Mann was the chief guest at a function held today at Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, Gujarkhan Campus, Model Town.

When asked over why Punjabi cinema was still not a big thing in the Indian film industry, the 42-year-old argued that Punjabi cinema still worked on small budgets and that it was progressing well in the given budgets.

“There was a time when we struggled to get good theatres in the state for Jee Aayan Nu. It had opened in only a few theatres in 2002. Mitti Wajan Mardi was screened only at four theatres in Ludhiana,” he said.

When asked why the same NRI-based storylines were used in his films, he answered, “When we made Jee Aayan Nu, we were looking at the NRI audience. While some people told me that it would not work, it was much appreciated.

“Now, however, we have a committed audience and can think of different subjects. We are in fact going a step further with every project and we have struggled to reach where we have reached over these years.”

“Earlier, only those with little luck in Bollywood looked towards Punjabi Cinema, but now things are changing. I was even offered a role in Singh is King starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Anees Bazmi. But I refused the offer and told them that I was busy with Punjabi films at present,” he said while telling the audience that he was happy working in Punjabi films as he was committed to its growth.

“With big production houses ready to finance projects and movies in Punjabi and with the presence of a wider audience, there is a scope for different subjects,” he said.