India, Aug. 7 -- Actor Ammy Virk recently completed a decade in the industry. "Ab senior si feeling aa rahi hai," says the 33-year-old, who began his career as a singer inspired by yesteryear legend Kishore Kumar. "You need your first few films to do well to mark your footing, and thankfully, mine did. Other than back-to-back hits, even today, my success ratio is 80-85%, which is rare. I have grown steadily and even ventured into films not typically linked with Punjabi cinema," he shares. Punjabi artistes have now found a pan-India presence."Now we are being approached to play heroes and not just a Sardar in Bollywood. Until even a decade or so ago, Sardars were used in Hindi films just for comedy or gags. Over time, makers realised the potential of Punjabi stars." He points to Animal (2023) as an example: "(Director Sandeep Reddy) Vanga sahab cast actors from Punjab as Ranbir Kapoor's cousins. Today's writers and directors don't think the way typical Bollywood used to. They are vying to get as close to reality." Unlike Punjabi, Ammy's Hindi films haven't been hits. Bhuj: The Pride Of India (2020) and '83 (2021), underperformed, and Bad Newz and Khel Khel Mein (both 2024), were average. Yet, he remains confident. "The Mumbai industry knows my calibre and potential. The timing of my releases was dicey, but if given a chance, I will prove myself. Film success fluctuates, but an artiste's talent doesn't. Bas rate upar neeche ho jata hai."...