The man behind the creative visuals for “Dil Yaaran De”.
We had the privilege to speak to Canadian director, Rahul Chahal from Tdot Films. He is known for making music videos for Gurj Sidhu and Sidhu Moose Wala. Take a read and find out more about Rahul Chahal and the craftsmanship that goes into making music videos.
- Hi Rahul Chahal from Tdot films, can you please tell Punjab2000 readers a little bit about yourself and what you were doing before you decided to become a music video director?
I used to be a truck driver and a part time personal trainer. In my free time I would make short videos on an app called “VINE” and create youtube skits for fun.
- What/Who inspired you to become a music video director?
Harry Bhatti director of Sardar Mohammad inspired me to become a video director. I went to India in 2015 and I met Harry Bhatti bhaji and worked on song called Pendu korma with him.
- Did you always have a love for music & films growing up and what were some of your favourite songs & movies?
Yes I have loved rap music since childhood. I also used to read comics when I was a kid, that’s how I got into story making. My favourite song would be “Kehta Hai Tumse Pal Pal”. My favourite movies would be Drishyam and 3 idiot
- So far what has been your biggest career highlight?
Working with Canadian artists such as Sidhu Moose Wala, BYG BYRD, Sunny Malton for Just Listen and UK artist Gurj Sidhu for Black on Black and Dil Yaaran De.
- As you have just mentioned, you worked with artists such as Sidhu Moose Wala, BYG BYRD, Sunny Malton and Gurj Sidhu to name but a few. How was it working with UK’s very own Folk singing sensation Gurj Sidhu?
Gurj sidhu is an amazing artist and I love working with him because he’s very easy to work with and goes with the flow. When we’re on set he does turn up late sometimes but its all love. He is really good at getting into character and his energy levels on set is always on point.
Promo Video: Dil Yaaran De – Gurj Sidhu, Music by Kaos Productions
- Gurj Sidhu just released the promo for his upcoming track “Dil Yaaran De” Music by Kaos Productions, releasing on 10th May. We can see that you’re also featured in the music video. How does it feel to be in front of the camera for this specific video and how did the idea come about?
As I’ve previously mentioned, I used to make youtube video skits for fun. For Dil Yaaran De, I brought back one of the characters called Jeeta from Canada balliye. This is due to Gurj Sidhu convincing me it would be a good character for the music video and that it would go well with the screen play. I wasn’t ready for this but it went well and I am glad I did it.
- How did you come up with the screen play from for Dil Yaaran De?
For this specific music video, the screen play is about a relationship between a woman and a man. However, we wanted to switch it up a bit and add humorous scenes to entertain the audience and keep them engaged. Generally some of the screen play ideas for a few of my music videos come from making youtube skits.
- Rahul how do you feel when you see all the music videos you’ve created, getting millions of view?
Trust me when I tell you this, I never check on my youtube views because nowadays I don’t believe the views are genuine. On the other hand, I do like the feedback I receive in the comment sections and from social media.
- What are your thoughts about the current Punjabi music scene in terms of fake views, Gang themed music videos, gun violence and excessive use of alcohol?
In terms of fakes views, I am strongly against that as its pointless when you’re not recieving genuine support. The gang themed music videos, I would suggest people use fake guns for entertainment purposes only. The use of alcohol on set shouldn’t be allowed as we have to maintain professionalism at all times. However substituting it for apple juice to make it look like alcohol is fine. I personally think putting a BOLD disclaimer before each video like they do in movies will solve the problem. The disclaimer should say “fake guns were used and no alcohol was consumed or used while making this video”. This could potentially solve the issue of people thinking music videos are influencing the younger generation. Music video directors just want to entertain their audience and cater for the masses.
- What advice would you give to upcoming music video directors, entering this industry?
There is no rules when making videos. I personally believe, you should do whatever you feel is right, freedom of expression. Making music videos gives you the freedom and creative ability to explore different avenues when it comes to entertaining the audience. One thing you should always maintain when making music videos, is making sure the foundation of the video is crystal clear. After obtaining that the hard work always pays off later. There is no shortcuts when it comes to making music videos, full dedication is need.
- Have you faced any struggles within your profession and if so how have you over come them?
Yes. When I first started, some of our videos would get rejected but I didn’t let that stop me from making music videos. I continued to improve by learning new skills and techniques through “University of Youtube”. After learning all these new skills and techniques I became much better with practise.
- What do you enjoy the most about being a music video director?
The Freedom to create and work at the same time. Being a creative person, gives you the ability to shape ideas into reality.
- Rahul, which artist would you hope to work with one day and why?
I would definitely love to work with Bohemia bhaji and Diljit Dosanjh. Bohemia is a living legend and Diljit bhaji becomes a better artist everyday. So overall, I would love to work with them.
- What can we expect from you and your team this year and in the upcoming years?
Tdot Films will try and make more concept based videos which will include positive messages throughout.
- Where can our readers find you on social media?
- Facebook: Rahul Chahal / Tdot Films
- Instagram: Rahul Chahal / Tdot films
- Snapchat: OfficialRchahal
- Twitter: OfficialRchahal
Check out our website too: http://www.rahulchahal.com
I also want to mention and give credit to our team members ( In no particular order)
- Jaskamal Saini
- Taran Bali
- Sagar Kanda
- Sukaran Pathak
- Luckee Bains
- Inder Chahal
- Vishal Banger
Great, thank you so much Rahul Chahal from TDot Films for taking the time out to speak with us today. We at Punjab2000 are looking forward to the release of Dil Yaaran De. We wish you and the team all the best for the future. Hope to see Tdot films in the UK soon for another catch up.