‘I was craving for validation’
Actor Jackky Bhagnani is on a high, with his recent production Jawaani Jaaneman hitting the bull’s eye at the box office as well as among filmgoers.
Ask how he feels as of now and he says, “It’s a film that’s extremely close to me. I’m elated and grateful to the fans for all the love and appreciation they’ve given to the film. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the entire cast and crew who have put in immense hard work to make the film what it is today.”
The film must have come as a relief for the 35-year old, considering his last film as an actor, Mitron (2018), wasn’t able to meet box office expectations. “What Mitron did to me was, it made me fearless and gave me the critical acclaim I was looking for. I made sure not to play a character close to who I am in real life. That film gave me respect. I’m content in this space. I want to be part of a film as an actor, that inspires me to the fullest, and if I can contribute to it. Acting is my first passion,” he explains.
Being an industry insider (son of producer Vashu Bhagnani), has he been able to deal with the constant scrutiny of every professional and personal move? Jackky, who’s producing films such as Bell Bottom with Akshay Kumar and Coolie No 1 with Varun Dhawan, responds, “I’m a very optimistic person, and see the glass as half full rather than half empty. I always wanted this. It’ll be wrong on my part to say that now when people know me, I don’t want that. When I didn’t have this, I was craving for it, for the validation from audience and people. With great power comes great responsibility.”
Jackky goes on to admit that he’s aware of the fact that being in the public eye, one has a lot of responsibilities towards everyone. “Because, what you do could have an impact on someone, even if it’s just two people. That’s a very strong tool. I’m very grateful. When I was in college, I weighed 150kg. I was the butt of all jokes. For me, it’s always been failure first and success now. Whatever is happening, I’m grateful,” he signs off.