Jackie Shroff has embraced the part of a formidable antagonist in Rohit Shetty’s Diwali multi-starrer Singham Again. His portrayal as the bad guy has captivated fans and Jackie enjoys seeing his fans cheer for his villainous role.
In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Jackie opened up about the love he continues to receive from fans, his unforgettable memories from Parinda, his deep-rooted friendships in the industry, and the legacy he cherishes alongside his son Tiger Shroff.
What was it like sharing the screen with your son in Singham Again?
I am happy that my face brought so much happiness to people. I think everyone was so happy to see me when I took off the helmet. Even if I’m the bad guy, they love me. I like it. I am happy that my son and I are in the same film even if I’m playing the bad guy and he’s playing the good guy.
Looking back, what memory from Parinda stands out the most to you?
The memory of Parinda that stayed with me was having my son in my hands while receiving the Filmfare Award for Best Actor from Rekha Ji. This memory can never be erased.
How would you compare shooting at real locations back during Parinda to filming now?
I think the people of Mumbai are used to watching film shoots. There are more crowds now than there were during Parinda. I had to go to Antop Hill for the shoot in a tempo carrying equipment.
Parinda has become a cult classic over the years. What first attracted you to the film?
The song Tumse Mil Ke attracted me to Parinda. Anil Kapoor made me hear the song and wanted me to meet director Vinod Chopra. I thought a man who could make such beautiful music would make a beautiful film too. I heard the story of Parinda.
Can you share more about your friendship and camaraderie with Anil Kapoor over the years?
He came to our area in Nepean Sea Road to meet his then girlfriend now wife Sunita. She used to stay there. Sometimes, he would hang around with us. Our gang used to be there with our motorcycles. He used to tell me, “I am doing a film called Mashaal. I like your style of pants.” He still likes my style of pants.
Sometimes, when I used to go to Matheran, I used to stay at Anil’s house in Chembur. His mother used to feed us. She used to make good bharva karela. We were friends and still are. So, working together in films like Parinda, Karma, and Ram Lakhan, was not that difficult. In real life, he is my big brother but on screen, I was his big brother. In real life he gives me advice and in films, I give him advice.
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What keeps you motivated to do films?
When people see me in different roles, I feel excited and I want to do more and more films. I can either act or be a good chef. I would act till they like me.
Tell us about your relationships with industry people.
Whenever I entered a production house, I would do 5-6 films with them. I have done multiple films with Subhash Ghai, K.C. Bokadia, and Salim Calcuttawala. It was always an emotion and family. Some things are changing now. Some white collar has happened. They want to streamline what was already streamlined. Let them do it. Some people have favouritism and they will continue doing it.
Whoever I go to wants to do a couple of films with me. I am a disciplined person. I have no issues or hangups. Even if I am not given a dialogue, or even if it’s a two-minute role, I’ll do it if I like it.
You’ve been hosting celebrities at your farmhouse for a while now…
I take care of them – pedicures, manicures, head massages, physio and performances in the amphitheatre in the evening, dance, and music. It’s just that I love my seniors. I have grown up watching them. It’s a privilege to just be able to talk to them because I have grown up watching their films, listening to their songs on the radio, etc. They are our foundations and it’s time to give them respect.
When did you become interested in environmental issues?
I have been conscious about it ever since I heard the ozone layer depleting. But nobody cares. They are just bothered about their own lives. Nobody wants to think about our future generations.
What advice do you often share with Tiger Shroff?
He is more grounded than I am. Apna hee bachcha hai na? He is like me only. Take whatever god gives us and move on.
