Satinder Satti, a versatile Indian artist, encompasses the roles of television anchor, actress, poet, dancer, singer, and former chairperson of the Punjab Arts Council. Renowned for her captivating presence, she has earned acclaim for her role as a popular television host on a non-profit platform dedicated to sharing experiences and ideas among the people of Punjab. Her multifaceted talents and contributions have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, making her a respected figure in the realms of both entertainment and community engagement.
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Q. Your fans and well-wishers know you by the name of Satti. How lucky has your pen name been?
A. Undoubtedly, the name has proven to be very lucky. Although I started my journey with my name SatinderKaur, but PritiSapruji used to call me Satti and very soon everyone began calling me that. Even I accepted this name of mine and that is why I had written the line, ‘Kisse nu koi naammechinjaa hi jandaae’ in one of the poems of my book. I also feel that God has been very kind and has his own plans for everyone.
We must have faith in ourselves and on the supreme power. Life has been rocking since then and God has given everything in plenty. You were born in the city where the great poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi was born. Share with us some of his poems that you enjoy.
I always say that I am so proud that I was born in the city which Shiv Kumar Batalvi called home. As I belong to that place, I feel that he has a great influence on my life. Shah Mohammad and Barkat Ram Yuman were born in the same city too. Poetry was in my blood, as my mother used to sing and also recite poems. My maternal grandmother also knew lots of poems and I believe that may be they did not get the opportunity, they could not showcase their talent. Shiv had a great influence on my life. I love all his poems, especially Luna and Ikkudijidanaammohabbat gum hai, gum hai, gum hai.
Q. Whether it was a student strike or tax exemption for the film industry, you always took a stand and became the voice of the people. Weren’t you ever afraid?
A. I firmly believe in the saying ‘Sirf hone se kuchnahihota, apne hone kahaqadakijiye’. It is not enough to simply live; one must have the courage to speak the truth. I used to be a student leader, my uncle was a union official and my father is a retired army officer. I’ve always had that confidence and leadership qualities. My grandfather was extremely spiritual and they all taught me that the only thing to be afraid of is God. I come from a middle-class family and I believe that if I have to go out of my way to accomplish something, I won’t be able to do it. I always take a stand for what’s right and when we are right, we are never afraid of anything.
Q. You completed your graduation from RR Bawa DAV College, Batala. How was that time different from today?
A. I would say it was quite similar to what it is today, but we couldn’t use mobile phones or wear western clothes and had to wear suits. I used to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities such as dance, poetry, declamation, quizzes, and so on. I was always busy and occupied with work and even today I keep myself busy and enjoy being alone. Jamhuriyatiktarz-e-hukumathaikijismeinbandonkoginakartehaintaulanahinkarte. I miss those days, and I had wonderful teachers like Navdeep ma’am, who taught us Punjabi. My teachers were very supportive and they guided me well throughout.
Q. You often sat for college exams in show costumes with applied makeup. Your teachers never pointed out or scolded you?
A. My father had made it very clear to me that I should complete my graduation first. I recall having my exams in December and New Year’s Eve was also around the corner and we were shooting in Chandigarh and finished late at night. I studied until the wee hours of the morning for my exam. My teachers were extremely helpful and cooperative. Even today, I have a strong bond with them, as I still pay themvisits and we are in touch.
Q. Mika Singh and Kapil Sharma are two well-known industry figures. What kind of bond do you share with them?
A. They both are very nice human beings. Mika has a habit of always paying respect to anyone from the industry, who visits Mumbai and he invites people to his house for lunch or dinner. Kapil was my junior at Guru Nanak Dev University and we used to participate in various events during the youth festivals. One can never forget the people who stood by them during their struggle. We have a very close relationship, and they are like family to me. We stand by each other through thick and thin and I am also fortunate to have such wonderful people in my life.
Q. You were always confident on stage and your inspiration was Tariq Aziz who was known for his iconic line “DekhtiAankhon, SunteKaanon Tariq Aziz ka Salaam”. What all did you learn from him?
A. Stage has always inspired me since childhood. Tariq ji’sdemeanour and entrance used to pique my interest. If there is a place in life, where I feel comfortable, I would say it is the stage. On stage, I feel more comfortable than being at home. Whenever I’m on stage, I feel like myself. Tariq ji has had a significant impact on my life and I always wished to make a grand entrance like him someday. Although, I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I did speak with him on the phone a couple of times, and I will never forget that. He was listening to some show of mine once and he appreciated my work a lot and told me that you are Asia’s best anchor.
Q. You stated in an interview, “I just worked with the people who approached me, I never begged for work”. Have you ever regretted this decision of yours?
A. No, I have never regretted this decision of mine because I can’t please people. I would say that I am well-versed in two areas: law and stage. My dreams were given wings by God and he has given me everything. Whatever I have got has come to me on its own and I can’t beg for work. Whether I did more or less, it was entirely my choice and it was pre-destined for me.
Q. Since childhood, you’ve been bubbly and fearless, with responsibilities on your shoulders. Are you still the same person?
A. Yes, I am still the same because I have never been a follower. I am a decisive person and I am proud of it. Since the beginning, I have demonstrated leadership abilities and I know how to lead people, whether in my industry or among my friends. One should be aware of the talent that God has bestowed upon them. So I believe that God wanted me to lead few things and I am doing it very well.
Q. Sandeep stays with you like a shadow. How did this bond grow so strong?
A. I met her through popular singer Kaur B as Sandeep is her sister and she exudes the same energy, as I did when I was of her age. After a few days of our meeting, I was appointed the Chairperson of the Arts Council, and I called her to ask if she would work with me. She was my favourite back then and she is still my biggest supporter and critic too. I have a habit of asking people what they want to do in their life, so that they can fantasize about flying and I can provide them with the wings. I told her to write a letter and list down everything, she had in her mind about the future, especially her dreams. She is sometimes my daughter, sometimes my mother, and sometimes both. If I have her, I do not feel the need of anybody else, as she completes me. She defines me and understands me and whenever I have low phases in my life, she knows how to manage me and get me to work. My life is incomplete without her and she is my pride possession.
Q. In an Instagram post of yours you had mentioned, “When I started my career I was rejected a number of times by many channels for not being stylish or having no fashion sense”. What helped you in transforming yourself?
A. My family was very simple, and I was raised in a very simple manner. I had been practising public speaking, since I was a child. In the initial days of my career, someone once said to me during an audition that my appearance was very pendu. Previously, I thought that talent was everything, but then I realized that one must know how to carry themselves. As I am a quick learner, I learnt by observing the people around me, which made me what I am today.
Q. You have performed in many shows and events to raise funds for needy people. How do you take out time for social work?
A. I would say that things happen on their own, when you decide to do something, and when you do something you enjoy, you put your heart and soul into it. I am constantly in the pursuit to help others and contribute to society. People arrive in this world, live for themselves, and then leave. Rather than living for oneself, one must live for others and this is something I’m doing for myself and my Karma. I put things in place, and Sandeep puts them into action. I have the best group of people working for me and she has a fantastic group of people working under her. I simply tell her my vision, and she executes it flawlessly.
Q. HimanshiKhurrana, Sunanda Sharma, NimratKhaira, BabbuMaan and other stars made their presence on success party of ‘Chaa Da Cup’ with SatinderSatti. How was your overall experience?
A. I believe it was the first show, a kind of new beginning with such grandeur. It was a success, so we wanted to celebrate it. BabbuMaanJi is an institution in himself. Even though he comes from a middle-class family, he never asked for work; instead, people approached him. He has developed his own fan base and everyone in this industry looks up to him. He came to the success party as a result of a single phone call from me and I also believe that there are only a few people who represent the industry and BabbuMaan is one of them. He is regarded as a living legend and he has totally earned it. Each and every star appreciated our efforts and I was extremely happy. All in all, I had a great experience throughout the show.
Q. You have seen the industry since the beginning. What all has changed and what remained the same in this industry?
A. Firstly, I believe that it’s easy to enter the industry now. A lot of new talent has emerged in these past few years. Nowadays, people have so many options, due to social media and if one is talented, they can present themselves and create a name and savour fame too. Secondly, I believe that people do not struggle much these days and upon that having no mentor means not knowing how to manage things. Life does not put forth same outcome every time and when people become stars or become popular overnight, they become disoriented and at that point, they require guidance of a mentor. I would like to mention that a lot of people have guided and polished my skills and made me what I am today. I have always expressed my gratitude towards them and I believe that it’s a brilliant time for the artistes to showcase their talent, as this is like a ‘golden’ period.
Q. You met Bollywood stars Jeetendra and RakeshRoshan at an awards ceremony. What was it like to share the stage with such legends?
A. I have worked with incredible musicians and well-known celebrities. It was an honour to meet them and sharing the stage with them was the icing on the cake. They have been the ones, whom I’ve admired since I was a child. They are so grounded and I got to learn a lot of new things from them. When you sit with them, see them, and most importantly share the stage with them, you realize that God has made you unique and I felt truly blessed.
Q. Any message you would like to give to readers?
A. Well, people are quite smart these days and they do not need any kind of message. It’s good to be successful in life, but your fundamentals must not be forgotten because if one does not succeed in the future, he or she will be only remembered for having a good character or humility. Also, one should be aware of the legacy they are going to leave behind.
