Jimmy Shergill believes films that attempt to portray politically sensitive periods of history often run into trouble because they bring hidden truths into the open, making the process naturally complicated and political. The actor shared his views while responding to a question on why ‘Satluj’, a film dealing with a sensitive subject, failed to see a proper release, while his own debut film ‘Maachis’, which explored a similar theme, was widely appreciated.
Jimmy Shergill on why sensitive films face roadblocks
‘Satluj’, starring actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, released in India last month on streaming platform ZEE5 but was pulled from the service just two days later. The film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, had been stuck in censorship for over three years and was handed more than 127 cuts by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).Speaking to PTI, Jimmy Shergill said, “Politics exists, and it will always go on. But it is good when such issues are stirred up because it brings every single aspect out into the open. When you touch upon even a single aspect of sensitive matters, other hidden aspects surface as well. So, that is the politics of it.”
How ‘Maachis’ became a career-defining debut
In contrast, ‘Maachis’, directed by Gulzar, was set against the insurgency in Punjab during the 1980s. The political thriller, also starring Chandrachur Singh, Om Puri and Tabu, went on to win critical and commercial success, bagging two honours at the 44th National Film Awards, including Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Actress for Tabu.Shergill, who made his acting debut with the film, said he largely relied on director Gulzar’s vision to shape his performance. He said, “Whatever the film was trying to convey was actually the vision of the makers; I was just a newcomer who had come from Delhi. I read the script and I cried. I suddenly learnt that I’m doing the film and was told to grow my hair and beard. It was my first film, and I didn’t really know how to play a role like that; I had only done acting classes. I had absolutely no idea how I would look on screen or how it would all turn out.”
Jimmy Shergill recalls Gulzar’s guidance on set
The actor said Gulzar insisted he stay on set throughout the shoot to observe the filmmaking process closely. Jimmy Shergill said, “So, every single shot happened right in front of me. He (Gulzar sahab) would say things like, ‘Let’s change this (referring to the scene), pick up those clothes and keep them aside,’ and I would quickly run over to help.”He also spoke about his nervousness ahead of a lengthy monologue scene, crediting Gulzar for backing him despite his inexperience. He said, “I was terrified just thinking about it (scene). I’d say, ‘Sir, I want to sit down and (rehearse),’ but he would simply reply, ‘Everything will fall into place; you’ll nail it. If you weren’t capable of doing it, I wouldn’t have cast you in this film.’ His words used to leave me confused, but he just kept reassuring me, saying, ‘It will happen,’ and that is exactly how the scene came together.“Jimmy Shergill currently stars in the series ‘Operation Safed Sagar’, playing Wing Commander B S Dhanoa, who led key aerial combat operations from the front. The show is now streaming on Netflix.
Which of Jimmy Shergill films do you think is more impactful?
3k+ users shared opinion today
5k+ users already voted today
3k+ users shared opinion today
