It’s safe to say that Bollywood star Jackie Shroff is one of the most versatile actors in the industry, substantiated by his wide filmography. The actor debuted in Dev Anand’s 1982 directorial Swami Dada, starring alongside Mithun Chakraborty and Naseeruddin Shah. This year alone, the 68-year-old has made appearances in three films—Housefull 5, Good Bad Ugly, and Tanvi the Great—all films of vastly different genres.
Shroff may have spent over four decades in the film industry, but his passion for action remains unchanged. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the 68-year-old said, “I am doing the same thing that I was doing then. I used to do three films a year, and I am still doing that.” He also recalls getting the opportunity to sing more often in his past films. “Now I do that only when some maker gives me that opportunity.”
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The Border actor takes pride in choosing parts that others shy away from. “Right from the beginning, I have chosen roles which others didn’t want to do. I should get a BAFTA for that.” He recalls how no one wanted to take on a role in the 2010 Tamil gangster film Aaranya Kaandam because “it wasn’t an important character”.
Driven by the mindset that when the opportunity presents itself, you take it, he said, “Even Devdas, people were apprehensive of doing Chunnibabu’s role, saying ‘title role to Devdas ka hai’. Par kya ho gaya usse? People were scared to do the role opposite Shah Rukh Khan, which I eventually did. I know if I stand in a frame, I will be seen.”
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Shroff still approaches a film with an open mind and faith in the director’s vision. “I know my limitations, like I can’t play cricket or anything else, but I am open to learning. I prefer being like water and giving myself all to the director... The director is the captain of the ship; he will handle that. I can’t do it.”
Shroff is surely an actor who lets the craft speak for itself. “Use my presence, my sincerity, discipline and respect for others. There is no pretence with me. I will put it as, I don’t die in a death sequence.”