Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; August 23, 2018)

After starting his career with lead roles in big budget films, Jimmy Sheirgill has created a happy space for himself doing character and supporting roles. Be it A Wednesday, Special 26, or the Tanu Weds Manu and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster franchises, the actor has essayed many diverse and interesting characters in an industry where it is easy to get lost doing insignificant roles. Jimmy, who played Bagga in Happy Bhag Jayegi (HBJ), is now geared up for the release of its sequel, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi (HPBJ), which will see him reprising the role. In an interview with BT, he tells us how he is happy to pick and choose films, his equation with filmmakers Tigmanshu Dhulia and Aanand L Rai, and why he loves doing light-hearted, funny films. Excerpts:

You are all set to play Bagga once again,in HPBJ. It’s interesting to note that most of the characters you have essayed — be it in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, HBJ or the Tanu Weds Manu franchise — end up losing the girl they love. Do you have an affinity for such characters?
I am playing Bagga again, but the situation will be different. While HBJ was set in Pakistan, this time around, I am pursuing the girl in China, and it will take the fun and humour to another level. I enjoy doing light-hearted roles, though I started off with intense roles. Also, I do what is offered to me. When I am offered roles where I don’t get the girl, the makers ask me, ‘Ladki chahiye ke dialogues?’ and I choose the latter (laughs!). Jokes apart, I am not in a position to ask them why I don’t get the girl in the end. Having said that, I have done a few films like that, too.

You have been a part of most of Aanand L Rai and Tigmanshu Dhulia’s films. While you are undoubtedly a talented actor, it’s jokingly said that they consider you their lucky charm...
If Aanand L Rai and Tigmanshu Dhulia considered me their lucky charm, I would be part of all their films. I did Aanand’s first film Strangers in 2007, and we have been friends since then. However, there is no truth to the rumour that he keeps repeating me in his films. If that was the case, I would have been part of the upcoming Shah Rukh Khan film, Zero, too. Aanand’s production house is home for me. More than a good director, he is also a great human being and when you click with someone, it is easier to work with them. Similarly, I have not been part of Tigmanshu’s Paan Singh Tomar or Raag Desh. They call me when there is a role that suits me.

For a long time, you have been termed as an underrated actor. However, over the past two decades, you have always had a steady string of releases. Do you still feel that you are underrated?
There’s nothing wrong in being called an ‘underrated’ actor. I take it as a compliment. As long as they don’t call me someone who is desperate for roles and will do any trivial role for money, it should be okay. Having said that, sometimes you do films out of friendship, too. I had to keep working because I can’t afford to not do so, it’s my rozi roti. Also, I am a workaholic and if I don’t work, I will go mad. But, I am happy that over the years, filmmakers have given me roles that stood out. I did not have to force anyone to give me roles. And, I don’t care if I am offered lead roles or supporting characters. At the end of the day, what matters is how the audience remembers your character or dialogues when they step out of the cinema hall. If I am remembered for a supporting role, it will be worth it.

Were you unhappy that your recent release Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster 3 did not work?
It is sad that the film did not work, because we had worked so hard on it. It feels bad when someone says, ‘We liked your work, but not the film.’ I think there was a world that revolved around the Saheb and Biwi, which was created in the first two films. There was a certain madness in the earlier films, and an evil factor, too. All that was missing in the third film, but for me, it was a great experience.

You have also carved a niche for yourself in Punjabi films…
I am happy that it is a flourishing industry now. I do one film a year in Punjab.

Along with films, there was buzz that you were being considered to host the TV show, Savdhaan India. But apparently, they found you too expensive…
All those were just talks. They came to meet me, expressed their interest and then suddenly, they disappeared. Now, we are actors and we have allotted dates to various projects, so we can’t start shooting for something suddenly. The rumours of me being expensive are false. Talks did not reach that stage. I would love to do a TV show if there is a correct time and approach from the makers.

Nepotism is a common topic of discussion in Bollywood these days. As an outsider who has made it on his own in Bollywood, what are your views on the subject?
It is a great phase for Bollywood right now. There are new writers, who are scripting a variety of roles. On one hand, you have a Varun Dhawan doing a commercial film and on the other, he does a film like October. The same goes for Alia Bhatt. As for nepotism, I have always maintained my stand. If I have a son who wants to enter films, I will invest all my energies to see that he gets a decent launch. Now, whether he becomes a successful actor or not will depend on him. What is wrong in promoting your son who is keen to work in films? Problem is, people always feel that the grass is greener on the other side.