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Meet the magic weaver
Theatre is an art that teaches you a variety of arts — from acting to set construction. Since Gurwinder had been introduced to theatre at the age of five, it doesn’t surprise us that he juggles many art forms at once. The multi-faceted Gurwinder has been doing theatre with Lok Kala Manch, Jira, since 1996. While doing theatre, he learnt magic tricks and performed various magic shows in Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Thailand
Gurwinder Panesar 29 film, theatre and TV actor, make-up artist, magician Sukhe Wala, Jira
About him: Theatre is an art that teaches you a variety of arts — from acting to set construction. Since Gurwinder had been introduced to theatre at the age of five, it doesn’t surprise us that he juggles many art forms at once. The multi-faceted Gurwinder has been doing theatre with Lok Kala Manch, Jira, since 1996. While doing theatre, he learnt magic tricks and performed various magic shows in Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Thailand from 2003 to 2009. That’s how he got his name, Jadu. While magic remained a passion, he was seen acting in various serials for Doordarshan, such as Angan Tedha and Balidan, and MH1’s Kato Phulan Te.
He was also the production assistant of Punjabi film Lions of Punjab. Besides acting in about 70 Punjabi music videos, Gurwinder has worked as a make-up artist for about 120 of them. For the past few years, he has been working with The Theatre Army in the capacity of a production assistant for Bollywood film Santa Banta and Punjabi films Yaaran Da Katchup, Din Dihade Le Jange and Myself Ghaint. He has also acted in Punjabi films Sikander, Veeran Naal Sardari, Naughty Jatts and upcoming Bollywood film Santa Banta.
Facebook account: facebook.com/jadusingh
Friends: 1,300
Home is in: Chandigarh
School/college I attended: Sri Sawan Mal Aggarwal School, Jira and Baba Isher Singh College, Moga
Acting and other creative jobs happened… At the age of five, my father introduced me to theatre. I learnt the art of magic there itself, as a magician used to be part our performances. This workaholic nature of mine then also got me into make-up and production.
First project/break: After acting in different plays, I got the chance to act in a serial called Balidan for Doordarshan in 2000.
Best part about being an actor: It’s the easiest thing to do. Don’t we all know what a dreamy life actors lead?
The cause you care for: Eve-teasing and poverty
With just six months left to live, I would... Besides donating all my possessions and money to the needy, I would make the most of my days
My present state of mind: I’m reading and watching videos on YouTube of famous actors, to know about their life and characteristics. This is very inspirational and is helping me explore my positive side
My motto: To become a famous actor
My secret indulgence: Spending time with myself My hero in real life: Bhagat Singh
Beer or wine: Wine
If you wake up one day and realise you’ve turned into a woman, you would... I would go back to sleep thinking it was only a dream
My biggest addiction: Reading books, mostly autobiographies or biographies of renowned actors
Suggestion for budding actors: I have seen few-projects-old youngsters throwing tantrums. No matter how famous one becomes, one should remain be down to earth
Can’t do without: Nothing
I appreciate most about my friends: My best friend Money Jira knows me inside out. His is my mirror.
