Sharib Hashmi, who rose to fame as J.K. Talpade in the web series The Family Man, is now garnering praise for his character Babloo in the Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan-starrer Vikram Vedha. In an exclusive interaction with The Free Press Journal, Sharib gets candid about working in the Hindi remake, his journey in showbiz, and more.
Sharib reveals that he had already watched the Tamil version, helmed by the same director duo Pushkar-Gayatri. Elaborating on the same he says, “I have always been a huge fan of Tamil films. When I was offered Babloo I was very excited as it was one of my favourites from the original film. As soon as I heard about the script and the role I grabbed it.”
A still from Vikram Vedha
A film being remade in any language opens room for comparisons. Sharib believes that when art is created there are no boundaries. “As an audience, I believe there should be no comparison. We should appreciate the effort because there are people who would love to enjoy a movie if it was in their local language and remakes are something that fills the gap. However, as an artiste, I will always be open to comparison and criticism,” he avers.
Speaking about his experience working with the film’s lead actors, Sharib recalls, “I had a great time working with Hrithik because he is a very fun-loving person, and every time I worked with him on the set, he had something new to tell me. He always used to encourage me after the shots, and we used to have really fun conversations. With Saif sir, I barely spent any time with him because I had few scenes.”
On being directed by Pushkar-Gayatri, Sharib gushes, “They are really amazing and equally talented, and I would always love to work with them in different Tamil films in the future. Both of them had clear visions about what they were doing and what they wanted.”
Not many are aware that Sharib began his acting journey with major films like Slumdog Millionaire and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. “Slumdog Millionaire was unplanned because when I did it, I was working as a writer on a TV channel and one of my friends was working as an assistant in the casting for the film. I was approached but I was not prepared for an acting career. However, after Jab Tak Hai Jaan, I received immense appreciation from the industry. As time passed, I started getting many offers for acting, which is when I began pushing myself,” he concludes.
Sharib has an interesting lineup of films going forward. He will be seen in Mission Majnu, Tarla, Afwaah, Sharmajee Ki Beti, Shivshastri Balboa, The Family Man 3, and The Great Indian Murder Season 2.
Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan, Sharib Hashmi wrap up film with Laxman Utekar in Indore; see photos
