Jimmy Shergill: 'Elders need to be respected'

Jimmy Shergill: “Elders need to be respected”

Jimmy Shergill is easily one of the most forthcoming of actors in Bollywood. He's smart, suave, simple, and extremely grounded. His soon to be released film Umar, deals with old age and its problems. He made his debut in Maachis, and since then, has come a log way with some good performances in films like Munnabhai MBBS, Mohabbetein, Meri Yaar Ki Shaadhi, Dil Hai Tumhara, Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar and Yahaan. He talks about his films and his life.

On his forthcoming films:

I'm doing Umar, which is a film about senior citizens and their worries and problems. I do feel that elders deserve a lot of love and affection from us. They need to be respected. Many times, they tend to get neglected. Umar addresses these issues. And we are trying to see that we also do something for associations like Help Age, which cater to the needs of the elders in our society. I'm also awaiting Tom, Dick and Harry, which is an absolute laugh riot. I’m also doing films like Eklavya, Yun Hota to Kaisa Hota, and Ek Baar Phir There are a few others too, but these two films, namely Umar and Tom Dick Harry will be out soon.

On his background:

I'm born and brought up in Punjab. After my graduation in Commerce from Punjab University, at the behest of a close cousin, I came to Mumbai, to try my luck in films. I had absolutely no pretensions or hopes that someone would actually waste his money, by casting me in his or her film. But fate decided otherwise, and here I am. I joined the acting institute run by Mr. Roshan Tarneja, who saw my potential, something I myself did not see or believe at that time. The training helped a lot, and well, here I am.

On stress:

Yes, stress is there for everyone, including me. But the initial stress of not getting enough work has now given way to the stress of finding time for oneself and for one's family. Time management, in my opinion, is the key to stress management. I try and relax as much as possible, within the given parameters. I won't say that stress is more in this industry than others. You need a detailed scientific study to document that.

On his marital status:

I'm married, but my wife is not from the world of entertainment. She's a housewife. I have a two and half year old son, who is easily my best stress busting tool. I don't believe that marital status is a factor in determining an actor's market value and mass appeal. If your work is good and sincere, and you are doing good films, the audiences will love you.

On Life:

I try and keep my life as simple and as uncomplicated, as possible. I prefer to go with the flow, knowing that eventually everything will work out right. Click the Movie button below for more info:
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