Yes, we are aware that it is "aaja," but whenever Jimmy Shergill appears on screen, we don't want to let him go, do we?
The seasoned actor, who has appeared in classic films like Mohabbatein, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Munna Bhai MBBS, Tanu Weds Mannu, Maachis, and countless others, was most recently seen in the web series Choona. For the unversed, the ensemble of the heist-comedy Choona has outstanding character development.
Jimmy portrays Calculator Shukla, a vicious politician whose greed knows no bounds. Also known as Shukla Ji, he reveals himself to be a follower of astrology as well, but his life is turned upside down when a sizeable sum of money is stolen from his party office.
Jimmy told us about his character in Choona, while explaining he said, ¡°I think the director was pretty clear in his mind as to how he wanted Shukla ji to be. It's a very unique character. As a matter of fact, all the characters in the first season are very, very layered and very interesting. And they're all very lovable. And so written well. At the same time, there were certain things that were there in the director's mind, which obviously when we were doing the readings and everything, he told me about it. He said that he wants it to be very unpredictable, because that is kind of underlined in the scenes.¡±
While answering the question the actor said, ¡°No,, I think they are used to me doing varied kind of roles. That image (soft boy) is definitely not there but that memory is there. You still have people you know posting stuff from Mohabbatein, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, those kinds of movies.¡±
A few months ago, when the show The Last Of Us came out, somebody pointed out that Jimmy and Pedro Pascal look very similar in terms of their facial features. The post went viral in no time others were quick to agree.?
When we asked Jimmy about the same he said that Barry Pepper was also called his doppelganger before the whole Pedro scene came to place. He added by saying that for him it is all nice and that's what social media is all about.
While praising the medium, the actor explained that OTT has unquestionably been a blessing during difficult times.?
"When COVID was in effect, very few movies were produced, and the major movies weren't doing all that well. Thank god now they are doing well because when huge movies do well, a ton of other movies¡ªbigger movies, smaller movies, everything¡ªget made. And those whose daily salaries are their source of income go to work. Then there are the directors, writers, and performers who are considered creative individuals. It's a good space for performers because you get complex characters and more screen time even if you play a supporting role."
When asked how Choona is different, Jimmy said that ¡°It's written and made very well. Plus it's rooted. It's set in the heartland yet shot very stylishly. Even though things are happening seriously, yet there is a humor attached to it. The dialogues and characters are fantastic. There are some brilliant actors portraying those roles and the biggest thing is that it's an underdog.¡±
While talking about the difference in production, Jimmy said ¡°I just miss the sound of the camera. When we used to shoot for a film, there used to be that sound which used to just trigger something inside you as an actor. I just miss it. Not that it affects you, but yeah, emotionally you miss it.¡±
This year marked the 20th anniversary of Jimmy's movie Haasil, which also starred the late actor Irrfan Khan. When we asked about his experience working with Irrfan, he replied, "I miss him. I've done quite a few films with him and he is one of the most fantastic actors I've come across and I still remember shooting for Haasil with him and I used to in every single interview say that people need to watch out for this actor. He's one of the best actors I've worked with.¡±
We asked Jimmy what according to him would be a piece of advice for youngsters who want to make their careers in the industry. The actor said, ¡°I always tell everybody that it's very important to get professional training in whatever you do. Same goes for the film industry also. If you're wanting to come in as an actor or you want to come in as a filmmaker, director, cinematographer, it's very important that you get trained. So I just say that to everybody, all the newcomers, all the people who are aspiring to come into the film industry, go and do your course professionally and get trained professionally and come. It's only going to make your job easier.¡±
Jimmy also spoke about how he too after his first few movies felt a little worked up. He said, ¡°It happened in the initial stages when I was working and I was working day and night. I kept working for about two years. I was a guest at my own wedding and I decided to take a small little break with my wife and we traveled across the world and it also gave me a lot of time to think about alot.¡±
You can stream Choona on Netflix.
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