OTT Is Opening A New Chapter For Punjabi Cinema: My Debut ‘Punjab Na Bhuliyo’ On Kable One Takes Punjabiyat Global
Ishpreet Singh Kapoor
Actor, A New Face of Punjabi Cinema. Ishpreet Singh Kapoor is set to make his acting debut in Punjabi cinema with Punjab Na Bhuliyo, directed by Manni Boparai and produced by Jot Kapoor under Kapoor Films Production. The film is scheduled to premiere on kable One on 12 November 2026. Born in Ludhiana, Punjab, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Chandigarh. Alongside his passion for acting, he has been associated with the immigration consultancy industry for the past 10 years. His professional journey exposed him to the challenges faced by people affected by illegal immigration practices, which is one reason this story matters to him. The film highlights the importance of pursuing dreams through the legal and right way, while raising awareness about risks of illegal agents and activities. In his debut role, Ishpreet portrays a soft-hearted, innocent, family-oriented young man who stays by his parents during difficult circumstances. His philosophy is simple: “Always do good, always do good work. If your intentions are right, success will follow.” For Ishpreet, this debut is not about fame; it’s about telling a story rooted in Punjab and sharing a message he believes truly matters.
Tiger Harmeek Singh has played a vital role in Ishpreet Singh’s journey as a writer and has also portrayed his brother in Punjab Na Bhuliyo. He has written the film’s story, screenplay, dialogues, and songs, making his contribution truly significant.
You hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering and have around 10 years of experience in immigration consultancy. What inspired you to step into acting, and why choose Punjab Na Bhuliyo for your debut?
Acting has been my childhood passion, but life took me in a different direction and I worked in immigration consultancy for years. When Punjab Na Bhuliyo came my way, I felt an instant connection with its story and the message. The film highlights an important issue faced by many Punjabi families, the dreams of going abroad and the risks and emotional consequences when journeys take unsafe turns. I wanted my debut to be more than just stepping into cinema. I want to be part of a story that creates awareness and can make a difference. If my work can influence even a few people to think carefully or make safer choices for their families, I will consider that a true success. For me, real achievement is not fame, but making a positive impact.
Your character is portrayed as innocent, soft-hearted, and family-oriented. How close is that to the real Ishpreet Singh Kapoor, and how did you prepare for the role?
I believe my character in Punjab Na Bhuliyo shares many similarities with my real personality. I am family-oriented, soft-hearted by nature, and someone who deeply values relationships. Like my character, I believe in standing by my family. While preparing, I focus on understanding the character’s emotions, relationships, and the situations he faces. For me, acting is about connecting with the character from within. I tried to understand his innocence, his love for his family, and the challenges he goes through, so that the audience could relate to him naturally.
Punjab Na Bhuliyo highlights the importance of choosing legal immigration routes and the dangers of illegal agents. With your experience in immigration consultancy, you have seen these challenges first-hand. What personal story or experience made this subject important for you?
Having worked in immigration consultancy for years, I’ve seen how deeply the dream of going abroad affects families. For many, it represents hope, a better future, or financial stability. But when people fall into the trap of illegal agents or unsafe routes, the consequences can be devastating. Families lose savings, face emotional distress, and, in the worst cases, lose their loved ones. Those realities made this subject very close to my heart. I believe people should be aware of the risks, seek genuine guidance, and follow legal immigration procedures. Through Punjab Na Bhuliyo, we want to send a strong message that dreams are important, but the path we choose matters just as much. I hope the film encourages people to make informed decisions and protects families from falling victim to false promises.
How was your experience working with director Manni Boparai and producer Jot Kapoor, especially as a newcomer to the film industry?
Working on Punjab Na Bhuliyo has been a wonderful learning experience. As a newcomer, I was fortunate to work with people who supported me, guided me, and made me feel comfortable. Our director, Manni Boparai, helped me understand my character and bring the right emotions to each scene. Producer Jot Kapoor gave me the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful project. The entire cast and crew created a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Working alongside such experienced artists taught me something new every day. For me, this film has been not only a debut but also an opportunity to grow as an actor.
You believe in the philosophy, “Always do good, always do good work. If your intentions are right, success will follow.” What does that mean to you, especially when your debut is not just about fame?
For me, this philosophy is a way of life. I believe that our intentions and the quality of our work matter more than fame or recognition. I have always believed that if we work honestly, treat people with respect, and stay committed to doing the right thing, success will follow in its own way. It may take time, but meaningful work always has value. My decision to be part of Punjab Na Bhuliyo was not driven simply by the desire to become an actor or gain popularity. I wanted to be associated with a story that carries a message and reflects the realities faced by many Punjabi families. If my work can inspire even a few people to think more carefully about their choices, understand the risks of unsafe immigration routes, or choose the right path, I would consider that a meaningful achievement. For me, real success is not just about being recognised on screen, but about creating a positive impact through my work.
As a new face in Punjabi cinema, what does Punjabiyat mean to you, and how does Punjab Na Bhuliyo reflect today’s Punjab?
For me, Punjabiyat is about our roots, culture, language, traditions, family values, and the spirit of togetherness that defines Punjab. It is also about the courage, warmth, and resilience of our people. Today, many Punjabi families dream of moving abroad for better opportunities. While these dreams are understandable, it’s important to also recognize the emotional and financial challenges that can come with unsafe journeys. Punjab Na Bhuliyo reflects the realities of our times, the aspirations of people, and the consequences of decisions made under false promises.
The film is premiering on Kabel One on 12 November 2026. How do you see OTT platforms changing Punjabi cinema and helping debut actors like you reach a global audience?
OTT platforms have created exciting opportunities for Punjabi cinema to reach audiences beyond geographical boundaries. Punjabi people are all over the world, and digital platforms make it easier for them to connect with stories from their land. For a film like Punjab Na Bhuliyo, OTT provides an opportunity to share its socially relevant message with viewers everywhere, including those living abroad who relate to the dreams and challenges of migration. It also helps new actors and storytellers showcase their talents to a much wider audience.
Was there any scene in the film that emotionally challenged you or stayed with you even after the shoot?
One of the most emotionally challenging scenes for me was when my character receives heartbreaking news that his brother, who had gone to Canada, has passed away in another country. Until that moment, my character is happy and relieved, believing his brother has safely started a new life. Suddenly, everything changes. His happiness turns into shock, disbelief, and deep emotional pain. As an actor, the greatest challenge was portraying that sudden shift naturally through my expressions and reactions. I had to show not only the shock of such unexpected news, but also the weight of telling my family and facing their grief. This scene made me realize how one unexpected incident can change the entire family’s life. Through Punjab Na Bhuliyo, we want to highlight that the risks of unsafe immigration routes are not just financial. They can also lead to heartbreaking emotional consequences for families. For me, that scene was not just about acting. It was about understanding the emotional state of someone facing an unimaginable tragedy. I hope the audience connects with that pain and the importance of making responsible choices.
The film highlights the importance of family standing together in difficult times. What role has your own family played in supporting your career shift?
My family has always played a vital role in encouraging me to follow my childhood passion. During the shoot of Punjab Na Bhuliyo, my parents supported me completely. Managing things at home so I could focus on my work. We’re a small, loving family, and I believe togetherness is the foundation of a happy life. My wife has been my greatest strength, standing by me like a backbone throughout this journey. Her encouragement and belief in me have given me the confidence to pursue my dream and face new challenges. I’m also grateful to my co-stars and the entire team who made me feel like I was part of one big family. Our director, Manni Boparai, guided me throughout. And senior artists like Nirmal Rishi Ji shared their experience and helped me grow. Nina Bundel Ji, who played my mother in the film, created such a natural emotional bond that I could feel the warmth of a mother’s love. For me, Punjab Na Bhuliyo is not just about the challenges families face. It is also about the strength and courage they give to each other to overcome them. I believe that when a family stands united and supports each other, we can face even the toughest situations together.
After Punjab Na Bhuliyo, what kinds of roles or stories would you like to explore in Punjabi cinema?
As an actor, I want to play all kinds of roles. I would love to be part of films that deliver meaningful social messages as well as projects that entertain audiences and give them a great cinematic experience. I am also interested in portraying real-life personalities or characters based on true stories. I believe an actor’s responsibility is to adapt to every character, understand their personality and emotions, and bring them to life on screen. Every character has a different identity, and I want to immerse myself in each role and perform it in the most authentic way possible. Personally, I feel that whatever role I am offered, I want to embrace wholeheartedly and perform with complete dedication. I also make sure to work closely with the director’s vision so the character is represented exactly the way the story demands. And one thing I would always keep in mind is that whatever film I choose should give something valuable to the audience and, if possible, send a positive message to Punjab.
