“Your talents can never go waste or lie hidden” – Prof. Baljinder
Mrs. Baljinder Kaur Sharma, Professor at LPU School of Performing Arts, has recently been honoured at the international film festival held in Hisar (Haryana). She was presented the Best Supporting Actress Award for her performance in the Haryanvi film ‘Pagdi- The Honour’. The four-day festival saw more than 200 entries from across India and the globe, in competitions across a broad spectrum of categories.
Prof. Baljinder has acted in many movies, like Shahid (Hindi), Saala Khadoos (Hindi) and Irudhi Suttru(Tamil). Her latest, ‘Chamm’, is slated to be released soon. Known for her versatility, in Bollywood, Tollywood, Pollywood, and the documentary, short film and theatre world, she has already received a National Film Award from the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 62nd edition of the prestigious awards for achievement in Indian cinema. The recognition put Prof Baljinder in the league of famous bollywood actors Rohini Hattangadi (1984), Neena Gupta (1993), Karishma Kapoor (1997), Raakhee (2002), Sharmila Tagore (2003), and Kangana Ranaut (2008).
Motivating her students at LPU, Prof. Baljinder shared: “Believe in yourself, keep your passions alive and nothing will impede your success.” Talking all about how she started from reciting poem at her village school, became a student at the National School of Drama and bagged a role in the Hindi film ‘Shahid’, she further inspired her students, “Your talents can never go waste or lie hidden. I developed an interest in theatre during my college days, which ultimately led me my award winning performance in the regional movie ‘Pagdi- the Honour’- a film on honour killings.” She further shared, “I never dreamt of doing a film, I was always interested in theatre-my passion. I have lived it and will continue living it throughout my life.” In a message to all the parents and guardians, Prof Baljinder said, “Respect the feelings of your children. Do not compel them to go against their passions. I remember how my parents, my in-laws, my husband and people around me supported me in getting where I am today.”
Along with the experience of playing lead roles in more than 40 plays, working with eminent theatre personalities like Naseeruddin Shah, directing 55 plays and 12 mimes, Prof Baljinder also has technical experience of lighting, scenic design, make-up, mask making, and theatre architecture. She is a treasure house of information for her students at LPU, who are devotedly learning different aspects of cinema and theatre from her. Congratulating Prof Baljinder on her illustrious achievement, LPU Pro Chancellor Mrs. Rashmi Mittal said, “LPU is proud of your achievements. I anticipate that your students will follow in your footsteps and bring glory to LPU’s name.” Mrs. Mittal further said that LPU School of Performing Arts has five more faculty members from the prestigious National School of Drama, guiding students into successful careers.
