Not everyone can become a superstar: Jimmy
n a career spanning over two decades, Jimmy Sheirgill has acted in several popular films such as Mohabbatein (2000), A Wednesday (2008), Tanu Weds Manu (2011), and more recently, Happy Bhag Jayegi. Ask him why even after so many years, the superstar tag eludes him, and he says, “I have got everything from this industry. I have no regrets. Not everyone can become a superstar. I came to Mumbai with a suitcase, a small amount of money, and my parents’ blessings. Today, I am living the life I wanted.”
When Jimmy started out, he was often praised for his boy-next-door looks. But over the years, the actor has also come to be known for his performances by doing a variety of roles. “It was a conscious decision to not fall under any one category, and that was the reason I did films such as Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar (2001) and Haasil (2003). For an actor, it is important to play all kinds of roles,” he says.
The 45-year-old is also a name to reckon with in Punjabi cinema. He does at least one Punjabi film every year. “I have gone to several Punjabi households across the world to promote these films. Finally, when Mel Karade Rabba (2010) released, Bollywood also took notice, and things turned around. Everybody was shocked at the money that film earned,” says Jimmy.
The actor adds that the Punjabi film industry still needs a push to compete with Bollywood. “The only issue with the Punjabi film industry is that there is no one body governing it, like the Cine And TV Artistes Association (CINTAA). Also, currently, a small percentage of the Punjabi population worldwide watches these films. If that increases to 5% or 10%, things will improve,” he adds.
It was a conscious decision to not fall under any one category... it is important to play all kinds of roles. JIMMY SHEIRGILL, ACTOR