JoSH has created some catchy tunes with their bhangra beats, hip hop and pop music, over the course of almost two decades. While the band remains quite popular in Pakistan, often seen holding huge concerts as well as performing at private events, musicians Rup and Qurram have some notable solo projects to their names as well.
Qurram has been a part of Cornetto Pop Rock for a couple of seasons now, and Rup has previously acted in films Breakaway and Bonjour Ji, to name a few. The multi-faceted Canadian musician has recently played a part in a grand Hollywood production, The Black Prince, starring Shabana Azmi and Sufi singer Satinder Sartaaj. The film was originally released in March this year, and is now set to take on cinemas in India and Pakistan.
The film is set to release in Pakistan and India today, 21st July
We got in touch with Rup, who is currently in Lahore for promotions of the film along with co-star Sophie Stevens, to hear what he has to say about the role.
SH: How was your role in The Black Prince more challenging compared to your previous performances in movies?
Rup Magon: This is the first time that I’ve done a period drama, and that too, with a British accent. As a Canadian born Punjabi, a British accent was something I had to work hard at getting perfect. Also, living during the 18th century was something that I had to research and figure out. It was completely different from anything I’ve ever done.
SH:Â How important was this role for you, in terms of the history of the subcontinent and being able to play a part in its portrayal?
Rup Magon: The story of Maharaja Duleep Singh is one that started in Lahore. I not only have very close ties to Lahore, but being Punjabi, this is a story everyone needs to know. This is the history of the subcontinent, which means all our history. In some way or another, it defines the future of where we live today.
SH: How do you feel your career or the receival of the film might be affected, if at all, because of the current tension between India Pakistan?
Rup Magon: I don’t believe there is tension between the countries. A few bad apples don’t necessarily mean the entire crop is bad. There is a LOT of love between the people of these amazing nations.
This is a film about a true story that took place almost an entire century before partition. It’s less about India or Pakistan, and more about the effect that the British had on our future. I hope everyone goes and watches it.
