Photographed by – Bhupesh Kalal
Ammy Virk has become a household name in Punjabi cinema and music, captivating audiences with his genuine charm, powerful performances, and soulful voice. From his roots in regional cinema to starring alongside Bollywood giants, Ammy’s journey reflects a perfect blend of talent and hard work. In this exclusive interview with Face Magazine, Ammy opens up about his evolution as an artist, the challenges and rewards of transitioning to Bollywood, and how his experiences influence his multifaceted career as an actor, singer, producer, and music composer.
A Journey from Punjab to Bollywood: Embracing Growth and Change
Ammy’s transition from a regional Punjabi superstar to a Bollywood sensation has been a remarkable journey, filled with both challenges and rewarding moments. “The transition hasn’t been too difficult because we work in Punjab, and many of the technicians are based there, even though they often work from Mumbai,” Ammy shares. Despite the shared workforce, the cultural and linguistic differences between the two industries remain a challenge. “The main difference is the language,” he says. While he is used to performing in Punjabi films, Bollywood requires him to communicate in Hindi, a language he is still getting comfortable with on set. Ammy is quick to point out that Punjabi music is already well-loved in Bollywood and beyond, which has eased his integration into the larger industry. “Punjabi artists are working internationally now, not just in India,” he reflects. Though regional Punjabi films may cater to a smaller audience, Ammy firmly believes that they have the potential to reach global audiences. “When I’m acting, I follow the director’s vision. In those moments, the language barrier doesn’t matter,” he emphasizes, attributing his success to staying true to his craft regardless of the platform.
On Set with Bollywood Icons: Vicky Kaushal and Akshay Kumar
Ammy’s recent projects have placed him alongside some of Bollywood’s biggest names, including Vicky Kaushal and Akshay Kumar. His collaboration with these stars was nothing short of extraordinary. “Vicky Paji and Akshay Paji were amazing to work with,” Ammy recalls. Despite the star power on set, Ammy felt an overwhelming sense of camaraderie. “The vibe was so good; it felt like everyone was family.” Both Vicky and Akshay, known for their professionalism and warm personalities, made Ammy feel at ease throughout the shooting process. He fondly recounts how Akshay Kumar’s love for Punjabi culture further deepened their bond. “Akshay Paji and I used to play Ludo during our free time—it was a lot of fun!” This off-screen friendship contributed to the seamless collaboration that viewers felt on screen.
The Art of Choosing Projects: Going with the Flow
For Ammy, selecting projects has been a combination of instinct and opportunity. When asked what draws him to specific roles, he explains, “When I got these two movies, I wasn’t fully aware of how people were reacting to my work or how things were happening. I just went with the flow.” This unplanned yet intuitive approach has guided much of Ammy’s career. One of the pivotal moments in his journey was his role in the sports drama 83, where he portrayed the legendary cricketer Balwinder Sandhu. Ammy recounts how he met Mudassar, the director of 83, over a casual cup of tea, which led to a career-defining opportunity. “Mudassar came to me and said, ‘Ammy, we have a project for you. Would you like to do it?’ I immediately said yes.” This openness to new experiences and trust in his instincts has propelled Ammy from strength to strength, helping him navigate both the regional and Bollywood film landscapes.
Bridging Punjabi and Hindi Cinema: Authentic Representation
Ammy has not only made a name for himself in Bollywood but also helped bring authenticity to the portrayal of Punjabis on the big screen. He discusses the shift from stereotypical depictions of Punjabi characters to more genuine representations. “Earlier, casting was often stereotypical, where they would put a turban on anyone, but it didn’t look authentic. Now, writers and directors are putting in the effort to find real Punjabis like me and Diljit.” For Ammy, authenticity is key. His natural approach to acting is evident in films like 83, where his portrayal was praised for its sincerity. “I didn’t plan my acting; it just came out that way,” he says. With his background in Punjabi cinema, Ammy has developed a unique talent for bringing a natural vibe to his roles, whether in regional films or Bollywood productions. As he continues to balance projects across both industries, his focus remains on delivering authentic and compelling performances.
Managing Multiple Roles: Actor, Singer, Producer, and Composer
In addition to his acting career, Ammy is a highly successful singer, producer, and music composer. Balancing all of these roles, however, has been a challenge. “It’s difficult to manage everything because, in the past 2 to 3 years, I’ve worked on many movies, solo singles, and music albums,” he admits. With his growing commitments in Bollywood, Ammy has had to put his music career on hold temporarily, though he remains eager to return to it when time allows. As a musician, Ammy’s background gives him an advantage when working on films with strong musical elements. “As a singer, there’s an advantage because we can perform better since we have musical knowledge,” he explains. Despite his busy acting schedule, Ammy hopes to continue incorporating music into his work, blending his talents in both industries to create unforgettable soundtracks and performances.
Drawing from Real Life for Emotional Performances
Ammy’s ability to deliver emotionally charged performances stems from his real-life experiences and interactions with others. “It’s not that I’ve learned from life experiences, but when you meet various kinds of people or encounter different situations, it influences your perspective,” he reflects. Films like Qismat and Sukhane allowed him to tap into everyday emotions that resonate with audiences on a deep level. Ammy believes that many of his roles reflect the experiences of those around him, rather than his own. “These movies reflect our daily lives or what we observe in our surroundings,” he says, adding that the emotional depth he brings to his performances is often inspired by incidents involving his friends or the people he meets in life.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
As Ammy continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a Punjabi artist in both regional and Bollywood cinema, his journey shows no signs of slowing down. With a slew of new projects in the pipeline, Ammy’s focus remains on delivering authentic performances that resonate with audiences across India and beyond. His unique blend of humility, talent, and passion has made him a favorite among fans, and he is poised to continue his rise to even greater heights in the years to come. Whether through music or film, Ammy Virk’s dedication to his craft shines through, making him one of the most versatile and beloved artists in the industry today. As he continues to navigate the world of cinema and music, there’s no doubt that Ammy will keep surprising and inspiring audiences with his incredible journey.
Credits:
Produced by – @facemag.in Publisher – @harshithundet Photographer- @thebhupeshkalal Styled by @stylingbyvictor@sohail__mughal___ Outfit @oshinsarin Accessories @palmonas_official Styling team @styleby_antara Makeup – @makeup_asfaque Video – @ssnatballamanja Fashion Coordinator: @iampriyankasethi Cover design by: @indesignelements Location: @courtyardmumbai Artist Reputation: @Altair.pr Artist Manager @sahniguurneet
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