Summary
Highlights
Tarsem Jassar begins by highlighting that the Dastaar (turban) has always faced struggles, both historically and in contemporary times due to racism. He mentions ongoing protests in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, where Sikhs face discrimination. He emphasizes that the Dastaar is a crown, and those who wear it will always face challenges, making it a continuous struggle.
Jassar recounts tying a Dastaar for the first time in 7th grade for a Kavisri performance. He notes the evolving styles of the Dastaar, stating that the way one ties it is unique to the individual. He advises young people not to strive for perfection, but to tie it comfortably, as the style naturally improves over time. He also suggests using a slightly larger cloth to avoid issues with the 'larr' (pleats).
Jassar discusses the various styles of Dastaar, from traditional dumallas to Patiala Shahi and kharbooji turbans. He points out that different regions like Delhi and the UK have distinct styles, and this diversity is a beauty. He criticizes judging others based on their Dastaar style, equating it to racism. He also stresses the importance of wearing a Dastaar of adequate length (5 to 5.25 meters) for safety, especially while riding motorcycles, to avoid misrepresentation and maintain the sanctity of the Dastaar.
Jassar connects the historical struggles of Sikhs in Punjab, where many young people cut their hair to avoid persecution, to similar struggles faced by Sikhs abroad. He shares instances of racial discrimination in countries like New Zealand and Australia, where basic rights of Sikhs are challenged. He cites an example of an indigenous Australian community protesting for their land rights, emphasizing the ongoing fight for identity.
Jassar compares the Sikh community's efforts to preserve their identity with that of the Jewish community, noting that Sikhs have fallen behind in effectively communicating their message globally. He stresses the importance of education and channeling collective resources to empower the community. He shares a personal experience in Houston where he had to educate security personnel about the significance of the Dastaar by showing a picture of Ajay Banga, highlighting the lack of awareness about Sikh identity.
Jassar discusses the father-son relationship depicted in the film 'Dastaar,' where his character's father (played by Yograj Singh) initially resists his choices but eventually supports him. He explains that the father's change of heart comes from understanding the situation and realizing that the struggle has become bigger than just his son's individual fight. He believes this dynamic will resonate deeply with viewers.
Jassar explains his deliberate absence from social media for a year and a half while working on 'Guru Nanak Jahaz,' emphasizing his commitment to the project. He acknowledges the anxiety of staying relevant in the social media era but believes in focusing on one's craft. He expresses satisfaction with the global reception of 'Guru Nanak Jahaz,' especially in Canada, where it helped correct historical narratives and led to recognition of the ship's original name.
Responding to a question about the most dangerous thing in the world, Jassar states that it is losing one's roots. He believes that straying from one's origins leads to disorientation and a loss of purpose. He connects this to the film's theme, where staying grounded to one's identity is paramount. He shares daily practices like Nitnem (daily prayers) and visiting Gurdwaras to stay connected to his roots.
Jassar addresses the state of Punjabi cinema, advocating for a focus on quality over quantity. He stresses the need for better filmmaking, stronger content, and increased production budgets. He criticizes the trend of excessive promotion for films, suggesting that good work should speak for itself. He also highlights the financial challenges, noting that often the promotion budget exceeds the production cost, leading to losses for meaningful films like 'Guru Nanak Jahaz.'
Jassar points out that Punjabi audiences tend to value distant stars more than local talent, which he feels is detrimental to the industry. He urges audiences to support local artists and good cinema. He concludes by stating his intention to return to music after a break, acknowledging his fans' demand for new songs and reiterating his dedication to impactful projects.