Sukhmani Sadana, the co-writer of Netflix’s Jogi, wants to know a little more today than what she knew yesterday. In collaboration with writer-director Ali Abbas Zafar, Sukhmani has created a world of love amid hate in the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Jogi, set in the backdrop of the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi in 1984.

Before Jogi, she had teamed up with R. Madhavan for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. And besides being a screenplay writer, she is a full-time actress as well. Sukhmani has appeared in Sacred Games, Tandav, Dil Bekaraar, Apharan Season 2 and Broken News. The Telegraph Online spoke to Sukhmani Sadana about Jogi and how she juggles writing and acting.

Jogi is receiving a lot of appreciation. As a co-writer, tell us about the research part as the story has a lot of history.

Sukhmani Sadana: I come from Amritsar. I was born and brought up in Punjab. We had been hearing stories since childhood. When we were kids, power used to go off in the evenings and there was no TV and fan. Our grandparents told us a lot of stories, from Panchatantra to real-life historical events like the 1984 Sikh massacre. That was our only entertainment to be able to listen to stories on the terrace.

When you listen to heart-breaking stories, it leaves a mark and doesn’t get out of your head. That’s what happened to me. When I met Ali sir (director and writer Abbas Zafar), he was clear that he didn’t want to point a finger or blame anyone. He wanted to bring everyone together. The intention was such that we didn’t want to reactivate emotions on such a sensitive topic. All credit goes to Ali sir.

When it came to research, I am a Sardarni, and I had a million stories to tell about how Sikhs were killed, how their houses were burned and so much more. My relatives’ scooters were burned. But again, we didn’t want to focus on who did the wrong-doings, otherwise the loop (of blame game) would continue. A lot of hard work has gone into it as it’s a sensitive topic and if not dealt that way, it can flare things up.

Did the leading man, Diljit Dosanjh, have any input?

Sukhmani Sadana: Diljit is a brilliant man and he is very well-informed. He is very sensitive and he loves people. His sensitivity has given life to Jogi. One can act to be a good human being but if you are good in real life, it shows in the eyes. He is good just like Jogi.

Acting and writing are very different from each other. How are you balancing it?

Sukhmani Sadana: A lot of people are doing it, but sometimes the universe blesses you and you get noticed. I am happy because I tried for a very long time. There is a time and place for everything, so when it’s happening I feel very good. I also heard people say that we should have two sources of income and I already have two career options. (Laughs)

If you have to pick one profession that is a bit closer to your heart...

Sukhmani Sadana: I don’t want to give a cliche answer. I give my hundred per cent to both, but the amount of satisfaction I get from writing is a lot more. It’s not very easy to write. One needs to get into the skin of things. Sometimes I stare at the laptop for five hours to come up with a scene. One can’t control the brain, so I feel happy and excited when I get appreciated for my writing work.

You were writing scripts for a global advertising agency. How did you become an actress?

Sukhmani Sadana: I was never supposed to be an actress. I came to Mumbai to be a writer and learn how to write ad scripts. I got into St. Xavier’s College to study advertising and marketing. At the campus placement, I got through Ogilvy, where I got an opportunity to write ads. Then, I was told to write for ad films as well. People started saying I look okay and that If I can narrate with full emotion, then I should feature in the ad films myself. This happened while I worked for skincare and haircare brands. I was a free model till I got noticed. Work gets you more work. I hosted travel shows. One thing led to another. Then I got opportunities in OTT shows. What I can say is that I work very hard every time I get a new project.

You worked with R. Madhavan as an additional screenplay writer for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. What were your learnings?

Sukhmani Sadana: I learnt so much about science, NASA, ISRO and so many things. There were many things about Kerala that I didn’t know as I am from North India. Maddy sir (Madhavan) is a one-man show. He can produce, direct and act, and he is a fab husband and father. He is an energy ball. My research has enlightened me.

What are you writing and shooting for right now?

Sukhmani Sadana: I am writing a suspense thriller on a financial scam for Applause Entertainment. For the first time, I am learning about IPOs and share markets. I think of it as an opportunity. I want to know a little bit more today than what I knew yesterday. I wrote a short film, Manoranjan, which travelled to festivals and has Gul Panag in the lead. It’s on YouTube. I am writing another big film but can’t talk about it. This year, I have appeared in Dil Bekaraar, Apharan 2, Broken News, Udan Patolas and now Taanav (adaptation of Netflix’s Fauda). I have shot two more films.

Have you been told that you look a bit like Tabu and have shades of Sridevi?

Sukhmani Sadana: Yes, when I wear makeup, people say that I look like Sridevi. And, when I am in my normal element, people say I look like Tabu. I take it as a compliment as both are fabulous actresses. Whenever I put up a picture on Instagram, I get comments like ‘Tabu lookalike’, ‘Chhoti Tabu’ etc. Once I came across Tabu, she also paused and looked at me. I am sure she must have felt something that day. (Laughs)