NEW DELHI – Jimmy Shergill waxes eloquent about his recent cinematic turns as the scheming royal in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Saheb Biwi aur Gangster Returns! and the corrupt cop in Special 26 . “Initially, the role of the police inspector in Special 26 was to be played by a newcomer, but later Neeraj (Panday), felt that I should do it. Now why Neeraj gave me a strong role in A Wednesday and a low profile role in this one is something that you should ask him,” says Jimmy.
Even after a long run in the industry Jimmy doesn’t care much about the fact that critics find him an underrated actor. He says, “I take it as a compliment. At least, they are not saying that I do not have talent, am worthless or plain lucky to have got roles. I am also happy that I’m not running around trees.”
Jimmy feels happy that meaningful films have had a good run at the BO in 2012. He says, “I just go with the flow and follow my heart. I have enjoyed working with Tigmanshu, specially because he challenges your capacity everytime you work with him. Just because I’ve done some hardhitting roles does not mean that people should forget Mohabbatein or Yahaan.”
Like other B-Town actors, Jimmy has also received offers to do reality TV shows, but he is not interested. “Reality TV shows require 90 days at a stretch and I don’t have those dates to spare,” he says.
He shot in Devgarh Baria (Gujarat) for Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster and Saheb Biwi aur Gangster Returns. He says, “The heat was unbearable. And in that heat I had to sport bandgala coats and trousers and turbans. At times, there would be no electricity. I would be drenched in sweat and the blow dryers on the sets were a respite from the heat.”
Today Jimmy is in a relaxed place where he stays away from the rat race. He says, “I have survived for so many years doing character roles. Daana paani chal raha hai…I am not complaining.”
