--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It's surreal. Here I was, a bhangra…" description: "\"It's surreal. Here I was, a bhangra champion who had performed at an Indian festival in the U.K. and Germany, a television theatre actor who barely mad..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1af/binnu-dhillon-13731_actor_it-s-surreal-here-i-was-a-bhangra-champi_483010.jpg" --- # It's surreal. Here I was, a bhangra champion who had… ![“It's surreal. Here I was, a bhangra champion who had performed at an Indian festival in the U.K. and Germany, a television theatre actor who barely made Rs 1,000 a day working like a donkey all year round.” quote by Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1af/binnu-dhillon-13731_actor_it-s-surreal-here-i-was-a-bhangra-champi_483010.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1af/binnu-dhillon-13731_actor_it-s-surreal-here-i-was-a-bhangra-champi_483010.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1af/binnu-dhillon-13731_actor_it-s-surreal-here-i-was-a-bhangra-champi_483010.jpg) > “It's surreal. Here I was, a bhangra champion who had performed at an Indian festival in the U.K. and Germany, a television theatre actor who barely made Rs 1,000 a day working like a donkey all year round.” [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He reflects on the stark contrast between early fame in cultural performances and later struggles in low‑pay acting work, highlighting the unpredictability of artistic careers. **In simple terms:** Fame and hardship can coexist in a creative life. Key Takeaway Recognize that success is not linear. Themes career volatility artistic identity economic hardship Mood reflective determined Type personal career inspirational When to use this quote - festival performances - acting gigs - financial planning - career transitions Key Concepts cultural performance media industry personal resilience Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance artistic passion with financial necessity? - What strategies can sustain creative professionals during low‑pay periods? A Different Perspective Success may be fleeting and not guarantee financial stability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Actor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actor/) [Actor Barely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actor-barely-4150855/) [Bhangra Champion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bhangra-champion-4150854/) [Champion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/champion/) [Day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/day/) [Day Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/day-work/) [Indian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/indian/) [Performed Indian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/performed-indian-4150852/) [Surreal Bhangra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surreal-bhangra-4150853/) [Theatre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theatre/) [Theatre Actor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theatre-actor-586358/) ## Related quotes > [Theatre is an actor's medium while a film is the director's.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paresh-rawal/theatre-is-an-actor-s-medium-while-a-film-is-the-director-s/) [Paresh Rawal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paresh-rawal/) > [I learnt a thing or two about acting from theatre actor Robin Das who is from Odisha.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mukesh-tiwari/i-learnt-a-thing-or-two-about-acting-from-theatre-actor-robin-das-who/) [Mukesh Tiwari](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mukesh-tiwari/) > [When I do TV, I always look at it afterwards and realise that I'm more of a theatre actor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paterson-joseph/when-i-do-tv-i-always-look-at-it-afterwards-and-realise-that-i-m-more/) [Paterson Joseph](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paterson-joseph/) > [I think theatre is an actor's medium, while cinema is a director's medium.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/manoj-bajpayee/i-think-theatre-is-an-actor-s-medium-while-cinema-is-a-director-s/) [Manoj Bajpayee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/manoj-bajpayee/) > [I definitely feel, as a theatre actor, that when you're rehearsing in your street clothes in a rehearsal room, it can be a little…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isa-briones/i-definitely-feel-as-a-theatre-actor-that-when-you-re-rehearsing-in/) [Isa Briones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isa-briones/) > [Inside I never said I wanted to do theatre or be an actor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sebastian-bach/inside-i-never-said-i-wanted-to-do-theatre-or-be-an-actor/) [Sebastian Bach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sebastian-bach/) > [Being a film actor is very different from a theatre actor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catherine-deneuve/being-a-film-actor-is-very-different-from-a-theatre-actor/) [Catherine Deneuve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-deneuve/) > [A lot of respect to people who do theatre, but I wouldn't make a good theatre actor is what I feel.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barun-sobti/a-lot-of-respect-to-people-who-do-theatre-but-i-wouldn-t-make-a-good/) [Barun Sobti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barun-sobti/) > [The monologue is one of the most difficult and interesting forms of theatre for an actor to learn.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pratik-gandhi/the-monologue-is-one-of-the-most-difficult-and-interesting-forms-of/) [Pratik Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pratik-gandhi/) > [Theatre is an actor's medium. An actor has little control over a film. Which is why most actors who have done theatre, and then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paresh-rawal/theatre-is-an-actor-s-medium-an-actor-has-little-control-over-a-film/) [Paresh Rawal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paresh-rawal/) > [I studied at the Piccolo Teatro di Milano; I was a theatre actor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/franco-nero/i-studied-at-the-piccolo-teatro-di-milano-i-was-a-theatre-actor/) [Franco Nero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franco-nero/) > [I understudied Colm Feore quite a bit in '85 and '86 - 'Persephone' and 'The Boys from Syracuse,' too - and that was great,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-mccormack/i-understudied-colm-feore-quite-a-bit-in-85-and-86-persephone-and-the/) [Eric McCormack](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-mccormack/) > [Being an actor in TV or movies is different. A film or TV actor, if put in theatre, won't know certain dimensions, while a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barun-sobti/being-an-actor-in-tv-or-movies-is-different-a-film-or-tv-actor-if-put/) [Barun Sobti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barun-sobti/) > [In the theatre, the actor is in total control. The director wasn't in the house last night, the designer wasn't there, the author's dead.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mckellen/in-the-theatre-the-actor-is-in-total-control-the-director-wasn-t-in/) [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) > [In fact, I started my career as a theatre actor, along with Sachin Khedekar, with a musical play called 'Aflatoon,' where I sang quite…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahesh-manjrekar/in-fact-i-started-my-career-as-a-theatre-actor-along-with-sachin/) [Mahesh Manjrekar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahesh-manjrekar/) ## More by Binnu Dhillon > [Now-a-days we are part of a really stressful society. But if you look at North Indian households, especially Punjab, making light of every situation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/now-a-days-we-are-part-of-a-really-stressful-society-but-if-you-look/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [We often see discrimination on the basis of color and complexion in society.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/we-often-see-discrimination-on-the-basis-of-color-and-complexion-in/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [Punjabi culture is very strong and we have thousand of stories, which can be turned into films to keep our generations rooted in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/punjabi-culture-is-very-strong-and-we-have-thousand-of-stories-which/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [No one writes for me exclusively, nor do lead roles come by that easily. 'Dulla Bhatti' was one, but I was so disappointed with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/no-one-writes-for-me-exclusively-nor-do-lead-roles-come-by-that/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [I've mostly played a villain in Punjabi films, but with 'Mitti Waajan Mardi,' I got to essay a comical villain, which the audience loved.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/i-ve-mostly-played-a-villain-in-punjabi-films-but-with-mitti-waajan/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [When people see me in movies, they think it is easy to say punch-lines and make them laugh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/when-people-see-me-in-movies-they-think-it-is-easy-to-say-punch-lines/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [When you have a fanbase, you must use it to spread positive messages.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/when-you-have-a-fanbase-you-must-use-it-to-spread-positive-messages/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [Being an actor, it's my responsibility to do something for society.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/being-an-actor-it-s-my-responsibility-to-do-something-for-society/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [Vote is a medium of change and a right one should not waste.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/vote-is-a-medium-of-change-and-a-right-one-should-not-waste/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [I am a jolly person. I love to laugh and make people laugh all the time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/i-am-a-jolly-person-i-love-to-laugh-and-make-people-laugh-all-the-time/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [The beauty of filmmaking in Punjabi industry is that we never control the fun happening on the set.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/the-beauty-of-filmmaking-in-punjabi-industry-is-that-we-never-control/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [The rising levels of production and content are prompting producers to take up unusual subjects.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/the-rising-levels-of-production-and-content-are-prompting-producers/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [It's the most difficult thing to make people laugh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/it-s-the-most-difficult-thing-to-make-people-laugh/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [We have high hopes from 'Zakhmi.' People will definitely like the movie.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/we-have-high-hopes-from-zakhmi-people-will-definitely-like-the-movie/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) > [I love theatre, but it is losing its value in Punjab. There are no funds or government back up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/binnu-dhillon/i-love-theatre-but-it-is-losing-its-value-in-punjab-there-are-no/) [Binnu Dhillon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) [Explore all 49 Binnu Dhillon quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/binnu-dhillon/) ## More Actor quotes > [I actually think acting is a form of self-hypnosis. You have to be hyper, hyper aware of what's going on around you. You have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julianne-moore/i-actually-think-acting-is-a-form-of-self-hypnosis-you-have-to-be/) [Julianne Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julianne-moore/) > [When you step out and do a song in a musical, the easier thing to do is make it funny. But when those transitions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelli-o-hara/when-you-step-out-and-do-a-song-in-a-musical-the-easier-thing-to-do/) [Kelli O'Hara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelli-o-hara/) > [I once told someone I could act. They totally bought it. I've been getting away with it ever since.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/akshay-kumar/i-once-told-someone-i-could-act-they-totally-bought-it-i-ve-been/) [Akshay Kumar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/akshay-kumar/) > [There has got to be a way for me to have a role on TV or in film that is just as normal as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adeel-akhtar/there-has-got-to-be-a-way-for-me-to-have-a-role-on-tv-or-in-film-that/) [Adeel Akhtar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adeel-akhtar/) > [I love casting against type and doing things you wouldn't expect, because I think you get more interesting performances that way. Hollywood loves to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-s-goyer/i-love-casting-against-type-and-doing-things-you-wouldn-t-expect/) [David S. Goyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-s-goyer/) > [I'm an actor, so I'm never going to feel like I've done enough.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/italia-ricci/i-m-an-actor-so-i-m-never-going-to-feel-like-i-ve-done-enough/) [Italia Ricci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/italia-ricci/) > [I am tired of our characters being so incomplete. When do we ever save the day in a film? When does a Latino actor…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/esai-morales/i-am-tired-of-our-characters-being-so-incomplete-when-do-we-ever-save/) [Esai Morales](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/esai-morales/) > [When I was 13, I auditioned for the theater school, and I was there for four years. In the meantime, I did my first…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ana-de-armas/when-i-was-13-i-auditioned-for-the-theater-school-and-i-was-there-for/) [Ana de Armas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ana-de-armas/) > [If you stood me in a costume next to a computer graphic of the same-looking character, I think there would be a difference. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warwick-davis/if-you-stood-me-in-a-costume-next-to-a-computer-graphic-of-the-same/) [Warwick Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warwick-davis/) > [failure in the theater is more public, more brilliant, more unreal than in any other field.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lillian-hellman/failure-in-the-theater-is-more-public-more-brilliant-more-unreal-than/) [Lillian Hellman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lillian-hellman/) > [I'm a character actor - always have been, always will be - and historically, character actors don't come into their own until later in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-potts/i-m-a-character-actor-always-have-been-always-will-be-and/) [Annie Potts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-potts/) > [Actors don't hate acting. Most people don't hate acting! Whether you're a child mucking around with your friends or a grown up being paid…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liv-hewson/actors-don-t-hate-acting-most-people-don-t-hate-acting-whether-you-re/) [Liv Hewson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liv-hewson/) > [It was only when I went to acting school that I was like, "You are absolutely such a pigheaded freak show that you thought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/giles-matthey/it-was-only-when-i-went-to-acting-school-that-i-was-like-you-are/) [Giles Matthey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/giles-matthey/) > [I never planned to do female roles. It just happened. I was typecast.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/divine/i-never-planned-to-do-female-roles-it-just-happened-i-was-typecast/) [Divine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/divine/) > [Once I committed to acting, this has been it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernie-hudson/once-i-committed-to-acting-this-has-been-it/) [Ernie Hudson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernie-hudson/) [Browse all 21,590 Actor quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actor/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "It's surreal. 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