"Comfortable vibe": Mandy Takhar shares experience of working with Sidhu Moose Wala in 'Yes I Am Student'

Mandy Takhar: The Punjabi actor opened up on her imminent movie, working with a debutant actor and why should people watch 'Yes I Am Student' in cinema halls.

Had it not been for the COVID-19 pandemic, actor Mandy Takhar wouldn't have had a two-year long gap in between her Punjabi filmography. Takhar, who has several unreleased movies under her belt, will be seen on the silver screen in Tarnvir Singh Jagpal's 'Yes I Am Student' tomorrow.

Takhar, who has worked with Jagpal in his directorial debut titled 'Rabb Da Radio' [2017], will be sharing screen for the first time alongside sensational singer-turned-actor Sidhu Moose Wala. Again, had it not been for the pandemic, Yes I Am Student would've been Moose Wala's debut movie as a lead actor.

Speaking in an interview with Punjabi Mania, Takhar shared her experience of working alongside Moose Wala, opened up on her character in Yes I Am Student and explained why people should watch the movie in cinema halls.

What was your reaction when you were first offered the film opposite Sidhu Moose Wala?

I was pleased. I felt he would do the role justice as he could relate to the character of Jassa. I don’t know Sidhu’s personal life story in totality but from what I've observed, he has had his fair share of struggles and has overcome them too, which is just the kind of experience needed for this film.

Did you have any doubts going on set considering the actor you were working opposite is going to be a debutante?

Not at all. I had faith in director Tarnvir [Singh] Jagpal, he’s given us beautiful films like Rabb Da Radio and 'Daana Paani' [2018]. He’s got great command over handling deep emotions. So, I felt all artists are in safe hands.

Tell us about your character in the film?

I play a girl named Reet. Her character is very real and relatable. She might fight over something small like why didn’t you answer my call yet be the most loving and supportive in things that really matter otherwise. Reet has a slight shade of being a typical teen-like girlfriend, who, at times, wouldn’t know the struggles faced by her partner. However, she eventually becomes supportive and helps her loved one to achieve his dreams.

The film talks about the hardships faced by International student staying abroad, in this particular case Students In Canada. You yourself are from England! Have you come across any cases of violence or attacks against students in England?

Racism and discrimination exists everywhere. During my school days, I had come across cases of racism. Some very commonly used abuses were 'Go back to your country' or 'F*** off you Paki'. Yes, I have seen physical fights due to religious and cultural differences. Not a nice sight. 

How was it like shooting the film and working with Tarnvir Jagpal and Sidhu Moose Wala?

Having worked with Tarn veera in Rabb Da Radio, I knew his requirements to quite an extent. Since his vision is always clear, one feels relaxed working under his guidance. Sidhu, too, is a chilled person. I didn’t feel like I was meeting a stranger. It was a very comfortable vibe on set. 

Which is your favourite Sidhu Moose Wala song from his discography?

Right now 'Athra Style' and of course 'Jaan'.

How is Sidhu as a person? We have heard from people that he is very shy and does not like to talk much?

A little like myself. It takes him a little time getting comfortable with complete strangers which is quite normal, eventually he can hold conversations just fine.

Do you know that once in an Interview when Sidhu was asked about his favourite actress in a rapid fire question, he took your name! What’s your reaction to you being Sidhu’s favourite actress?

I feel humbled. I really do but wait, I haven’t shown my best work yet!

Why should fans watch Yes I Am Student?

This movie is based on a subject of the struggles of international students living in a foreign country, it’s all based on true events. It shows the survival of international students who are far away from their families trying to fit in the environment mentally, physically and financially. It's all about their struggles and overcoming.