My career has been slow but steady: Jimmy Shergill
By Neeraj Nanda
Actor Jimmy Shergill, 43, is well known for his Hindi and Punjabi films. Shergill started his career in 1996 with Maachis directed by Gulzar based on terrorism in Punjab. The film did well at the box office. He was later cast in Aditya Chopra’s Mohabbatein alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aishwarya Rai. He’s won rave reviews for all his performances in films like Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Haasil, Munna Bhai, Yahaan, Lage Raho Munnabhai, Eklavya: The Royal Guard, A Wednesday, My Name is Khan, Tanu Weds Manu, Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster and Special 26. Shergill was here recently for the Indian Film Festival Melbourne 2013, promoting his new Punjabi movie ‘Rangeelay’. SAT Editor, Neeraj Nanda caught up with him during the sidelines of the festival. The interview was bilingual as he answered questions in Punjabi, Hindi and English.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: Tell us about ‘Rangeelay’.
A: It’s a wholesome family entertainer. It has romance, comedy, action, drama and emotion.
Q: What do you emphasise in the movie?
A: My previous Punjabi movie was ‘Dharti’, which was serious and political. Many people and especially children could not connect to it. So, it was decided the next will be a colourful, laughing and action packed one. That’s how ‘Rangeelay’ came to be made. In it you can connect easily. There is a dialogue where the leading lady is eating ‘Gol Gappe’ and the hero makes a comment to the shopkeeper that ‘Gol Guppe’s’ should be made to fit the mouths of girls. Basically, it’s a slice of life.
Q: What about the songs of the movie?
A: There is a variety of songs – romantic, sad, title, dance type and one ‘Khadke – Tadake’ song.
Q: What are your future plans for Punjabi movies?
A: Rangeelay was our fourth Punjabi movie after Dharti, Tore Mitra De and Sadhi Love Story. Sequels are always not possible. We have many more stories. But some themes need a big budget and hence a producer.
Q: Punjab has many issues which can be taken up in a movie.
A: We are open to any issue.
Q: The Hindi movie market is very big. Why not make Hindi movies?
A: When I went into Punjabi movie production only one per cent of Punjabis saw Punjabi movies. Now about 7-8 per cent does that. It’s being talked bout that the Punjabi box office is a big one. I feel, 90 per cent of Punjabis have yet to start seeing Punjabi movies. I do Punjabi movies as a duty. I will compel the 90 % who stay at home to see Punjabi movies.
Q: How has the digital revolution effected your profession? For example, You Tube and Facebook ?
A: The social media helps us connect to our well wishers. We know the response to a movie fast. Anyone, can Google and get to connect to us.
Q: From “Maachis’ to ‘Rangeelay’, which movie made what Jimmy Shergill is today?
A: My journey and been slow but steady. I enjoy the characters I act. My high point is to do a new thing each time. Maachis, Mohabbate, Munna Bhai MBBS, Haasil, Wednesday, Munnabhai-2, Sahib Bibi Aur Ganngster (first and second) etc. gave me different characters, I loved.
Q: There is a feeling that the strength of ‘Maachis’ could not be seen in your other films.
A: No, every film has its subject and issue. ‘Maachis’ was a sensitive issue. It will always remain special for me. ‘Jahaan’ was another one on a sensitive topic. We can’t compare movies.
Q: Which character you liked the most and do you have a dream character?
A: I don’t have a dream character. But, I like, light hearted characters. My most challenging role was in ‘Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster Returns’, where a royal is on a wheel chair. It was a tough character. I also like movies with armed forces background. ‘Dharti’ was one such movie. Another was ‘Agni Pankh’In ‘Mannat’ (Punjabi), I played the role of an army officer.
Q: Who is you inspiration?
A: I idealise Saheed Bhagat Singh.
Q: Would you act as Bhagat Singh in a movie?
A: Yes, I would. I have been to his village ‘Pind Banga’ where there is a museum in his memory. It inspired me a lot.
– With KULBEER CAM PHOTOGRAPHER.
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