Manpreet Singh
Manpreet Singh
The Sikhs have been dying to see a Sabat Soorat Sikh on cinema and television screens for a very long time. The image of the Sikhs in Bollywood has taken a severe beating for long.
No more.
We now have Manpreet Singh from Mumbai the hero of Sat Sri Akal (Bollywood Movie) ,who is leading the wave of turbaned and bearded Sikh role models in cinema, television and the ad world. They have taken upon themselves the mantle of leading from the front the battle of respect for turban and the Sikh image in the world of acting.
With a graduation degree in Mass media and a post-graduate degree in management studies from the Bombay University, Manpreet Singh has had a chequered and versatile career so far. Emerging as an artiste through participation in inter-college events and anchoring programmes for a variety of singers from Punjab, Manpreet Singh is now anxiously awaiting the release of his first full length Punjabi movie Sat Sri Akal, produced by the Mata Tripta Trust and dedicated to the Tercentenary celebrations of Guruship of Guru Granth Sahib. Based on a true story, the movie has a wholesome offering of Shabads and songs with a socio-religious message, not only for the Sikhs but for humankind. Shot at locations at various places in Punjab, the movie is historic in more ways than one.
Having played key roles in a plethora of TV serials from Yeh Meri Life Hai to Kahi to Milenge, young and dynamic Manpreet has directed social message films and acted in corporate ad films, including ones for Microsoft and ESPN sports.
Like many present day youngsters, Sikh boys and girls also clamour for the glamour. The likes of Manpreet Singh, Manmeet Singh, Ishmeet Singh and Rohanpreet Singh are growing. Like in all spheres of life, they want a niche and are determined to have their way.
Some years ago when the die was cast against them and Sikhs were being ridiculed in cinema, Jaspal Singh became Grasim Mr. India International in 2002 and was the first saabat soorat Sikh model to do so. The trend started and we now have regular Mr. Singh International contests. Since then we have had many Sikh stars walking the ramp in pomp and glory. Let us hope that this glory will refurbish the image of the Sikhs.
Anita Kim while writing about 'Sikh Roles, Representations and Revenge in the Media, writes, "Despite the dominant media influence, Sikhs around the world have taken up the challenge to reconstruct their social image and spread knowledge of their religion to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike. Ironically, one of their most potent tactics is by using the methods initially used against them. Sikhs are using radio, television, journals, the internet, and other sources of media to rebuild their image and strengthen the communication between each other
