Mumbai – Did you know that one of the most celebrated names in Punjabi cinema, Neeru Bajwa, had to lie in order to get her first break in the industry?
In an exclusive interaction with IANS, the Jatt & Juliet actress revealed that at the time there was a major stereotype in the industry about people coming from Canada, which made her claim she was from Chandigarh instead.
Bajwa said: “Back then, there was a stereotype that if you came from Canada, you might not know the local language properly – ‘You’re not Indian enough or Punjabi enough.’ So, I lied that I was from Chandigarh and even spoke in an Indian accent, because I was tired of the stereotype. No amount of convincing would have worked otherwise.”
On the work front, Bajwa was recently seen opposite John Abraham in Tehran, where she played a powerful role.
Talking about her preparation, she shared: “I didn’t undergo a structured process. I simply observed spy films to pick up on the body language, physical movements, and the mannerisms of such characters.”
She added that this observational approach helped her adapt naturally on set and made her performance more authentic.
Speaking about the experience, she said her character in Tehran came together in an organic way, crediting the atmosphere on set and John Abraham’s supportive presence. “John was extremely kind and positive. He always ensured everyone felt comfortable, and that environment really helped us perform better.”
Explaining why she signed the project, Bajwa said: “What drew me to this story was the strength and clarity of my character. She’s someone who stands her ground and chooses integrity even when the world around her is collapsing. For me, it’s a proud moment to portray a woman who is morally strong and fearless in a story as powerful and far-reaching as this.”
With inputs from IANS