Ammy Virk On Bollywood Using Punjabis For Comic Relief: 'Diljit Dosanjh Paaji Has Done...'

For the longest time, Bollywood has used Punjabi characters for comic relief in films, using stereotypical archetypes and behaviours. However, as times have progressed, there has been a gradual shift in Bollywood’s

narratives. But does the Hindi film industry still treat Punjabi actors and characters only as comic relief? Ammy Virk weighs in.

Ammy Virk said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times, “Comedy koi chhota kaam toh nahin hai. But experiments have started. Diljit Dosanjh paaji has done Amar Singh Chamkila (2024). It’s not like we can’t do serious roles. I’ve done those in Punjabi films like Qismat and Harjeeta (both 2018), which also won the National Award. It depends on the kind of film, really, today.”

The actor added, “Comedy bahot badi cheez hai. To bring a smile to someone’s face has become difficult. We consume so much content already on OTT and reels, and everyone has heard most jokes. You have to make faces, act in a way that people laugh when they watch. Hamara toh mann hai hum poori umar comedy karein. It looks easy, but it’s actually very difficult.”

On maintaining a clear distinction between ‘clean’ and double-meaning humour, Ammy opined, “Humein voh line rakhni padhegi. I have a daughter, and tomorrow she can ask me, ‘Papa, what is this?’ after seeing such content. I’ve done 30–35 films, and I don’t think even one has a double-meaning line.”

“It’s not just about what I speak, even words like ‘saala’, we remove wherever possible, even though it refers to brother-in-law. Anjaane mein shayad bol diye honge career ki beginning mein, par ab avoid hota hain,” Ammy Virk concluded.

While Ammy was an established star in Punjabi cinema, he made his Bollywood debut with the film ’83 (2021), directed by Kabir Khan. In the movie, he portrayed Balwinder Sandhu, a real-life Indian cricketer who was part of India’s historic 1983 Cricket World Cup–winning team. The film starred Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev and featured a large ensemble cast.

Ammy Virk’s performance in ’83 was well-received, marking his successful transition from Punjabi cinema to mainstream Bollywood. He also starred in Bad Newz alongside Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri. He was lauded for his screen presence and acting prowess.