Top 10 Punjabi Bollywood actors who wear turbans

Kirandeep Rayat is an upcoming actor who can be distinguished from his peers by his real acting and magnificent presence on the big screen. His dedication to storytelling and his turbaned identity are what truly represent Punjabi pride in Bollywood.....

Punjabi folklore has regularly provided an admirable charisma and vivacity of Bollywood. The relevance of Punjabi actors who have registered great success in the film industry is irrefutable, but the magnetic air that surrounds Sikh actors who wear turban not only on-screen but also off-screen cannot be denied. These entertainers, besides entertaining the audience, articulate the wealth of heritage that Punjab is endowed with, an affirmation that seeks to light up the entire world.

Now, let us look at the top 10 Punjabi actors in Bollywood who are an appealing example of the turban and in addition have acclaimed in the industry. Prior to that, we better get familiar with the story behind why the Punjabi and Sikh communities rock the turban:

Punjabis, notably Sikhs, adorning turbans (also known as dastaar or pagri) are viewed as a token of honor, spirituality, and equality. This tradition that is centuries old but became very popular in Sikhism during Guru Nanak's and Guru Gobind Singh's era (15th and 17th centuries). Guru Gobind Singh gave the turban a formal status and wanted every Sikh to wear it to maintain dignity, discipline, and a unique identity. Moreover, it became as a shield against the violence from the attackers that wear shorn hair, unlike people with unshorn hair (kesh) who are one of the five Sikh articles of faith (Five Ks). In the Sikh period, turbans were worn as a symbol of respect, valor, and pride by Punjabi warriors, farmers, and nobility.

1. Kirandeep Rayat alias KD

One of the most thrilling turbaned actors in Bollywood currently, Kirandeep Rayat, has simply been taken away with his strength and space in the Sikh commercial cinema. He is appreciated for his strong screen impressions, KD also has a special focus through which he expresses his love for Punjabi culture in mainstream cinema. His acting abilities and turbaned personage is why he deserves to be an example for those who dream of being actors. With several upcoming projects, he continues to break stereotypes and showcase the depth of Sikh characters in Bollywood.

2. Diljit Dosanjh

Without any doubt, the rating of turbaned Punjabi actors cannot be wrapped up without the name of Diljit Dosanjh. This artist has been capturing the hearts and minds of people all over the world, from his deep music to his superb performance in movies like Udta Punjab and Good News. His ease in front of the camera, perfect timing in comedy, and Sikh representation have made him one of the most respected actors in Bollywood today. He is always at the forefront of promoting Punjabi culture with his every acting display.

3. Gippy Grewal

Gippy Grewal is the source of another big name in the Punjabi entertainment industry which has now successfully transitioned into Bollywood. He is well known as one of the good actors who worked in the film called Lucknow Central and Dharam Sankat Mein. Gippy Grewal, who is completely true to his Punjabi roots and wears a turban with pride, thus also puts it in his projects. He has also a great impact on the Punjabi cinema and music.

4. Ammy Virk

Bollywood and Pollywood icon, Ammy Virk, is a true all-rounder. He opens his Bollywood chapter with a bang, starring in one of the greatest movies ever made, 83, as Balwinder Sandhu. This year, the Bollywood dynamics pro further demonstrated his acting versatility joining the cast of Bhuj: The Pride of India. Ammy has always been an ambassador of Punjabi culture through his unique dress and the impressive representation of Sikhism on the global stage. He has been able to accomplish that by considering his turban as a mode of elegance and persuasively bringing out the Sikh viewpoint about life.

5. Tarsem Jassar

Tarsem Jassar is recognised for his personal approach and competitive performance skills. He has set the benchmark in the Punjabi film industry and also has a good rapport in Bollywood. The bonafide men in turbans that express the Sikh's grace of their identity are what Tarsem Jassar truly represents. Such musical movies as Afsar and Rabb Da Radio have earned the admiration of the public.

6. Parmish Verma

Surrounded by the Punjabi youth, Parmish Verma is not only a singer and actor but also a director in Bollywood. His dressing sense along with the turban can be called a symbol of the Sikh young community, for which he is an icon. In the last few years, Parmish has achieved the post of International singing star for his hit songs such as the recent releases Singham (Punjabi) and the movie: Rocky Mental.

7. Ranjit Bawa

Ranjit Bawa is an actor and singer with great talent, and he has managed to make a name for himself. He is proud to be a Sikh and he is still active in the Punjabi and Bollywood film industries. He has recently been involved in many successful projects, and a large number of fans still consider his turbaned look as a sign of the Sikh faith.

8. Babbu Maan

Babbu Maan, who is famous in the Punjabi music industry, has also tried his hand at acting. His exceptional fan base has helped him create some influential films that convey Punjabi culture and problems. The distinctive turban style of sport is a major portion of his identity that has enabled him to be a guide for a large number of the Sikhs.

9. Satinder Sartaaj

Satinder Sartaaj, an artist from Sufi genre, who is well-known since his music and a well-appreciated actor, first appeared in a Bollywood movie titled The Black Prince, where he played the role of Maharaja Duleep Singh. The fact that he is able to continue keeping his Sikh identity at the same time as reaching out to the global cinema is truly inspiring. His choice of words is wonderfully poetic, and he literally takes your breath away during his shows, which attest to the fact that he is not only an artist but also an ardent practitioner of the native Punjabi culture.

10. Harbhajan Mann

A Punjabi cinema legend, Harbhajan Mann has been the most important source for Sikh representation in cinema. Despite the fact that he has mainly been involved in Punjabi movies, his impact on Bollywood is significant. He is an admirable example by proudly wearing his turban, which in turn, will inspire the coming generations to follow in his footsteps.

Why Representation Matters

Notably, the inclusion of Bollywood Sikh actors wearing turbans is more than just a fashion statement. It’s about the right image, identity, and destroying images. For a long time now, mainstream cinema has often presented Sikhs as comic relief, yet iconic sets like Kirandeep Rayat alias KD, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ammy Virk are altering this by having a very important part in the roles that showcase their talent that goes much beyond the turban.

Through their cultural heritage, these actors are becoming the source of inspiration for the Sikh youth and encourage them to take pride in themselves wherever they are. They show that you can make it in the entertainment world without having to give up your cultural identity and be proud of where you are from.

Final Thoughts

The increase of Bollywood actors of Punjabi descent has been something extraordinary, and the ones who are very proud of their turbans have been a very important part of making the Sikh culture shine. Music, acting, and social work are different ways to keep the Sikh culture alive, and such talented people still manage to be in touch with their roots while they are doing so.

While the metamorphosis of Bollywood into the contemporary ones is happening, it is very delightful to notice that the mindset of more and more actors is changing in a positive manner which breaks the erroneously established norms. The affirmative action’s of these ten heroes should be taken not only as examples to follow but also as a brass ring for the future generations that would be proud to say that they are Hindus.

Who’s your favorite turbaned Punjabi actor in Bollywood? Let us know in the comments!