We couldn't celebrate Gurbaaz' first Lohri due to COVID protocol, so we made this one grand: Gippy Grewal

This year, Gippy Grewal celebrates the first Lohri of his youngest son, Gurbaaz. Amid a huge celebration with family and a large turnout from the Punjabi film industry, Gippy and his wife Ravneet hosted the Lohri festivities a few days earlier, ahead of time. In an exclusive interview, for the first time Gippy talks about being a family man, his bonding with his three sons and on his wife's role in his career.
Excerpts.
This is Gurbaaz' first Lohri. It must feel like a special day for you...
For parents, every moment is special when it comes to their kids. Gurbaaz is god's gift to us. We wanted to appreciate and celebrate this special moment with everyone, and what better way than celebrating it the traditional way. We couldn't celebrate his first Lohri because of the lockdown and COVID protocol, so this is actually his second Lohri but first official celebration.

You are a proud father to three sons. Do your kids understand that you are a big Punjabi star?
Well, for every kid their parent is a hero or star. For mine too I'm a hero but not in the way I am to others. I try to keep my kids away from stardom and not let fame affect our daily lives. To them I am their father first and everything else later.
You have always presented your family to the world through your social media. Were you always a family man?
Yes, I'm very much a family man. Also, I'm quite an emotional person, so I am very connected with every little thing in my kids' lives and I like to capture every moment I get to spend with them. Most of the time we artists are always on the move and barely get time with family. I try as much as possible to spend quality time with my wife and kids.
Your (second) son, Shinda is already an actor. Will Gurbaaz also grow up to follow in his and your footsteps?
That's up to him. I have never forced my will upon Shinda, or Ekom (his eldest son) nor will I do that with Gurbaaz. All my kids have very different personalities. We will have to wait for what interests him when he grows up. For now, we let him enjoy his childhood.
Does your wife contribute to your choice of films and roles?
As a life partner, she has an important say in my decisions. She gives her feedback and helps me select unique stories for my films. She plays a huge part in deciding the looks of characters too.
Do you think Punjabi cinema is growing stronger in its content?
Oh yes! Punjabi cinema has improved so much in the past few years. Several artists are doing an impeccable job at choosing roles and stories. I also try and experiment as much as possible with my looks and character portrayal etc.