Paramvir Cheema Confronts Typecasting Concerns Ahead of Border 2 Debut
Actor Paramvir Singh Cheema has candidly discussed the apprehensions he faced regarding potential typecasting before accepting his pivotal role in the highly anticipated war drama 'Border 2'. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Cheema revealed the internal conflict he experienced when initially approached for the project, despite his enthusiasm for the prestigious film.
Overcoming the Fear of Being Lost Among Stars
Cheema admitted that while he was immediately drawn to the project due to the iconic 'Border' franchise name, he harbored significant doubts about his visibility alongside an ensemble cast of established stars. "When I heard the name Border, I obviously liked it as it's a big film. But I also had a doubt that I might get lost amid all the big stars," the actor confessed. He elaborated on his career considerations, emphasizing the strategic thinking required to navigate the competitive film industry and ensure progressive growth.
Breaking Free from Turban-Centric Roles
A primary concern for Cheema was the risk of being pigeonholed into specific character archetypes, particularly roles that required him to wear a turban. Having portrayed such characters in previous projects like 'Tabber' and 'Black Warrant', he was determined to avoid being confined to a narrow professional image. "There's a lot of type casting. I wore a turban in Tabber and Black Warrant. So I didn't want people to see me in only turban roles where there's a lot more," he explained, highlighting his desire for diverse and challenging opportunities.
Meeting with Director Anurag Singh and Personal Connection
The turning point came during a crucial meeting with director Anurag Singh, where Cheema openly shared his reservations. This honest conversation ultimately led to his selection for the role of Subedar Nishaan Singh. Cheema also revealed a deep personal connection to the film's theme, stemming from his family's military heritage. "I come from an army background. My great-grandfather and many of them were in the army. They also served during World War II. So, there were a lot of responsibilities," he stated, acknowledging the weight of portraying patriotism and the sacrifices of soldiers accurately in such a significant production.
Surreal Experience Working with Sunny Deol
Reflecting on his time on set, Cheema described working with veteran actor Sunny Deol as a "surreal" experience. Although their direct interactions were limited to one or two scenes, Cheema emphasized Deol's indispensable presence, stating, "There is no 'Border' without Sunny Deol." He recounted the profound impact of witnessing Deol's solo frames during filming, which instantly evoked the authentic spirit of the 'Border' legacy. The actor shared that shooting alongside Deol for approximately 30-32 days was an unforgettable chapter in his career.
Positive Collaboration with Varun Dhawan
Cheema also praised his co-star Varun Dhawan, dispelling any preconceived notions about the star's demeanor. He recalled Dhawan's approachable nature and genuine appreciation for his work, particularly after watching 'Black Warrant'. "He used to tell me, 'I like your work a lot, Param'," Cheema shared, noting the interesting dynamic in their shared scenes. This positive collaboration helped alleviate his initial concerns about working with high-profile actors.
Anticipated Release and Star-Studded Cast
'Border 2' features an impressive lineup including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit Dosanjh, with Cheema playing a key role. The film is scheduled to premiere in theatres on January 23, promising to deliver a powerful narrative centered on patriotism and military valor. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for this major addition to Indian cinema.
