Exclusive: I have survived because of my decisions: Jimmy Shergill
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bollywood actors Jimmy Shergill The film ‘Azam’ is running in theaters these days. Jimmy Shergill is one of the few actors who is balancing Bollywood, Punjabi cinema and OTT. He calls this phase the best as an actor. Because, films and web series are giving them different challenges. Excerpts from the conversation with Urmila Kori.
What was most appealing to you about ‘Azam’?
To be honest, when this film was offered to me, I refused to do this film. Because, I came to know that this film is the story of one night. Being a part of a night film means that you have to give 40 to 50 nights for shooting. I have been a part of many such films in my career, but now it is difficult. It has become a kind of healthy lifestyle now. Being associated with such a film meant that the whole routine had to be disturbed.
Then how do you connect with ‘Azam’?
One day I was at home. There was probably no shoot that day. I saw that some scripts are kept. I thought let’s read. I saw that a script is written in Devanagari. I picked it up to read it. Usually script is not available in Devanagari. That’s what appealed to me in the first place. When I started reading, I just kept reading. I read the 120 page script. I called my manager and told that I would like to do this script which has been sent to me. He told that this is the same script, which you had refused because of the night shooting. I told you to talk and see. If the casting hasn’t happened, I would like to do it, even if I have to stay awake for so many nights. I liked the script so much that I also said that if there is any role left in the supporting cast, I would like to do it. It was learned that the casting of the film has not been done, because the director of this film, Shravan, was busy with a webseries with actor KK Menon. My role in this film is very different. Till now people have mostly seen me in the role of police. For the first time I am playing the role of a don.
How tough was it shooting at night?
By the way, the entire shooting of this film has not happened in the night. There is also some indoor shoot, so it was shot during the day itself. It doesn’t matter if it is night or day outside in the closed room. Yes, outdoor shooting has been done at night only. Shooting has been done in South Mumbai and Byculla. I was on a diet, but when you stay awake all night, then you feel like eating and I am fond of sweets, so I ate hot jalebis, chocolates in the night shoot.
These days movies are not running at the ticket window. Do these things bother you?
I have been a part of this industry for almost two and a half decades. I know how many people’s family is connected to a film. When films don’t work, it affects the entire industry. Bad times for the industry. Hopefully things will get better in the times to come.
These things are also common in the industry that stars take more money, due to which the budget of films increases and it is difficult for big budget films to earn at the box office?
I have produced Punjabi films. I know that budget is very important in film making, but I also know that nothing is more important than the script. If the script is good, then even the biggest budget will be recovered at the ticket window. When big films run, small films also benefit.
As a producer, are you planning to bring something on OTT as well?
Yes, the matter is going on, let’s see when things get finalized.
How do you look back on your journey in the industry so far?
I always knew that I have come alone in this industry and will have to walk alone. Just kept walking in the name of God. The first film was released in 96. Long time has passed. I understood that I would not be able to survive here with dance songs and romance films, because they are almost the same. I knew that I would get leads in big banner films, so I started doing films like ‘Haasil’, ‘Yahan’. After that he went on to become a part of films like Munnabhai, Tanu Weds Manu. In the beginning I was scared too, but now looking back, I am happy with my decisions. I am standing because of those decisions.
What has been your motivation in this journey full of ups and downs? Upcoming projects?
The support of your family and friends makes you stronger. Once Gulzar Sahab had said one thing that friend, don’t make any film your destiny. Whether the film runs or not, you keep on running. You don’t stop. After a long time I will be seen once again under the direction of Neeraj Pandey. Apart from this, there is another web series.
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