Diljeet changed the perception of Sikh men in films: Jassi Gill

Popular Punjabi actor-singer Jassi Gill says there is no sense of competition between him and Diljeet Dosanjh, and credits the latter for changing the perception of Sikh men on screen.

Jassi is set to make his Bollywood debut with "Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi" and feels people should be glad that Punjabi actors are getting prominence in Hindi films.

"There is no comparison or competition with Diljeet. We both are doing our thing. I think people should be proud that both of us from Punjab have made a name here in this industry," Jassi told PTI.

"I thank Diljeet for proving that a normal sardar guy can play diverse roles and have a massive reach. Before this, sardars were only shown as comedians. People who played sardars used to wear fake turbans and Punjabis always felt this is not how a Punjabi guy would be. Diljeet came and changed the perception," he added.

Jassi says his connection with the "Udta Punjab" star goes back a long way as he was fascinated the way Diljeet would wear his turban and learnt from him.

"I was in school when Diljeet had just started out and I used to look at him and other singers and would imitate their turban. I learnt how to make turban by looking at them," he adds.

Jassi made his acting debut in Punjabi films 2014 with "Mr & Mrs 420" and followed it up with movies like "Dil Vil Pyar Vyar" and "Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin."