Producer of Takdeer, actor Nav Bajwa says the upcoming Punjabi web series highlights the role of astrology in society

The filmmaker who introduced sci-fi genre to Pollywood is at it again. This time, he picks up astrology as a subject for a web series. Astrology, which is synonymous with superstition, is the theme for the web series being produced by Nav Bajwa titled Takdeer.

On Wednesday, Nav along with a series of actors, including BN Sharma, Deepak Niaz, Ashita Sharma and child actor Saarthak, introduced the first two episodes of the series— Deport and Aulaad. Present on the stage, along with the writer Kumar Ajay and directors Gaurav Bhalla and Jatin Suthar, was the astrologer—a turbaned jyotish acharya Satvinder Singh, who took many questions, as this unique subject was revealed. Nav is no novice to astrology, but he shared in all his earnestness that growing up he was confused between astrology and astronomy. “I wanted to be an astronaut— the ones who could go to the moon. And while trying to figure that out, I realised that there was another branch of study called astrology.”

The former pilot embraced the glamour industry while turning an actor, writer, director and producer in due course. “I can read anyone’s birth chart (teva) and comprehend,” admits Nav. Though he claims that apart from release date, he hasn’t followed it up much.

It were the two stories—one of foreign dreams, another of father-son bond—that brought him on board for this series, “Astrology is often confused as a superstitious mumbo-jumbo, but we wanted to bring thescientific aspect of it to the fore.” Does he believe in astrology? Nav says, “I go by tera bhana meetha lage (divine will tastes sweet).”

Meanwhile, Satvinder Singh shared, “Astrology is there in almost every culture, but it’s our jyotish vidya that is quite exact.” He makes no claims that he can help a film become a hit, but sure tell the most favourable dates for the start and release of particular projects.

But why the need to know the future? BN Sharma shared, “You navigate well if you know where you are headed. Some seek astrological guidance to navigate through life.” One episode of the series will be released each month, while Deport and Aulaad would be available soon on Satvinder Singh’s YouTube page.

Nav is full of ideas for the Punjabi industry. Many tell him that he has the looks of a Bollywood hero, his Hindi is on point and his choice of subject international! Why doesn’t he try other languages? Nav answers, “I want to give my best to the Punjabi film industry. See how well South Indian cinema has done; I have similar dreams for our industry.”

The film Madhaniyan, which will be released in September, sees Dev Kharoud and Neeru Bajwa, along with Nav in the lead roles. Nav is also eyeing festival circuits. “I want to take Punjabi cinema to Cannes,” he shared. He is working on a film, tentatively titled Iqbal Singh, with Gurpreet Ghuggi. It’s a real-life story, a very intense one. Also in the pipeline for him are a couple of short films, which he wants to take to the global market. “The idea is to bring Punjabi on par with the international market.”

Good times are here

Punjabi cinema today is in an amazing space. “Karan Johar did Akaal with Gippy Grewal, I am also in talks with Boney Kapoor. I could have made Madhaniyan in Hindi such is its budget and scale, but it’s in Punjabi because that is where my heart is,” says Nav.

Starting with music, he has enjoyed success as a filmmaker, but amongst all he prefers writing. “An idea is the beginning of it all. To create a new cinematic world gives me the most joy.”

Acting was always his dream, but Nav followed his father’s diktat to pursue flying. “My father served in the Indian Air Force and it was his dream that I follow in his footsteps. I did become a pilot out of respect for him because I am not the one who would rebel and run away from home.” After becoming a pilot, he talked about his dream with his father, who supported him. “I still live with my parents and owe all my success to them,” he shared.

Entertainment