On Baisakhi, I observe the customs of eating and going to the gurdwara: Ammy Virk

Ammy Virk is currently filming his next Punjabi movie while commemorating Baisakhi. The 83-year-old actor is, nonetheless, taking a special break to go to the gurdwara. Excerpts from Ammy, who uses this day’s festivity to revisit his childhood memories.

What is your most treasured Baisakhi memory?
Like with other celebrations, my first recollection of Baisakhi is around eating, but this is especially true for Baisakhi because the day honours the harvest of crops, which denotes an abundance of food.

My mother and grandmother used to make a big feast for the occasion when we were little. They would start with Zarda, which is meethe chawal with saffron and dried fruits, and serve it with halwa, kadi, puriyan, channey, and boondi wala raita. My favourite recollection is the insistence on eating a large amount of pakoras (laughter). My mother was well-known for her gajjar ki kheer, which she continues to make annually. When we were children, my parents would give langar ki seva to the local gurdwara on Baisakhi, a custom they also instilled in me. We lived in the hamlet of Lohar Majra. During Baisakhi, family and cousins would come together and wear new outfits. My parents took great care to get new garments for both themselves and us.
Have you continued the customs of the day with your family?
I eat according to custom. Despite the fact that my brother, sister, and I grew up and were engrossed in our everyday lives, I am grateful for the way my parents instilled the customs in us to the point that we carried them into our own lives. As the seasons change and crops are harvested, Baisakhi is a celebration of fresh beginnings. It also marks the birth of the Khalsa religion for Sikhs. Thus, going to the gurdwara is a crucial part of my day. I take this time to sincerely thank God for all of his blessings.
Speaking of freshness, is there anything new you connect this year’s event with?
Yes, without a doubt. This year, my Hindi film Bad Newz will be released. My close relationship with Vicky (Kaushal) Paaji, who likes my music, strengthened our chemistry as co-stars in the movie. When I reflect, I see that, in addition to Diljit (Dosanjh) Paaji, I also have a turbaned actor inside me that has gained popularity among Hindi viewers. And I believe that the idea that actors with turbans work best in comedic parts has been disproved by the two of us. While Diljit Paaji has a number of noteworthy films to his name, I want to discuss 83′ and Bhuj: The Pride of India. Indeed, our current crop of filmmakers has elevated the rom-com genre above slapstick humour and frivolity, making it a significant kind of entertainment. And I consider myself lucky to have found a place in this new Bollywood realm.