Jimmy Shergill Shares How Gulzar Surprised Him With A Role In Maachis: ‘I Almost Fell Off The Chair When…’ – News18

Last Updated:November 29, 2024, 21:02 IST

Jimmy Shergill recalls his surprising entry into Bollywood with Maachis, directed by Gulzar.

Jimmy Shergill made his acting debut with the 1996 film Maachis, featuring an ensemble cast including Tabu, Chandrachur Singh, Om Puri, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Kanwaljit Singh. Directed by the legendary Gulzar, the film received critical acclaim and was a commercial hit. It also won two National Film Awards: Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Actress for Tabu. While Maachis resonated with audiences across India, Jimmy’s casting in the film surprised many — including the actor himself.

Jimmy, along with his Sikandar Ka Muqaddar co-stars Tamannaah Bhatia and Avinash Tiwary, attended the second edition of SCREEN LIVE on Thursday. During the event, he opened up about his early days in the industry and how his journey began with an unexpected turn of events. He recalled approaching Gulzar with aspirations of becoming an assistant director (AD), only to have the iconic filmmaker offer him an acting role instead.

The actor, who believed that one had to work as an AD for several years before earning a break, was stunned by Gulzar’s offer. Recounting the moment, Jimmy said, “I think it’s called hustle now. It was called struggle in our times. So the hustle is on. When I first met Gulzar sir, I thought he would hire me as his Assistant Director, but he had other plans. He asked me which part do you think is the best among these three roles? I said all three of them are great. He said, ‘But, if you will have to pick one, who will that be?’ It was like a dream to be seated before a legendary director and being able to choose one character.”

Jimmy continued, “I said, ‘If given an option, I will choose Jaimal Singh.’ He asked, ‘Why?’ I said, ‘His name is Jimmy, and so is my pet name.’ Until now, Gulzar sahab knew me as Jasjeet Shergill. He said, ‘Oh, okay, do me a favour, grow your beard and hair because you are doing that role.’ I almost fell off the chair. That is how it all started.”

Following the success of Maachis, Jimmy went on to star in films such as Mohabbatein, Dil Vil Pyar Vyar, Munna Bhai MBBS, Tanu Weds Manu, and My Name Is Khan. His latest film, Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, a gripping heist thriller, is now streaming on Netflix.