One of the busiest newcomers in Punjabi industry, Aditi Arya (formerly Sharma), has been all over Punjabi music videos in last one year. The actress who was waiting for a debut with a Punjabi film, was inundated with music video offers given the large churn of Punjabi music industry amid the pandemic.
“In two months, I had three music video releases and that too with good singers,” beams Aditi, adding, “God has been very kind, especially at this uncertain time of the pandemic when so many people were out of work.”
She adds, “In a way it was a blessing that I debuted in this industry amid this time because people were stuck at home and were starved for good content. I got accepted very willingly. I also took Punjabi classes because my diction wasn’t perfect.”
With her film as lead actress, (her previous film as second lead released after the lockdown), opposite Ranjit Bawa and Tarsem Jassar, under production, Aditi says the timing has been very apt for her.
On a light note, she laughs, “People thought I changed my name from Sharma to Arya because of superstition, but honestly that was a suggestion from my directors who said the industry has too many Aditi Sharmas. Ranjit and Tarsem used to tease me with comical monikers. I had to change my name fast before I got stuck with one of their suggestions.”
With the video on Kulwinder Billa’s song setting a new benchmark in video styles, its retro theme was a fresh take from the oft repeated romantic settings in Punjabi videos. “It was Kulwinder’s idea to give it a retro western appeal. He is a perfectionist and checks every shot in detail. Then of course the director and fashion designers worked really hard on it.”
Ask her if the pandemic upset her plans of a grand debut, and she says, “It is a global pandemic and everyone is affected. I had to look after myself and my parents too and not take risks. Taking care of our health is primary, work comes later. It was shocking how Sidharth Shukla just passed away suddenly, especially at that young age. If we don’t have a sound health, what good is a grand debut?,” says Aditi who is off to Bengaluru to finish her bilingual south Indian film, which was shut down in last year’s lockdown.
Aditi, who completed a Hindi film for an OTT platform says, “I want to establish myself in Punjabi first. As the next generation of actresses in Punjab, I can tell you it’s no longer about gender bias. Many people from Bollywood are eyeing our industry too.”
