‘People had a lot of doubt...’

Actress Sonam Bajwa gets candid about her Bollywood debut 

As she gears up for the release of her quirky Punjabi comedy-drama Pitt Siyapa, actress Sonam Bajwa has opened up about the pressures of fan expectations, the scepticism she faced when stepping into the Hindi film industry, and the strategic risks that have defined her career choices.

Speaking to ANI, Bajwa acknowledged her established footing in the Punjabi entertainment sector but admitted that a loyal fanbase brings its own set of pressures. “When there are fans, you feel more scared. Because fans expect a lot from you. And they should. Because when they love you so much, their expectations are justified,” Bajwa shared, noting that the reality of the business can sometimes clash with those expectations, adding, “But, sometimes, the industry works in a very different way.”

Despite her widespread popularity, Bajwa revealed that entering the Hindi film space came with inherent biases from producers and industry insiders. “Even though I have always been very loved, not just in Punjabi films, all across India. But, in the beginning of Hindi films, people had a lot of doubt,” she explained, adding, “Whether she could speak in Hindi or not. Even then, comparatively, Punjabi is a small industry. And the producers who invest money, they feel, are we doing the right thing?”

Knowing that her first major Hindi release would be the ensemble comedy Housefull, she embraced the challenge despite warnings from her peers. “I have never done an ensemble cast in my life. I have always seen one hero, one heroine. Or max, one hero, two heroines,” she said, adding, “A lot of people called me. Why are you doing this film? Why do you want to take such a risk? But then, what is the life of an actor, without taking any risk? If you only play it safe, I don’t know how exciting your journey would be.”