It wasn’t until being rejected for a role in ‘Dhobi Ghat‘ (2008) that the vastly talented Sharib Hashmi knew he wanted to pursue acting full time. A call from YRF’s Shanoo Sharma for a brief part in ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan,’ 4 years later, gave wings to his aspirations, turning things around forever. It was also around this time that he landed his first leading role in ‘Filmistaan‘ (2014), a part that garnered several accolades both in India and overseas, besides winning a National Award. After a successful web debut with ‘The Family Man‘ (2019), Sharib continued his winning streak with ‘Scam 1992‘ (2020) and ‘Ram Singh Charlie’ (2020; credits: writer, producer), one of the best Indian films of 2020.
In a candid rapid-fire session with Flickside, the actor reveals films he thinks are overrated, actors we need to see more of, films and filmmakers he admires and more!
1. A film you’d recommend?
‘Ardh Satya‘ (1983), ‘Pushpak‘ (1987)
2. A director that inspires you?
3. A film you wish you had made?
‘Anand‘ (1971)
4. An overrated classic?
‘Guru’ (I loved Abhishek in it though. Didn’t like the film as much)
5. An underrated actor?
Shubhrajyoti Barat
6. Your favorite comedian, stand-up or otherwise?
Mehmood
7. What did you read most recently?
It’s been a while since I read something… almost 5-6 months. But the last thing I read was a short story by Uday Prakash ‘Aur Anth Mein Prarthana’
8. A book you’d like to make into a film?
‘The Outsider‘ by Albert Camus
9. Your idea of relaxing?
Spend time with family, watch movies/series, travel, music.
10. If Sharib Hashmi wasn’t an actor?
I would be a musician
11. A profession you envy?
I envy musicians a lot! I wish I knew how to play any musical instrument, say a guitar, mandolin, flute, violin, piano.
12. An advice for aspiring actors?
Never lose your focus
13. The best film you’ve seen in 2020?
‘Thappad‘
14. How would you sum up 2020 for you?
No complaints
15. What you working on, currently?
‘The Incomplete Man,’ ‘Dhakkad’
