In a first for the blog, and a first for the artist, today’s coverage features a frequent face in a burgeoning genre that is casting tidal waves in our Canadian pond. I’m referring to a phenomenon I saw during my coverage of 5X, and throughout our festivals as Desi Hip Hop begins to migrate outside the hollowed coasts of India, and converges with our own. And Gagan Sahi fits in the very center of this exploding genre as a face many will recognize. Starring in more than a dozen music videos alongside genre-greats such as Jassa Dhillon, Avvy Sra & Karan Aujla, and Ranjit Bawa, Ms. Sahi’s accumulated more than 300 million views across YouTube alone. Alongside a first place finish during PTC’s Miss Canada Punjaban Award under her belt, our conversation delves into the creative process of her acting, and the nuances of an often under recognized role in some of our favorite tracks. So we’ll jump right into the interview,
H: How do you approach the creative process when preparing for a role in a music video? Are there specific elements or aspects of the song that you focus on to inform your performance?
GS: When preparing for a role in a music video, my approach begins with profoundly engaging with the music. I start by listening intently, allowing the song to guide me toward understanding its mood, emotion, and overall vibe. These components shape the character I’ll play in the video and act as my compass. This method entails imagining the characters I’ll play and investigating their motivations, feelings, and behaviors. It’s about bringing the song’s intensity to life on stage while ensuring my performance accentuates and supports its meaning. Ultimately, I want to craft a character that not only fits in with the concepts of the song but also strikes a genuine chord with the viewer, enabling them to feel a solid connection to the music and the visual storytelling.
H: Music videos often involve collaboration between the artist, director, and actors. How do you work with the other creatives involved to ensure your performance complements the overall vision of the music video?
GS: I contribute by giving the part I’m playing my all and being receptive to advice and suggestions from the director, artist, and other team members. I participate fully in talks, practice, and brainstorming sessions, contributing my ideas and being open to criticism.
Ultimately, my goal is to elevate the music video by contributing to the best of my abilities and working closely with the entire creative team. I aim to ensure that every aspect, including the storyline, performances, and visuals, comes together to bring the artist’s vision to life.
H: What challenges do you find unique to acting in music videos compared to other forms of performance? How do you overcome these challenges to deliver a compelling on-screen presence?
GS: In contrast to traditional acting, where dialogue plays a significant role, body language and facial expressions take center stage as the primary means of communication in music videos. Conveying emotions, narrative, and character depth through non-verbal clues is both unique and challenging. It demands heightened attention to how I move, gesture, and express emotions in a genuine and captivating manner while synchronizing with the beat and tone of the music.
To overcome these challenges and project an engaging on-screen presence, I employ several strategies. I start by immersing myself in the music’s lyrics, tone, and overall meaning. This understanding guides how I express emotions and behave, allowing me to align my facial expressions and body language with the music’s storyline.
Continuous self-evaluation, along with feedback from directors and collaborators, helps me enhance my on-screen persona. Additionally, drawing inspiration from the performances of accomplished actors in both movies and music videos enlightens and motivates me. Through consistent practice and experimentation with various body language expressions, I’ve developed a set of powerful nonverbal communication techniques.
H: Among all the music videos you’ve worked on, is there one that stands out as a favorite or particularly memorable experience for you? If so, what made it special?
GS: It’s challenging to pick a favorite among the music videos I’ve participated in because each project has its unique charm and significance to me. However, one stands out as an incredibly memorable and unique experience—the video for the song ‘White, Brown, Black.’ Working on this video was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. I was drawn to the song’s atmosphere and energy as soon as I heard it. The actual shoot was a lavish event filled with energy and a strong sense of teamwork. The extraordinary collaboration and commitment of all those involved made this event unforgettable. Everyone contributed their best efforts, and there was a strong sense of teamwork. We could take our time and fully capture the song’s essence because the director had methodically constructed each scenario. I was impressed by the degree of care and diligence with which everything was completed. Despite being an extensive shoot, it never felt hectic. We ensured that every moment was recorded honestly by giving us the time and tools to immerse ourselves in our roles completely.
H: How does your appreciation for music influence your approach to acting in music videos? Additionally, do you find that your personal taste in music plays a role in the projects you choose to work on?
GS: My love of music and passion for acting has always been intertwined. I’ve consistently been drawn to the storytelling method of the performing arts. When faced with a music video project, my approach is to immerse myself in the song—to listen to the lyrics, experience the melody, and grasp the song’s essence.
I assess projects based on a set of criteria. It’s crucial to me that I resonate with the song’s message. I actively seek stories consistent with my values—ones that avoid violence and offense. Romantic songs expressing love and gratitude particularly appeal to me, as they often allow me to convey deep emotions and highlight the positive aspects of relationships. The narrative of a song and its alignment with my values and the kinds of stories I want to contribute to are more significant considerations than its melody or rhythm.
H: As you reflect on your career in music videos, are there specific moments or projects that you consider as highlights? How have these experiences shaped your growth as an actress in this unique niche?
GS: Reflecting on my experience making music videos, each project has played a crucial role in shaping my professional journey. Among these encounters, certain events and endeavors stand out as major high points vital to my development as an actress in this particular specialty.
The song ‘Raule’ was an exceptional endeavor that became a huge hit, leaving a lasting impact. This initiative profoundly resonated with the audience, and the response was tremendous. Working on this video marked a significant turning point in my career, as it was then that people started to notice and value my work. These experiences made me more visible in the industry and provided a sense of validation, inspiring me to pursue more challenging and diverse tasks.
Moreover, these endeavors provided me with a platform to hone my acting abilities and adaptability. Each project offered invaluable insights that have enhanced and advanced my skills.
Interviewed, and written by hashnain