‘I learnt a lot from the faculty here’

He was in class IV-V when he got interested in filmmaking. From there on his passion for directing grew by leaps and bounds, and even though he pursued a programme in engineering he quit within six months because he realised it was not what he signed up for.

“The world of filmmaking fascinated me. So much so that from a very young age, I started shooting and editing videos on my smartphone. But I took Science (non-medical) in class XI. It was expected that I do engineering. Luckily, within a few short months, I realised that this was not what I wanted to do. The world of multimedia beckoned. I quit engineering. That is when people told me that if I wanted to take a course in multimedia, I should join Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA). That is exactly what I did,” Gurbhej Singh said, who is known for directing Punjabi music videos that have had more than 150 million views.

Excerpts from the interview?

How were your campus days at ACFA?

I think I passed out in 2018-19. I did a four-year BDesign in Multimedia. I had a lot of fun because the programme was designed in such a manner that interested me even though I knew the ins-outs of multimedia. Even when I was not attending the lectures, it was a fun time on campus. I loved the entire atmosphere at the campus; it was so invigorating.

How was the faculty?

They were very good. While I knew quite a bit about multimedia, there were still a few things that I learnt from them that helped me hone my skill.

You are a director, how did your journey start?

As mentioned, I have been editing since I was in class IV. After I completed my course at ACFA, I began my journey in the Punjabi music industry. I started assisting other directors when I was pursuing my programme. The Punjabi music industry is very robust. There is so much work that is being done here. And since I am from Moga, it was the perfect platform to start my journey. But now I am diversifying. I have recently shot a pilot for a web series. It is just that since I have done a lot of music videos that have gone viral with over 100 million views, it opens doors for other work as well.

What are your Bollywood plans?

I have already started to look for work there. I have done some work for Sony India Music. Besides, I recently did a project worth Rs 28 lakh. When you start doing big-budget projects, your work starts getting noticed and this makes it easy to explore for now all eyes are trained on Mumbai. But I want to make my entry with my eyes open.

What challenges do you see in your Bollywood stint?

I don’t envision any. I have made space for myself in the industry. People know me. But yes, if I were to start directly in Bollywood, it would have been an uphill task. So many people are trying to make a mark, and I would have been lost. Yes, there will be challenges, but I understand the industry and that is to my advantage.

The four-year BDesign in Multimedia was fun because the programme was designed in such a manner that interested me. Even when I was not attending the lectures, it was a fun time on campus

–Gurbhej Singh, Alumnus of Apeejay College of Fine Arts 

How does the budget impact the final product?

It plays a huge part. If you have the budget, you can shoot in a foreign location. If you don’t have the budget, it is not possible to make a Titanic. The more the budget, the better you can showcase your talents on what you can do. But creativity comes into play when you have a small budget and yet you have to deliver your best. As a director, you have to give your best each time. You can’t say that the product that you have delivered is bad because of budget constraints.

What are some of the changes that have happened in Punjabi music?

There have been so many. The music is now heard in every nook and corner. This means that the work we do needs to be top-class. You can’t do shoddy work. Technology has changed. New equipment is out in the market all the time and you must have the know-how on how to improve your craft using them and how to operate them. Cameras worth crores are in the market. You should know which one to use that suits you best and your work.

Also, Film City has recently opened in Mohali on a budget of Rs 40-50 crore. This will ensure more good work will come out of the Punjabi industry.

Would you recommend that students enroll at ACFA?

Yes, definitely. As long as the person gives his/her best, a programme from ACFA is perfect. There are so many people, including me, who are looking for interns to work with them. If you have the caliber, this place is the best to learn.