The acclaimed Punjabi actress has dragged Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu to court over the latter’s detachment towards the promotion of ‘Bai Ji Kuttange’. We spoke to Upasana Singh to learn more about the issue.
What led you to sue Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu?
I signed ‘Bai Ji Kuttange’ with Harnaaz months before she was crowned Miss Universe. She is making a debut with my son, Nanak. As per the contract, she was supposed to promote the film with us for 25 days. But as she soon as she became Miss Universe, she broke ties with us. She completely detached herself from the film. She is not even posting anything about the film on social media.
It’s very sad to see when someone does this to you. I gave her a chance when no one knew her in the film industry. She stayed at my house when she was in Mumbai, and treated her as my child. I never thought that that she would do this to us.
Have you tried to contact the beauty queen before sending her a summon?
We were originally supposed to release the film in May earlier this year. But she has been ignoring us. I sent several messages and mails to her. But she did not revert to them. Then I asked Smeep Kang, the director of the film, and other actors (of the film) to call her. But she did not reply to their messages as well. It’s been five months we have been trying to reach her, and have already lost a lot of money due to this. So, seeking legal help was the last resort.
Why did you wait this long for her to respond?
I have earned a lot of respect in this industry. I never wanted anyone to know that there were problems between us.
What do you have to say to people who are trolling you and calling your legal move a publicity stunt?
I just want to tell them that I have not made a bad film. It’s a family film which has some of the popular actors of the industry: Dev Kharoud (who is playing bai ji in the film), Gurpreet Ghuggi and I. Smeep (Kang) has already given several hits in the past. Content is the king in this film. It’s the first time an action-comedy film has been made in the Punjabi film industry. So, why would I need such cheap tactics to gain publicity.
The Kapil Sharma Show has been discontinued. If given a chance, would you work with the comedian again?
It will be my privilege to work with Kapil again. In fact, the opening scene of Bai Ji Kuttange also features Kapil Sharma's voice.
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