His films come without any bang but nevertheless manage to leave a mark on the minds of a discerning audience. Jimmy Shergill is a name that’s associated with meaningful cinema — Sahib Bibi Aur Ganster , A Wednesday, Machis, Haasil — a genre that brings out the best in him. This year has opened with Jimmy’s Rajdhani Express. The versatile actor talks about his work and the challenges associated with his latest outing.
On his role in Rajdhani Express
Rajdhani Express is a thriller whose plot revolves around a particular train compartment boarded by people of different social backgrounds and consequently different mindsets. The travellers enter into a discussion which turns into an argument and eventually takes an ugly turn. I play the character of an ATS officer who is called in to calm the situation.
On his journey so far
After Mohabbatein , I was typecast as a romantic hero which affected my subsequent films. Then Haasil happened which helped me to shrug off the romantic hero image. At present I do only those roles which interest me. They have been hard hitting in Bollywood and light-hearted in Punjabi movies.
My journey has definitely been slow but steady. I have been in the industry from 1996 but it is recently that I have begun to enjoy what I am doing and the people I am working with. I am now satisfied at what I do and have done.
On working with Leander Paes, who makes his debut with this movie
He is very enthusiastic and hard-working. His character resembles an ordinary human being. He has done full justice to his role.
Leander is an icon in the world of sports. As far as his acting is concerned, it is just his first step into the field of acting but the way he has been able to juggle his two professional responsibilities is really admirable.
Upcoming projects
My next film is Special Chabbis which is going to release in February followed by Sahib, Bibi aur Gangster 2 in March and my Punjabi film Rangeelay in April.
