Jim Sarbh

…That’s right, Jim Sarbh can easily qualify to be one of the finest actors in the industry. His performances are smooth as premium Scotch, sensuous as dark chocolate and subtle as fine wine. Indeed, he is a man of many talents. Here in his inimitable way, Jim Sarbh responds to Sumita Chakraborty’s many questions with amazing wit and candour. Read on…

You are a powerhouse performer and one of the finest actors in the Hindi Film Industry, could you tell us about your journey – what made you decide to be an actor?

I don’t know if there was ever much of a choice. Nothing else holds my interest for too long. I love stories: telling them, hearing them, getting inside them, being surprised by them, reminding myself and others that, oh no love, you’re not alone, you’re watching yourself but you’re too unfair, you got your head all tangled up, but if I could only make you care, oh no, love, you’re not alone, no matter who or what you’ve been, no matter when or where you’ve seen.

You started out in Neerja as the menacing Khalil in the Hindi film Industry, how did you get this film?

I auditioned. After about 4 years of acting in theatre, the wonderful Kanika Berry auditioned me, the wonderful Vinod Rawat second round auditioned and workshopped me, and the wonderful Ram Madhvani finally cast me as Khalil.

You’re a fantastic performer… And I personally loved you in Taish, tell us a bit about your character? I think it was almost like a romantic action lead, right… so for the audience, it showed a new dimension of you.

I think Rohan is a very interesting character, one we don’t get to see very often. He does not believe that revenge is justified,

he does not believe that making someone pay for what they have done to you will soothe any pain, or bring any real justice, in fact, he believes it would be hollow and meaningless. He does not believe in the punitive system of justice that is forced down our throats by the hoarse screams of an angry, angry society. Real change comes from daily incremental changes, from understanding and education, from self-reliance, and the forging of strong relationships. But if the chips are down, if all other attempts have failed, if he can change neither his friend nor his enemy’s mind, he will fight. He’s a good guy.

There is this raging decision about ‘insiders versus outsiders’ and nepotism? What do you think of it?

I don’t think about it.

You are an award winning actor yet we hear so less about you? Is that a conscious decision to stay away from the media and let your work do the talking?

Yes.

You don’t fawn over people… does that put you on a back footing in the industry?

I really don’t know.

2020 may not be happening for many people but for you, it’s really going good. Taish has got you very good accolades, what have you done during the lockdown period?

In no particular order: Took care of Mimi (this cat that adopted me on the second day of the lockdown,) fallen in love (this lady that adopted me through the lockdown), connected with friends, singing lessons, movies, beer, web series’, sunsets, foot surgery, loneliness, music, cleaning, watered plants, read scripts.

How was it working with Ranveer Singh, Shahid, Deepika and of course Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Padmaavat?

I didn’t really work with Shahid or Deepika, I didn’t have any scenes with them. Ranveer is a fun, alive, committed co actor. In this film, we fell into a kind of feline relationship: a lion and a panther. He was all snarls and strength, and Kafur was all slinky, sexy danger. My first day on set, I was fairly overwhelmed. New lines, very precise blocking, very precise acting, a very focused search for the rhythm of the scene, the character, our relationship, etc etc. Despite my repeated fuck ups, Ranveer was unspeakably patient, never even glanced in my direction if I made a mistake, just reset for the next take, and gave it his all, again. At the end of the day he took me aside, put his arm around me, and made sure I understood what the day was all about. I’ll never forget it. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has an eye for detail that makes acting for him an incredibly fulfilling and frustrating experience. It is frustrating because, as he searches, things change, beats change, lines change, blocking changes. He wants it as good as the accidental- discovery-take every single time, but also with a little spice there, a little restraint here, a thrown away line here, an incredibly pointed line here, two shakes of cinnamon, some narrowed eyes here, a pinch of inexplicable magic, and, obviously, deep longing. Just do that every take. And surprise him. And be true. Fulfilling? Same reasons.

You’ve worked in Sanju, what was the experience like?

Hahaha the ‘greatest hits’ questions. Sanju was also enjoyable, but the scope to explore with my character was a bit more limited. Rajkumar Hirani’s searching period is perhaps more focused to the writing and conceptualizing stage of the film. By the time he is on set, he knows exactly what he wants, and directs you clearly to achieve it. It was smooth sailing. I enjoyed getting to know Ranbir, and seeing the command he has over his craft. He understands film making in a profound sense and seems perfectly at home on a film set.

Who is the real Jim Sarbh?

Who knows?

What’s next for you?

I’m currently near the end of my stint on a fairly big project, but it’s a secret. I am working on absolutely heartbreakingly gorgeous play called Sea Wall, which we plan on shooting a version of on the 17th of December. It should be out on BookMyShow eventually. I am voicing the lead character of an animated film, that I am very excited to see. The filmmaker’s style is extremely striking and chaotic: he recently sent me a virtual tour of the bus my character alights half way through the film, and I was so excited to see the weird and wonderful detailing pouring out of his mind. In January I am about to start an extremely interesting web series, based around two very exciting historical personalities. Made in Heaven season 2? Probably soon. Very soonly. Soonish.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

With two legs and some core strength.