Sharib Hashmi, who did a promising role in Nitin Kakkar’s “Filmistaan”, is happy that now supporting actors are getting bigger platforms and acting skills are becoming the criteria to get a break in Bollywood. In 2017, he will be co-writing “Ram Singh Charlie” with Nitin, will act in “Durban”, directed by National Award winner Bipin Nadkarni and is playing the lead in “Phullu”, a comic satire on lack of awareness about use of sanitary napkins.
In a chat, he talks about his journey so far, importance of commercial films in an actor’s life and the changes in filmmaking.
Excerpts:
On your upcoming film “Phullu” voicing the issue of sanitary napkins
You can compare the protagonist Phullu with Kabir, the saint in 17th Century, who observes the society and questions the stereotypes and hypocrisy around his society. Though Phullu is an innocent man who has not seen the world outside his small village but he manages to notice the social stigma attached with sanitary napkins and lack of awareness around the hygiene of women in his locality. We have not made the film a preachy affair but have attempted to educate people about the issue in a comic way.
On working with Shah Rukh Khan and reaching out to audience
It is very important for an actor to reach to audience to build trust and popular films are very important in building that base. I was fortunate that I got work in Yash Chopra’s last film (’Jab Tak Hai Jaan’) and that too with Shah Rukh Khan himself. In our industry, it is very important to get recognition in commercial cinema as it is treated as formal acceptance by the industry. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who is an inspiration for all actors, got popular recognition only after “Kick” and “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” in spite of having a long list of reputed films before doing those films. Having presence in commercial cinema helps other smaller projects also as people know the actors which gives push to small budget films.
On becoming an actor
I was a total film buff and used to see cinema of 1980s which had the masala (laughs). I had some access to film industry as my father was a film journalist but I did not know at that time how I will be able to break in. I imagined myself as hero but my image did not fit with the classy looks of stars, so I knew that it will be tough. No one ever imagined that in 2015 a man with a short height can become a protagonist in a film (referring to ‘Filmistaan’). I am happy that I started working when we are producing films that can match the sensibilities of world cinema but at the same time offer escapism that we associate with our mainstream films. But still new actors have to tie kafan on their heads before coming to Bollywood as there is no surety (laughs).
On getting a break in films and the struggle it involved
I started my career as an assistant director and for 10 years I was a screenwriter for MTV and later as a freelancer I wrote anchor scripts for different reality shows including the dialogues of ‘Filmistaan’. I had an all together different job behind the camera and after giving 10 years to it, I quit for a career in acting. It was a very hard decision. I think the struggle was not of letting others know my potential but to bring out what was inside me. What I have learnt is that if you stick to your individuality and present the real you, then people will consider you.
I used to do mimicry and gags for my friends who were my first audience which gave me confidence. Before ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘Filmistaan’ , I did ‘Mehrooni’, a short in which Shanoo Sharma, casting director of Yash Raj Films, saw me and offered me a role in ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ .
On so-called supporting actors gaining recognition
I am happy that I started working at a time when people are watching films beyond escapist dramas and that stories are now gaining importance besides the star. The whole breed of new actors who do not fit into the star image are getting important roles, which was not possible earlier. I am hopeful that this change will bring the best of sensible cinema which we will be able to present to the world. Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are examples who have presented our cinema to the world and the industry needs more such names.
