It’s hard to make it big in the film industry when you are an aspiring actor or a singer. But some people have been fortunate enough to make a breakthrough in both the professions. Punjabi film cinema has given the industry actors and singers who can do both at the same time. While Punjabi cinema is known for its comedy films, it is also known for the artistes it has produced in the recent years. Let’s take a look at some names in Punjabi cinema, who started their career as a singer and went on to capture the space on the silver screen:

Gurdas Maan

Considered as one of the most iconic singers of Punjabi film industry and one of the first singers who successfully ventured into acting. Gurdas Maan has sung numerous songs in his career and thanks to his huge fan base, some of his films remain the most watched Punjabi films of all times. The actor and singer is known for his songs like Yaar Mera Pyar, Aaja Sajna and Heer; and films like Sukhmani and Dil Vil Pyar Vyar.

Diljit Dosanjh

A Punjabi pop icon, Diljit Dosanjh is considered one of the most natural actors in Punjabi cinema. Diljit started his career by singing and then went on to establish his career as a singer-cum-actor in Jinhe Mera Dil Luteya. Ever since, the actor has become one of the pioneers in Punjabi music as he has composed various songs for both Punjabi and Hindi film industry. Diljit is very popular among fans for his comic timing in films like Jatt and Juliet, Sardarji, Disco Singh and dramatic roles in films like Udta Punjab and Punjab 1984.

Gippy Grewal

Fans knew him from Angrezi Beat and then one of his most successful films, Carry on Jatta. Gippy is hailed as one of the best music icons in Punjab alongside Diljit and the two have often been referred to as each other’s best counterparts. Gippy is among some of the best known artistes in Punjab, for his contribution towards the cinema through his discography and filmography. Gippy is known for his songs as well as for films including Lucky Di Unlucky Story, Angrezi Beat, Oscar, Mel Karade Rabba.

Amrinder Gill 

Started his career as a song writer and then tried his hand in singing. He got popular for his first peppy tracks. Gill later went on to expand his career as an artiste, when he starred in the moderate successful film, Munde UK De. After brief setback in his career, Gill returned to prominence by starring in some successful Punjabi films such as Saadi Love Story, Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22, Angrej and Love Punjab.

Jassi Gill

The last to join the list is Jassi Gill. Jassi started his career by lending his voice in collaboration with other artistes until he decided to go solo in singing. That didn’t end there, Jassi solidified his career by venturing into acting and won PTC Best Male debut award for his film, Mr & Mrs 420. Jassi is one of the most popular youth icons in Punjab for his songs such as Gabbroo, Snapchat and Guita Sikhda. Jassi will also make his feature Hindi film debut in 2018 with Happy Bhaag Jayegi 2.