The original macho man of Bollywood and Hero’s (the film that made him the toast of the tinselville) hero, Jackie Shroff is now busy doing films in which he has strong characters to play. He plays a journalist in his upcoming film Cover Story , the remake of the critically acclaimed Dutch film, The Interview , made by Laurens Postma.
You have been doing different kind of films of late. What caused this shift?
I don’t plan anything. The directors have been coming to me with these scripts. I choose a film based on my instincts. I have done villainous as well as positive roles.
You have been in films for 30 years now. Comment on the changes.
With the corporates entering the film industry and more screens being available through multiplexes, a lot of changes have taken place. And most of them are for the good. You now have films such as Makhhi , Dabangg and Barfi .
Cover Story has been directed by Laurens Postma, a Dutch, who has made a movie in a language he doesn’t know at all! Did it make it difficult for you?
He is a brilliant actor himself. There were no issues at all. Though he doesn’t know Hindi he understood what we were trying to emote. It is remarkable. He was in complete control and full of confidence.
You play a journalist in the film. How did it feel being on the other side of the fence?
It was a different experience. My dad was a journalist. Also, I have interacted with a lot of journalists during the course of my career. Some of them are good friends too.
Your co-star in the film Anjum Nayar is a newcomer. How was it working with a youngster?
Anjum didn’t need any help from anyone. She stunned me with her mind-blowing performance.
If there was a film/book to be made on your life, what would the poster be like?
(Thinks) It would have to be my mother’s face since it would represent my childhood, the best phase in anyone’s life.
What kind of films would you want to do now?
Films with a message. Films that focus on social issues.
Your son, Tiger, will make his acting debut soon. As a doting father what advice would you like to give him?
Tiger has been with me to various shoots and dubbing sessions. So he might have learnt something. I am confident about Sajid Nadiadwala, who is making a film with him. Tiger knows what he wants and how to go about it.
Bollywood News Service
