Jagmohan Kaur, the legendary voice of Punjab, was not just a singer but an institution in herself. Her songs continue to resonate across generations, but a lesser known fact about her career is that she was once offered a Bollywood film. In an exclusive conversation with Varkaa Magazine, her daughter Billy Kaur sheds light on this fascinating chapter of her mother’s life.
Shortly after her marriage to fellow artist K Deep, the couple visited Mumbai, where they frequently met superstar Dharmendra. During one of their visits, Dharmendra asked Jagmohan Kaur if she would be interested in acting in films. To everyone’s surprise, she declined the offer.
“My mother was deeply rooted in her Punjabi identity. While she was honored by Dharmendra ji’s offer, she felt that her heart belonged to Punjabi music and culture.”
Billy Kaur shares, “My mother was deeply rooted in her Punjabi identity. While she was honored by Dharmendra ji’s offer, she felt that her heart belonged to Punjabi music and culture. However, she did express some regret later, especially when she discovered her love for stage acting.”
It is believed that the film in question might have been Blackmail (1973), which eventually starred Rakhee opposite Dharmendra and Shatrughan Sinha. Though Jagmohan Kaur chose not to enter Bollywood, she did explore acting in Punjabi films. One of her most cherished performances was her comedic role opposite Mehar Mittal in Dushmani Di Agg.
Reflecting on her mother’s legacy, Billy Kaur notes, “Had she chosen Bollywood, she might not have been known as the undisputed queen of Punjabi folk music. Her decision shaped her legacy, and today, she is celebrated as a pioneer of Punjabi music across the world.”
Some choices define legacies, and for Jagmohan Kaur, saying no to Bollywood cemented her place in history as the soul of Punjabi folk music.
