Balraj Syal has turned director with a Punjabi film, but that wasn’t always the plan. He says, “One of my scripts was liked by a production house, and the makers were all set to shoot it in Canada. Just before the film went on floors, they approached me to direct it as they felt I would be the best person since I had an in-depth understanding of the script.”
While he managed to finish his first project as a director, the going hasn’t been easy for the stand-up comedian on the health front. He says, “I have this weird luck of getting injured before or after a significant project. Injuries seem to have a special liking for me (laughs!). When I was shooting for Khatron Ke Khiladi in Argentina, I hurt my back, and before Smart Jodi, I injured my leg.”
Just before his Punjabi film went on floors, Balraj’s health worsened owing to anxiety and exhaustion. He says, “My health suffered, maybe because of the stress of planning the film shoot in Canada while being in India. Managing communication with both Indian and Canadian parties disrupted my sleep cycle. I also developed breathing issues. The doctor detected a heart blockage and recommended taking a break from work. For two months, I cut off from the world and prioritised my health. The experience taught me the importance of living life to the fullest while maintaining good health. It is okay to earn a little less, but being healthy is what matters the most. I have also become a calmer person.”
Balraj and Deepti Tuli
Balraj tied the knot with singer Deepti Tuli in 2020. Is the couple planning to go the family way anytime soon? “Deepti and I talk about it, but I keep getting injured (laughs!). On a serious note, yes, we are thinking about it,” he replies.
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