Bhalla Jaswinder Bhalla (born 4 May 1960) is an Indian actor and comedian who works in Punjabi cinema. He started his professional career as a comedian in 1988 with Chankata 88 and became actor with film Dulla Bhatti. He is best known for his comedy ...
,
Rana Ranbir Rana Ranbir Singh is an Indian Punjabi actor working in Punjabi cinema and Hindi cinema. Early life and education After completing a bachelor's degree from Desh Bhagat College Dhuri, he received a postgraduate degree in theater and television fr ...
,
Karamjit Anmol Karamjit Anmol is an Indian actor, comedian, singer and film producer active in the Punjabi entertainment industry. He has worked in Punjabi movies including ''Laavaan Phere'' and '' Carry on Jatta 2''. He has also acted in the comedy plays "OMG ...
and B.N. Sharma established themselves as greatest comedians of Punjabi industry. In August 2012, the first ever Punjabi International Film Academy Awards were organised in Toronto, Canada. This was a tremendous success, attended by a host of Punjabi stars. With renewed interest from the public, Punjabi cinema has seen a revival with more releases every year featuring bigger budgets, homegrown stars, and Bollywood actors of Punjabi descent taking part. Also there are film festivals like ''Punjabi Film Festival'',
Amritsar Amritsar (), historically also known as Rāmdāspur and colloquially as ''Ambarsar'', is the second largest city in the Indian state of Punjab, after Ludhiana. It is a major cultural, transportation and economic centre, located in the Majha r ...
, Ma Boli International Punjabi Film Festival, Vancouver and Punjabi International Film Festival,
Toronto Toronto ( ; or ) is the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. With a recorded population of 2,794,356 in 2021, it is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America. The city is the ancho ...
held annually. 2013 carried the Golden phase of Punjabi movies to the next level. Superstars
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
,
Neeru Bajwa Neeru Bajwa (born 26 August 1975) is a Canadian actress, director and producer who has mainly worked in Punjabi and Hindi films. She started her career in 1998 with Dev Anand's Bollywood film '' Main Solah Baras Ki'' and then moved on to work ...
,
Diljit Dosanjh Daljit Singh Dosanjh known professionally as Diljit Dosanjh (born 6 January 1984) is an Indian singer, actor, film producer and television personality. He works in Punjabi Music and subsequently in Punjabi cinema, Punjabi and Bollywood, Hind ...
and
Surveen Chawla Surveen Chawla (born 1 August 1984) is an Indian actress and dancer who appears in Hindi films and television. She started her career with television shows like Kahin to Hoga and Kajjal. She is known for her roles in movies and shows like ''Hat ...
stole the hearts of audiences by their successful films this year. ''
Jatt & Juliet 2 ''Jatt & Juliet 2'' ( pa, ਜੱਟ ਐਂਡ ਜੂਲੀਅਟ 2) is a 2013 Indian Punjabi romance comedy film directed by Anurag Singh. The film is a sequel to the 2012 blockbuster '' Jatt & Juliet'', however not directly or story-wise. Actor ...
'' broke the records of its prequel '' Jatt & Juliet''. ''Jatt & Juliet 2'' was also released in
Pakistani Punjab Punjab (; , ) is one of the four provinces of Pakistan. Located in central-eastern region of the country, Punjab is the second-largest province of Pakistan by land area and the largest province by population. It shares land borders with the ...
in over 15 screens and was greatly liked by Pakistani audiences. ''
Sadda Haq "Sadda Haq" is a song composed by A. R. Rahman for the 2011 Indian musical film ''Rockstar''. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri in leading roles and is directed by Imtiaz Ali. The song features vocals by Mohit Chauhan and addition ...
'', a true story based in the late 1980s and early 1990s during a period of extreme turmoil in Punjab was the second blockbuster of the year 2013 only after ''Jatt & Juliet 2''. ''Bhaji in Problem'' starring
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
was another blockbuster of the year produced by Akshay Kumar and also having his extended appearance along with cricketer Harbhajan Singh. Other hit films were
Jimmy Shergill Jimmy Sheirgill (born Jasjit Singh Gill; 3 December 1970), also credited as Jimmy Shergill, is an Indian actor and film producer who works in Hindi and Punjabi films. Sheirgill began his film career with the 1996 thriller '' Maachis''. His bre ...
's ''Saadi Love Story'' starring
Diljit Dosanjh Daljit Singh Dosanjh known professionally as Diljit Dosanjh (born 6 January 1984) is an Indian singer, actor, film producer and television personality. He works in Punjabi Music and subsequently in Punjabi cinema, Punjabi and Bollywood, Hind ...
, ''Fer Mamla Gadbad Gadbad'' starring Roshan Prince and Japji Khaira, ''Jatts in Golmaal'' starring Arya Babbar and Sameksha, Samiksha, ''Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22'' starring
Yo Yo Honey Singh Hirdesh Singh (born 15 March 1983), known professionally as Yo Yo Honey Singh or simply Honey Singh, is an Indian music producer, rapper, singer, songwriter and an actor. He started out in 2003 as a session and recording artist, and became a b ...
and superstar
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
's ''Lucky Di Unlucky Story'' and action flick ''Singh vs Kaur''. A religious film, ''Pagri Singh Da Taaj'', was also released. The Hollywood blockbuster ''A Good Day to Die Hard'' dubbed in Punjabi language, Punjabi with superstar
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
's voice was released in Punjab. Many meaningful films based on social issues and the reality of Punjab were also successful like National Award winner ''Nabar'', ''Stupid 7'' based on student life in Punjab, Chandigarh student politics based ''Sikander'', ''
Sadda Haq "Sadda Haq" is a song composed by A. R. Rahman for the 2011 Indian musical film ''Rockstar''. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri in leading roles and is directed by Imtiaz Ali. The song features vocals by Mohit Chauhan and addition ...
'', corruption and social issues based ''Bikkar Bai Sentimental'', religious film ''Dastaar'', ''Punjab Bolda'', ''Haani'', and ''Dil Pardesi Ho Gaya''. This year also saw the production of the first Punjabi 3D film, 3D feature film, ''Pehchaan 3D'', produced and directed by Manny Parmar. Irrfan Khan starrer ''Qissa (film), Qissa'' won four awards in ''Indian International Film Festival of Queensland'' of best actor award for Irrfan Khan, Irrfan, best actress award for Tillotama Shome, best director award for Anup Singh (filmmaker), Anup Singh and best cinematography for Sebastian Edschmid. In year 2014, around 42 films were released and nearly 80 percent of those films were all slapstick comedies. Most successful films of the year were blockbusters like ''Chaar Sahibzaade(3D)'',
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
's ''Jatt James Bond'', ''Disco Singh'', ''Double Di Trouble'',
Diljit Dosanjh Daljit Singh Dosanjh known professionally as Diljit Dosanjh (born 6 January 1984) is an Indian singer, actor, film producer and television personality. He works in Punjabi Music and subsequently in Punjabi cinema, Punjabi and Bollywood, Hind ...
's ''Punjab 1984'', ''Mr & Mrs 420'', ''Goreya Nu Daffa Karo''. In This year many Action Films were released like ''Kirpaan: The Sword of Honour'', ''Fateh (2014 film), Fateh'', ''Romeo Ranjha'', ''Yoddha The Warrior (2014 film)'' and ''Baaz''. Released in January, ''Patiala Dreamz'' was a romantic thriller, with right doses of action, suspense, romance and comedy. There were many movies touching 1984 anti-Sikh riots, 1984 subject such as ''Punjab 1984'', ''Kaum De Heere'', ''47 to 84, 47 to 84 Hun Main Kisnu Watan Kahunga''. Other films released in this year were ''Aa Gaye Munde U.K. De'' starring
Jimmy Shergill Jimmy Sheirgill (born Jasjit Singh Gill; 3 December 1970), also credited as Jimmy Shergill, is an Indian actor and film producer who works in Hindi and Punjabi films. Sheirgill began his film career with the 1996 thriller '' Maachis''. His bre ...
and
Neeru Bajwa Neeru Bajwa (born 26 August 1975) is a Canadian actress, director and producer who has mainly worked in Punjabi and Hindi films. She started her career in 1998 with Dev Anand's Bollywood film '' Main Solah Baras Ki'' and then moved on to work ...
, ''Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin'' starring Jassi Gill, Roshan Prince and Simran Kaur Mundi, ''Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar'' starring
Gurdas Mann Gurdas Maan is an Indian playback singer, songwriter and actor mainly associated with Punjabi and Hindi language music and films. He gained national attention in 1980 with the song "Dil Da Mamla Hai". Since then, he had gone on to record over ...
and
Neeru Bajwa Neeru Bajwa (born 26 August 1975) is a Canadian actress, director and producer who has mainly worked in Punjabi and Hindi films. She started her career in 1998 with Dev Anand's Bollywood film '' Main Solah Baras Ki'' and then moved on to work ...
, "Cross Connection" Released on 26 December, Produced by jasbir Dhillon (Dhillon Creations) Starring: B.N. Sharma, Upasna singh, Garry warraich, Nancy johal, Gurchet chitarkar, Parkash gadhu, Dilawar sidhu, Malkeet raouny, Anita shabdeesh, Sahib singh, Raman Dhillon, Rozy, Tarsem paul with renowned singers Rahat fateh ali khan, Arif Lohar, Kamal khan, Navraj hans, Mank-e, Tochi raina. Also this year many notable actors and singers debuted in Punjabi cinema, this year notably veteran actors
Dharmendra Dharam Singh Deol (born 8 December 1935), also known mononymously as Dharmendra, is an Indian actor, producer and politician who is known for his work in Hindi films. Known as the first " He-Man" of Bollywood, Dharmendra has worked in over 301 ...
and Poonam Dhillon in ''Double Di Trouble'', famous Bollywood comedian Razak Khan in ''Marriage da garriage'', Bollywood actress Zarine Khan in ''Jatt James Bond'', singer Garry Sandhu in ''Romeo Ranjha''. ''Chaar Sahibzaade'' was the first Punjabi language, Punjabi 3D animated historical drama. It was a blockbuster, grossing over globally and was made tax free by governments of states like Madhya Pradesh, Delhi,
Punjab Punjab (; Punjabi: پنجاب ; ਪੰਜਾਬ ; ; also romanised as ''Panjāb'' or ''Panj-Āb'') is a geopolitical, cultural, and historical region in South Asia, specifically in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, comprising ...
, Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh. The Canadian-Punjabi feature film ''Work Weather Wife'' represented Canada at the 87th Academy Awards, 87th Oscar Awards (87th Academy Awards) and it was the only List of Canadian films of 2014, Canadian film that made the final shortlist of 79 Best Original Songs with its songs Moon and Long Braid. At 72nd Golden Globe Awards for Best Foreign Language Feature Film and made the top 53 films in the long list. It stars Harpreet Sandhu (Actor), Harpreet Sandhu and Reema Nagra in the lead role with Dilbag Brar and Kirat Bhattal. It is directed by Harpreet Sandhu (Actor), Harpreet Sandhu. The year 2015 was attributed to a few directors who took the risk of taking up different subjects with some fresh stories and some fresh actors and villains.
Diljit Dosanjh Daljit Singh Dosanjh known professionally as Diljit Dosanjh (born 6 January 1984) is an Indian singer, actor, film producer and television personality. He works in Punjabi Music and subsequently in Punjabi cinema, Punjabi and Bollywood, Hind ...
,
Neeru Bajwa Neeru Bajwa (born 26 August 1975) is a Canadian actress, director and producer who has mainly worked in Punjabi and Hindi films. She started her career in 1998 with Dev Anand's Bollywood film '' Main Solah Baras Ki'' and then moved on to work ...
and
Mandy Takhar Mandy Takhar is a British actress who works in Indian cinema, predominantly in Punjabi with roles in Hindi and Tamil films as well. Early life Mandy Takhar was born and raised in the city of Wolverhampton in the UK. She traces her roots to Ma ...
-starrer ''Sardaar Ji'' was blockbuster film and even achieved milestone gross earning record, according to the film pandits. Second Blockbuster film was
Amrinder Gill Amrinder Singh Gill () is an Indian actor, singer, songwriter, and film producer who makes Punjabi-language films and music. He has been nominated for twenty-four PTC Punjabi Film Awards, winning seven including three for Best Actor, and two ...
, Sargun Mehta, Aditi Sharma (actress, born 1983), Aditi Sharma and
Binnu Dhillon Binnu Dhillon (born 29 August 1975) is an Indian actor who is known for his roles in Punjabi cinema and Hindi films . Early life and education Dhillon was born on 29 August 1975 in Dhuri, Sangrur, Punjab, where he did his schooling from Guru ...
starrer, 1945 based rural Punjabi love story ''Angrej'' which did very well both in Punjab as well as abroad. Punjabi films with a strong storyline and an equally strong direction were ''Shareek'' (directed by Navaniat Singh, starring Jimmy Shergill and Mahie Gill), ''Qissa Panjab'' (directed by Jatinder Mauhar that weaved in seven different stories into one), ''Judge Singh LLB'' (directed by Atharv Baluja as the first Punjabi courtroom drama),
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
's ''Faraar (2015 film), Faraar'' (directed by Baljit Singh Deo brought in double role with suspense) was the highest budget film with in the history of Punjabi cinema. Other flop films were ''Dildariyaan'', ''Mitti Na Pharol Jogiya'', ''Oh Yaara Ainvayi Ainvayi Lut Gaya'', ''Munde Kamaal De''. While films raking up controversy or inviting a ban were ''The Mastermind Jinda Sukha'' and ''Pata Pata Singhan Da Vairi'' and ''Nanak Shah Fakir'' (Temporarily that faced a ban in some parts of the country). In 2016, As many as 41 movies were released. Ambarsariya, Sardaar Ji 2, Love Punjab, Vaisakhi List, Channo Kamli Yaar Di, Kaptaan, Saadey CM Saab, Bambukat, Chauthi Koot, Nikka Zaildar were some of the big commercial/critical winners. In the first half of 2017, New concepts and excellent content paid dividends. Super Singh, Manje Bistre, Jindua, Lahoriye, Sargi, Saab Bahadar, Sarvann, Rabb Da Radio and The Great Sardaar were some of the big commercial/critical winners. In the second half of the year, Channa Mereya, Sardar Mohammad, Nikka Zaildar 2 and Vekh Baraatan Challiyan were some of the commercial hits. In the year 2018, the first ever war-based Punjabi movie Sajjan Singh Rangroot, set during World War I and starring
Diljit Dosanjh Daljit Singh Dosanjh known professionally as Diljit Dosanjh (born 6 January 1984) is an Indian singer, actor, film producer and television personality. He works in Punjabi Music and subsequently in Punjabi cinema, Punjabi and Bollywood, Hind ...
, was released. Carry On Jatta 2 was another blockbuster and one of the highest grossing Punjabi movies of all time. Other commercially successful movies include Golak Bugni Bank Te Batua, Ashke, Laung Laachi and Laavan Phere. In year 2019, total 61 Punjabi films were released worldwide with superhits like ''Shadaa'', ''Ardaas Karaan (film), Ardaas Karaan'', ''Chal Mera Putt'', ''Muklawa'', ''Manje Bistre 2'', ''Nikka Zaildar 3'', ''Singham (2019 film), Singham'', ''Rabb Da Radio 2'', ''Dil Diyaan Gallan'', ''Blackia'', ''Laiye Je Yaarian'', ''Chandigarh Amritsar Chandigarh'', ''Kaka Ji'' and ''Band Vajje''. ''Harjeeta'' won two awards for Best Punjabi Film and Best Child Actor at 66th National Film Awards. Song ''Laung Laachi (song), Laung Laachi'' from ''Laung Laachi'' film became the first Indian song to reach one billion views on YouTube.


Festivals


Film distribution and production companies

Notable Punjabi film distribution and/or production companies include:
Inside Motion Pictures
* Cine Heights * Geet Mp3 * White Hill Studio * Gippy Grewal, Humble Motion Pictures * Studio 7 Production Canada & USA * Shri Narotam Ji Productions * Vehli Janta Films * Villagers Film Studio * Naughty Men Productions * Dream Reality Films * Unisys Infosolutions Pvt Ltd/Saga Music Pvt Ltd


Distribution

Prior to the late-1900s, Punjabi film companies were largely immersed in the competition for the domestic market. Limited to Punjab, India, East Punjab and Punjab, Pakistan, West Punjab and low number of screens in Punjabi-speaking areas of Delhi and Rajasthan (Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh) and no prospect in metro cities, distribution was a problem for Punjabi filmmakers. It was difficult to compete with the huge demand for films created by Bollywood. Gradually, Punjabi companies moved to the Australasian, European and North American markets. In recent years, Canada has become a popular destination for shooting Punjabi films and is the second largest market of Punjabi cinema. About 50 percent of the revenue for all successful Punjabi films are generated from the overseas markets, including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States. A number of Punjabi films have also surpassed the gross collections of Bollywood films in the overseas markets. Punjabi films are finding more releases in Punjabi-dominated areas of South Asia, including East Punjab, West Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand (Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, Rudrapur, Bajpur, Kashipur, Uttarakhand, Kashipur) and Jammu. Punjabi films are also distributed to less-Punjabi populated regions, including states and union territories of India, states of India: Bengaluru, Gujarat, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh, Nanded, Odisha, Bihar and countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Pakistan (other than West Punjab) and Singapore. Punjabi cinema makes zero money from satellite or music due to absence of a sustainable satellite mechanism. At the home territory, Punjab, against only 4 multiplexes in all of East Punjab in 2007, as of 2014 the numbers have increased to 36 with 99 more approved by the Government of Punjab, India for construction. These in turn have attracted a large middle class audience for Punjabi films which did not exist before.


Parallel cinema

In Punjabi cinema only a few movies are considered meaningful. Punjabi film industry has established Parallel Cinema in these years also. The National Award-winning '' Marhi Da Deeva'' (1989) mercilessly explores the issues of economic inequality, social segregation in life of dalit farm labourers and other landless communities in Punjab. Another National Award winner, ''Anhe Ghore Da Daan'' (2011) diligently puts across the distressed and frustrated life-cycle of marginalised Dalits in Punjab. It is the first Punjabi-language film to have travelled to so many international film festivals. The film premiered in the Orizzonti section (Horizons) at the 68th Venice International Film Festival. It won the Special Jury Award and the $50,000 Black Pearl trophy at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival. It was also shown at the 55th BFI London Film Festival, 49th New York Film Festival and the 16th Busan International Film Festival. The film also won the Golden Peacock award for best film at the 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2012 held in Panaji, Goa. ''Khamosh Pani'' (2003) is a tragic story of widowed mother and her young son set in a late 1970s village in Punjab, Pakistan, West Punjab and relations of communities after Partition of India, 1947 Partition of Punjab starring Kiron Kher and Shilpa Shukla.


Short films

*''Nooran'' (2013), based on famous Punjabi author, Balwant Gargi's story ''Rabbo Marasan'', which represents a woman's emotions, Directed by Navtej Sandhu, was sent for Cannes Film Festival-Short Film Corner. *''Kambdi Deorri (The Shivering Gateway)'' (2014), based on famous Punjabi author, Jaswant Singh Kanwal's story ''Akk the Amrit'', which shows the deteriorating situation of ties within families, Directed by Navtej Sandhu, was again sent for Cannes Film Festival-Short Film Corner. *''The Half Ticket'' (2018), which was based on a true love story in which the needs of the world overshadow true love, is written and directed by Channa Rai, and stars Victor John. was in Nominated for Best Director at Pune Film Festival-2018. *''Sutta Naag'' (2014), adapted from Sahitya Akademi Award winner Punjabi writer, Late Ram Sarup Ankhi's short story of same name. The narrative portrays 50 years old Punjab and addresses serious subjects like infidelity and the suppression of women has been premiered at ''Punjabi International Film Festival,
Toronto Toronto ( ; or ) is the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. With a recorded population of 2,794,356 in 2021, it is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America. The city is the ancho ...
''. *''Khoon'' (2015), film based on Gurbachan Singh Bhullar's Short story was shown at the Punjabi International Film Festival,
Toronto Toronto ( ; or ) is the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. With a recorded population of 2,794,356 in 2021, it is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America. The city is the ancho ...
. *''Daughter of the Bin'' (2015), based on famous Play writer, Dr. Jatinder Brar's play, which shows the plight of the newly born girl child thrown in the dustbin and adopted by a beggar, award-winning short film. *''Gawachi Pagg (The Lost Turban)'' (2016), based on famous Punjabi writer, Jaswant Singh Kanwal's story, a very emotional and powerful story of an innocent young boy who was looking for his "Lost Esteem" during the militancy period in the era of 80s' in Punjab, internationally critically acclaimed short film Directed by Navtej Sandhu. *''Zindagi A life of Kinner'' (2012), based on the story of Jagdev Dhillon, talks about the lives of the third gender, Eunuch (Hijra (South Asia), Hijra). The film was directed by Harman Aggarwal and was showcased in Punjabi International Film Festival,
Toronto Toronto ( ; or ) is the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. With a recorded population of 2,794,356 in 2021, it is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America. The city is the ancho ...
and Delhi International Film Festival. *Heer Unstoppable (2017) Based on the Plight of women in Punjab who are married to NRI's without any Background check. The Film was official selection to Five International Film Festivals with winning Best Director for Jonita Doda at Pink city International Film Festival. *''RAIN'' (Simran Sidhu, 2017) is the story of a farmer (Bittu Bajwa) on the verge of suicide as he waits for it to rain. The winner of six international awards (including one for Best Drama at Festigious L.A. and a Remi Award, whose previous recipients include Hollywood legends Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas), writer-director Simran Sidhu's mini-epic also boasts a sweeping score by the world renowned Indonesian composer Elwin Hendrijanto, and guest stars Yashpal Sharma who was so fond of the script that he did the film for free. *''Bhulekha'' (2018), based on famous Punjabi author, Jaswant Singh Kanwal's story ''Vehan paye Dariya'', beautiful love story with very different kind of misunderstanding, Directed by Navtej Sandhu.


Highest-grossing Punjabi films (worldwide)


Awards

* Filmfare Awards Punjabi, Filmfare Awards *
PTC Punjabi Film Awards PTC Punjabi Film Awards are Indian film awards presented annually by the PTC Punjabi television network to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professional filmmakers and actors with achievements in the field of Punjabi cinema in ...
* Brit Asia Film Awards


Personalities


Directors

* InsideAKY * Himanshu Dhar * Gaurav Manku * Dev Choudhary * Amberdeep Singh * Amitoj Maan * Amit Prasher * Anurag Singh (director), Anurag Singh * Baljit Singh Deo * Balwant Dullat * Channa Rai * Chitrarth Singh *
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
* VFX Navi * Harry Baweja * Jagdeep Sidhu * Ksshitij Chaudhary * Manbhavan Singh * Manmord Sidhu *
Manmohan Singh Manmohan Singh (; born 26 September 1932) is an Indian politician, economist and statesman who served as the 13th prime minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He is also the third longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indir ...
* Manoj Punj * Navalpreet Rangi *
Neeru Bajwa Neeru Bajwa (born 26 August 1975) is a Canadian actress, director and producer who has mainly worked in Punjabi and Hindi films. She started her career in 1998 with Dev Anand's Bollywood film '' Main Solah Baras Ki'' and then moved on to work ...
* Nidhi.M. Singh * Pali Bhupinder Singh * Pankaj Batra * Rohit Jugraj Chauhan * Simerjit Singh * Smeep Kang * Sukh Sanghera * Sukhminder Dhanjal


Actors

File:Amrinder Singh Gill.jpg,
Amrinder Gill Amrinder Singh Gill () is an Indian actor, singer, songwriter, and film producer who makes Punjabi-language films and music. He has been nominated for twenty-four PTC Punjabi Film Awards, winning seven including three for Best Actor, and two ...
, star of ''Angrej'' and ''Lahoriye'' File:Babbu Maan Vancouver 2010.jpg, Babbu Maan, star of ''Hashar'' and '' Ekam – Son of Soil'' File:Binnu Dhillon.jpg,
Binnu Dhillon Binnu Dhillon (born 29 August 1975) is an Indian actor who is known for his roles in Punjabi cinema and Hindi films . Early life and education Dhillon was born on 29 August 1975 in Dhuri, Sangrur, Punjab, where he did his schooling from Guru ...
, star of ''Bambukat'' and ''
Carry On Jatta ''Carry On Jatta'' is a 2012 Indian Punjabi comedy film directed by Smeep Kang and starring Gippy Grewal, and Mahie Gill. The film released on 27 July 2012. This movie was remade in Odia in 2015 as ''Pilata Bigidigala'', in Telugu in 2016 as '' ...
'' File:Diljit Dosanjh during Soorma promotion 05.jpg,
Diljit Dosanjh Daljit Singh Dosanjh known professionally as Diljit Dosanjh (born 6 January 1984) is an Indian singer, actor, film producer and television personality. He works in Punjabi Music and subsequently in Punjabi cinema, Punjabi and Bollywood, Hind ...
, star of '' Jatt & Juliet'' and ''Punjab 1984'' File:Gippy Grewal in Chandigarh (cropped).jpg,
Gippy Grewal Rupinder Singh "Gippy" Grewal (born 2 January 1983), is an Indian actor, singer, film director and producer whose works span over Punjabi and Hindi film industry. His single "Phulkari" was very successful in the Punjabi music industry. He mad ...
, star of ''Carry on Jatta 2'' and ''Manje Bistre'' File:Gurdas Mann.jpg,
Gurdas Maan Gurdas Maan is an Indian playback singer, songwriter and actor mainly associated with Punjabi and Hindi language music and films. He gained national attention in 1980 with the song "Dil Da Mamla Hai". Since then, he had gone on to record over 3 ...
, star of ''
Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh ''Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh'' is a 1999 Indian Punjabi-language feature film based on the real-life love story of Boota Singh and Zainab, starring Gurdas Maan and Divya Dutta in the lead roles. The film is directed by Manoj Punj and pro ...
'' and ''Ucha Dar Babe Nanak Da'' File:Harbhajan-Mann1.jpg,
Harbhajan Mann Harbhajan Singh Mann (born 30 December 1965) is an Indian-Canadian singer, actor and film producer associated with Punjabi music and cinema. His movies include ''Jee Aayan Nu (2002)'', ''Asa Nu Mann Watnan Da (2004)'', ''Heer Ranjha (2009)'' and ...
, star of ''Asa Nu Maan Watna Da'' and ''Jee Aayan Nu'' File:Jassi Gill.JPG, Jassi Gill, star of ''Mr & Mrs 420'' and ''Sargi'' File:Neeru Bajwa at Kochi International Fashion Week 2011 02.jpg,
Neeru Bajwa Neeru Bajwa (born 26 August 1975) is a Canadian actress, director and producer who has mainly worked in Punjabi and Hindi films. She started her career in 1998 with Dev Anand's Bollywood film '' Main Solah Baras Ki'' and then moved on to work ...
, star of ''
Jatt & Juliet 2 ''Jatt & Juliet 2'' ( pa, ਜੱਟ ਐਂਡ ਜੂਲੀਅਟ 2) is a 2013 Indian Punjabi romance comedy film directed by Anurag Singh. The film is a sequel to the 2012 blockbuster '' Jatt & Juliet'', however not directly or story-wise. Actor ...
'' and ''
Jihne Mera Dil Luteya ''Jihne Mera Dil Luteya'' () is a 2011 Indian Punjabi language romantic comedy film directed by Mandeep Kumar with story and screenplay by Dheeraj Rattan, produced by Batra Showbiz Pvt. Ltd. and starring Gippy Grewal, Diljit Dosanjh, Neeru Bajwa, ...
'' File:Rana Ranbir.jpg,
Rana Ranbir Rana Ranbir Singh is an Indian Punjabi actor working in Punjabi cinema and Hindi cinema. Early life and education After completing a bachelor's degree from Desh Bhagat College Dhuri, he received a postgraduate degree in theater and television fr ...
, star of ''Ardaas (film), Ardaas'' and ''Asees'' File:Sargun Mehta at a pre-Diwali party.jpg, Sargun Mehta, star of ''Angrej'' and ''Lahoriye'' File:Sonam Bajwa (cropped).jpg, Sonam Bajwa, star of ''Manje Bistre'' and ''Sardaar Ji 2'' File:Kulbir Jhinjer Gurbir Ghumaan.jpg, Tarsem Jassar, star of Rabb Da Radio and Rabb Da Radio 2 File:Guggu-gill.jpg, Gugu Gill, star of
Putt Jattan De ''Putt Jattan De'' is a 1983 Punjabi film produced by Devinder Singh Gill and Iqbal Dhillon and directed by Jagjit Gill. It starred Daljeet Kaur and Baldev Khosa with Hindi stars Shatrughan Sinha and Dharmendra making special appearances. Suri ...
and Badla Jatti Da
The Punjabi film industry has produced a number of successful actors, actresses, writers, directors and filmmakers, many of whom have been known internationally. * InsideAKY * B.N. Sharma * Gugu Gill *
Harish Verma Harish Verma is an Indian actor who mostly works in Punjabi-language films. He made his debut in the 2010 film ''Panjaban'', and gained wide attention with ''Yaar Annmulle'' (2011). He made his singing debut with the track ''Ikk Vaari Hor Soc ...
*
Jaswinder Bhalla Jaswinder Bhalla (born 4 May 1960) is an Indian actor and comedian who works in Punjabi cinema. He started his professional career as a comedian in 1988 with Chankata 88 and became actor with film Dulla Bhatti. He is best known for his comedy ...
*
Karamjit Anmol Karamjit Anmol is an Indian actor, comedian, singer and film producer active in the Punjabi entertainment industry. He has worked in Punjabi movies including ''Laavaan Phere'' and '' Carry on Jatta 2''. He has also acted in the comedy plays "OMG ...
* Nav Bajwa * Ranjit Bawa * Shavinder Mahal * Sardar Sohi Actresses * Himanshi Khurana * Japji Khaira * Juhi Chawla *
Kulraj Randhawa Kulraj Kaur Randhawa (born 16 May 1983) is an Indian actress who appears in Hindi Hindi ( Devanāgarī: or , ), or more precisely Modern Standard Hindi (Devanagari: ), is an Indo-Aryan language spoken chiefly in the Hindi Belt regi ...
* Mahi Gill * Monica Gill * Nimrat Khaira * Nirmal Rishi * Simi Chahal * Wamiqa Gabbi


See also

* List of cinema of the world * List of Punjabi films * List of highest-grossing Punjabi films * Lists of Indian Punjabi films


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cinema of Punjab Punjabi cinema, Cinema of Punjab, Punjabi language Cinema by language of India Cinema of India by state or union territory, Punjabi