I refused 20 projects for my film: Yashpal Sharma

Actor Yashpal Sharma, who turned director with Dada Lakhmi, is elated that his hard work of five years has paid off as his film won the National Award for the best Haryanvi film

Actor Yashpal Sharma, who turned director with Dada Lakhmi, is elated that his hard work of five years has paid off as his film won the National Award for the best Haryanvi film.

Yashpal Sharma’s debut film as director won National Award for best Haryanvi film (Facebook)

The Gangajal actor, who recently wrapped his shoot of film Control in Lucknow, says, “The intention was to make a commercial film which can also work in the film festival circuit. So far, it has won 60 awards across the world. Last year, it was also screened online at the Cannes Film Festival. Now, the National Award is an icing on the cake.”

Sharma adds, “My first Haryanvi film Pagdi The Honour followed by Satrangi both have won National Awards. In that period, there were Jaat reservation riots going on which had upset me. Yahan koi film ka mahaul hi nahi hai aur sab jaat-paat main fansey hue hai! I decided to work in that direction knowing that I will have to sacrifice work for many years, will suffer huge money loss but now feel it was worth it.”

For this film he let go of multiple projects. “I have refused at least 20 films in the period of five years. But, ghar chalana hai to beech-beech main thoda kaam bhi kiya! A lot of people discouraged me and many made a joke of it but I did not give up. I remained focused on the film and kept on working towards it and the result is here. I have co-produced the film with Ravindra Rajawat.”

Is he looking for a pan-India release? “Bahut paisa kharch ho gaya hai so we will be looking forward to releasing it in Haryana and nearby states. Though it’s in Haryanvi, those who know Hindi can easily understand, as it is in very simple language, just as people related with Lagaan (Awadhi).”

His last few releases were Your Honor, A Simple Murder, PariWar and Bunty Aur Bubli 2. “I have done leading roles in M for Mafia and College Kaand while the film The Great Indian Family with Vicky Kaushal will be a mega release. Besides, there are two very interesting projects where I am doing the main role — Chipkali and Mooso,” he adds.

Sharma has earlier done many projects in Lucknow including Monica, Chinese Bhasad and Family of Thakurganj.