Rupinder Rainer caught up with model and actress Monica Gill to talk about her second Bollywood movie ‘Paltan’ and more!

Zee Studio International presents ‘Paltan’ releasing on 7th September 2018.

It is a movie based on the Nathu La military clashes of 1967 which took place along the Sikkim border, Paltan showcases an untold story of the Indian forces facing off in an intense battle to ward off a Chinese infiltration.

Paltan, a war drama, focuses on the hard-hitting truth of India's relations with China, and how it is important to acknowledge that China, an enormous power in world politics, poses to be a huge threat to India.

The film has been directed by J.P. Dutta who has previously directed films such as ‘Border’ and ‘LOC Kargil.’

The cast of the film are:

Jackie Shroff
Abdul Quadir Amin
Arjun Rampal
Esha Gupta
Sonu Sood
Harshvardhan Rane
Bijou Thaangjam
Monica Gill
Gurmeet Choudhary
Rohit Roy
Dipika Kakar
Sonal Chauhan
Siddhant Kapoor
Luv Sinha
Abhilash Chaudhary

Thank you Monica for taking time out to tell me about your coming film ‘Paltan.’

Can you tell us a bit about the film Paltan?

The story is based on real life incidents, the 1967 Nathu La clash with the Chinese. Although most of the shooting took place in Ladak, my portions were all shot in Punjab. Ropar to be exact. The locations are STUNNING; an ode to JP sir’s keen eye.

What is your character in the film?

I play a cute simple Punjabi village girl. It’s the first time I’m playing a character without an urban twist. It was a nice break.

The genre and storyline of this movie is completely different to what you have done in the past as it is based around war. What was you experience?

I think it’s necessary to do and try different things. You can’t do the same thing over and over again and fool yourself into thinking you’re growing. Growth as an actor lies in experimenting with your versatility. I hope that has come through in this film.

Did you face any challenges?

Not at all. The shooting experience was one of my most pleasant ones to date. Nidhi Dutta spoils her actors and being directed by JP sir was an exhilarating experience.

Would you work on another film in this genre?

As long as it was directed by JP Dutta, any day any time.

What type of roles you prefer playing and why?

In terms of Hindi Cinema, I’m looking for good directors, with a good script, and a good cast. Whatever role it may be. In Punjabi cinema, I’m looking to experiment with characters which haven’t been brought to life before, with stories that need to be told and where I play a major role.

What was it like working with huge Bollywood actors?

The same as it is working with Pollywood actors.

Is there a difference between shooting for a Bollywood film compared to Pollywood? Is there a difference in working style?

So the budgets are different, therefore the treatment is different. For example, you may get a better hotel, a better car, more choices of wardrobe etc. However, the acting process is the same.

I still prepared the same way as I did for my other films. Being in front of the camera and zoning into my character and the situation that I was presenting was exactly the same. There really isn’t a major difference.

What are the three things you consider when choosing whether to be part of a film?

1. Does the story need to be told?
2. Does my character add anything substantial to the story/storyline?
3. My regard and respect for the director.

So why should we all go and watch Paltan?

Because the life we live is due to the sacrifices of those who secure our borders. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be living as comfortably as we do.

What else is in the pipeline for yourself?

So there are a few things in the pipeline which should start getting announced soon.

What would you like to say to the SimplyBhangra.com readers?

Please mark your calendars for September 7th and go celebrate our unsung heroes. Loads of love to you guys always!

You can follow me at Follow @rupinder_rainer