Amitoj Maan

Ammtoje (or Amitoj) Mann (Punjabi: ਅਮ੍ਮ੍ਤੋਜੇ "ਅਮਿਤੋਜ" ਮਾਨ) is a Punjabi actor, director, author, and screenwriter. He made two films: Kaafila based on the concept of illegal immigration and Hawayein, based on the aftermath of Indira Gandhi's assassination. Hawayein was well received, however Mann was less successful with Kaafila, which was banned in Pakistan due to the film's perceived anti-Pakistan material.^[1]

Filmography

Combining a literary & film background, his father- Babu Singh Mann is a renowned poet & lyricist in Punjab, has also produced a number of superhit Punjabi films and along with several other awards, he has also received 5 lifetime achievement awards. Amitoj worked with Nadira Babbar’s theatre goup “EKJUT” & gained invaluable experience doing a number of stage plays thus evolving into becoming an actor & honing his creative talents as a director & writer too. In 1992 the living legend of Indian cinema, Dilip Kumar, signed Amitoj as the hero for his directorial debut film “ Kalinga” opposite Meenakshi Seshadri. Unfortunately, the film could not be released due to unforeseen circumstances. Amitoj turned his vision from enacting dreams to creating dreams for the silver screen. After directing more than 20 music video albums & winning awards for them, he wrote & directed a Hindi film titled “HAWAYEIN”. This film emerges from the consequences of the Blue Star Operation in 1984 & thereon depicts the heart-rending aftermath of Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984 leading to the riots & the victimization of Punjab & her people, the consequences of which were experienced all over India. This film was an honest exploration of the reasons which led to the angst of the youth of Punjab & the turmoils suffered by their families. It was the first of its kind subjects to be made & is the only celluloid depiction of this dark chapter of Indian history and depicts real life events & most of the situations shown in this film are authentic. This was an attempt to present history in a realistic manner on a colourful tapestry woven with all human emotions of romance, tragedy, humour all presented together on a platter of wonderful music. Shot in authentic & picturesque locations in Punjab, Delhi & Mumbai - HAWAYEIN was a statement, which has succeeded in correcting the global image of the Sikh participation in the post 1984 Punjab problem thus satisfying the souls of lakhs of Sikhs, who for centuries have lived in perfect harmony with Hindus & all other communities all over the world. It released in Aug 2003 & was critically acclaimed worldwide. It was well received in India and did extremely well in the international market too. HAWAYEIN opened up the territory of Canada for Hindi films - a territory which was previously considered a non performing territory for Hindi films & created box office history in Canada with record breaking collections. HAWAYEIN created history in Punjab too. His tryst with truth oriented movies continued with ‘KAAFILA’ : a film, based on the issue of illegal immigration - an issue affecting millions of Indians and Asians. This film is the touching story of the mad rush of people opting to leave their motherland in search of their utopian dreams of a better life abroad in the developed countries. The movie strives to create a mass awareness of the dark side of illegal immigration. The film also exposes how innocent people are duped by a worldwide nexus of agents showing them dreams of a comfortable life, close to heaven, in foreign lands & making them sell their lands, homes & livelihoods here in a futile pursuit of that dream. An intelligent, humorous and thought provoking film, passing on the message in an entertaining manner, based on real life experiences of people who have travelled illegally & have barely managed to come back alive. The star lineup included Sunny Deol, Amitoj Mann, Sudesh Berry, Sana Nawaz & Mona Laizza – both top ranking film & TV actresses of Pakistan respectively & other actors from India & Bulgaria. Cinematographer - Nazir Khan, Music - Sukhwinder Singh, Lyrics - Babu Singh Maan, Choreography - Raju Khan. KAAFILA was released worldwide by ZEE network in Aug 2007 & was shot in Mumbai, Punjab, Ladakh, & Bulgaria. His last released film is a Punjabi film “HAANI” – which means your companion. Be it as a lover or as a friend, your HAANI will remain true to you all his life. HAANI is the story of the true men of the soil, the Jatts who are defined by their simplicity, honesty, courage, good looks & above all – for honoring their commitments lifelong, be it for love, friendship or even enmity. A romantic sage spanning two generations from 1964 to 2013, HAANI tells the story of love, friendship & honor immortalized by commitment. HAANI starred Harbhajan Mann, Sarbjit Cheema, Anuj Sachdeva, Mehreen Kaleka, Sonia Mann & others : Music – Jaidev Kumar, Lyrics – Babu Singh Maan and released on Sept 6th – 2013 to worldwide acclaim & success. HAANI received 5 awards at the annual PTC awards for excellence in Punjabi cinema held on 3rd March 2014. Currently readying for a May 2015 release of his 2nd Punjabi film titled “GADAAR – The Traitor” starring Harbhajan Mann, Manpuneet, Girija Shankar, Ashish Duggal & others… He dreams for a living & his scripts are original subjects combining a personal vision with the requirements of a modern & entertaining film thus ensuring a global reach for it.

References

1. ↑ "Pakistan shows red signal to Kaafila". oneindia. 13 August 2007. Retrieved 2009-11-18. 

External links

• Amitoj Maan at the Internet Movie Database