Upasana Singh on son Nanak's acting debut: 'Signs were always there'
Synopsis
Upasana Singh says she spotted the signs early — long before awards, Punjabi films, or music videos confirmed it. Her candid take on son Nanak's rise is as much a masterclass in letting a child find their own identity as it is a proud mother's moment in the spotlight.
Key Takeaways
Upasana Singh says she recognised her son Nanak's talent for performance from childhood.
Nanak is featured in the song O Jana and has prior credits in Punjabi films .
Upasana has never formally trained Nanak in acting, calling it a natural gift.
She describes him as an 'exceptional dancer' and points to his dance workshops as proof of his dedication.
Upasana says she wants Nanak to build his own artistic identity, not imitate her.
Veteran actress Upasana Singh has spoken candidly about her son Nanak's growing presence in the entertainment industry, saying she always sensed he was destined for the craft. In an interview, she described watching him feature in the song O Jana as a deeply emotional and proud milestone.
A Mother's Early Instinct
'Ever since Nanak was a child, I could see signs that he belonged in this profession,' Upasana said. She recalled how he often expressed a desire to become an actor in his younger years — something she initially dismissed as a childhood fantasy, only to be proved wrong as he matured.
'As he grew older, I saw his dedication, his performances in college, the awards he received, and his passion for the craft,' she added. Nanak has already worked in Punjabi films and is now expanding his career further.
Advice for Young Artists
Upasana was clear about what she believes young performers must prioritise: focus, humility, and relentless observation. 'Work hard and keep learning every day. An actor must observe life constantly — how different people walk, speak, react, and express emotions. Every individual has unique mannerisms, and an actor learns from these observations,' she said.
Notably, she revealed she has never formally trained Nanak in acting. 'Acting comes naturally to him. However, I always encourage him to continue learning and growing,' she said, underlining the balance between innate talent and continuous effort.
On Dance and Individual Identity
The actress, widely known for her role in Comedy Nights with Kapil, singled out her son's dancing as exceptional. 'When you see his work and his dance workshops, you will understand how dedicated he is,' she said.
Crucially, Upasana stressed that she does not want Nanak to model himself on her. 'I do not want him to imitate me. I want him to develop his own identity as an artist,' she said — a sentiment that reflects both her confidence in his abilities and her awareness of the pressures that come with a famous parent.
What's Next
With his foothold in Punjabi cinema already established and his visibility growing through music videos, Nanak appears to be building a distinct profile in the industry. Whether he crosses over into mainstream Hindi entertainment remains to be seen, but his mother's public endorsement is likely to draw wider attention to his work.
Point of View
And actively discourages imitation. That is a rarer parental stance than it sounds in an industry where lineage is often leveraged as the primary selling point. Whether Nanak can carve a genuinely independent identity — distinct from his mother's comic legacy — will be the real test. The Punjabi film circuit is a credible launchpad, but crossover requires more than a famous surname and a music video cameo.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nanak, and what has he worked on so far?
Nanak is the son of veteran actress Upasana Singh. He has worked in Punjabi films and recently appeared in the song O Jana, which his mother described as a proud milestone.
What advice did Upasana Singh give to young actors?
Upasana Singh advised young artists to work hard, keep learning daily, and observe real people closely — their walk, speech, and expressions. She emphasised staying grounded regardless of success.
Did Upasana Singh formally train her son Nanak in acting?
No. Upasana Singh said she never formally taught Nanak how to act, describing acting as a natural gift for him. She encourages him to keep learning but has not given structured training.
What did Upasana Singh say about Nanak's dancing?
Upasana Singh called Nanak an exceptional dancer and pointed to his dance workshops as evidence of his dedication. She said his dance work alone reflects how seriously he takes his craft.
Does Upasana Singh want Nanak to follow in her footsteps?
No. Upasana Singh explicitly said she does not want Nanak to imitate her, and instead wants him to develop his own identity as an artist independent of her legacy.
