Sargun Mehta on turning producer: 'A film can fail at any stage'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress Sargun Mehta, who awaits the release of her upcoming Punjabi comedy Carry On Jatta 4, says that filmmaking is far more complex than crafting a good script — and that a project can unravel at any point if the wrong decisions are made along the way.
What Drove Her Behind the Camera
Sargun, 37, co-founded production banner Dreamiyata Entertainment Pvt Ltd in 2019 alongside her husband, actor Ravie Dubey. Their first venture was the hit Punjabi film Kala Shah Kala, released that same year. Speaking about her motivation, she said the move into production was driven by a recognition that creative gaps exist well beyond the writing room.
'It's not just storytelling that has gaps. Sometimes, gaps exist at every level of filmmaking. You may feel you have a great script, but not someone with the right vision to bring it to life on screen,' she said.
The Many Layers Where Films Can Go Wrong
Sargun elaborated that even a well-made film is not immune to failure if its release strategy falls short. 'At times, you think you've made an excellent film, but it isn't promoted properly. A film can fail at any stage because there are so many layers involved in the process, and things can go wrong anywhere,' she added.
This perspective shaped her decision to remain hands-on across production — from development through marketing. Notably, the banner expanded into television in 2021 with the popular show Udaariyaan, demonstrating a deliberate cross-platform strategy.
Why Actors Step Into Production
Sargun acknowledged that the reasons actors turn producers vary widely. 'As producers, sometimes you step in because you feel no one else will make that script. Other times, you step in because you believe you can do justice to it. There are many reasons for taking on that role,' she said.
Her own acting career began during her college years, and she made her screen debut in 2009 with the television serial 12/24 Karol Bagh. She went on to appear in notable shows including Phulwa, Kya Huaa Tera Vaada, and Balika Vadhu before establishing herself as a leading name in Punjabi cinema.
What's Next for Dreamiyata and Carry On Jatta 4
With Carry On Jatta 4 on the horizon, the banner's upcoming release will be a test of how well Sargun's dual role — as lead actress and producer — translates into box-office results. The franchise has historically been one of Punjabi cinema's most commercially reliable properties, and audience expectations are high.