Sharman Joshi

Understated and under-rated, SHARMAN JOSHI is definitely the dark horse in Bollywood. A powerhouse performer, he’s proved his mettle as an actor in all his films including 3 idiots, Hate Story 3, Mission Mangal and more… Here, Sharman spills the beans on his hits ‘n’ flops, films and more to Sanjana Shetty.

Sharman you became a hot fave with the public after Range De Basanti and 3 idiots, in fact, at that point everybody though that you had reached the pinnacle of success. Do you agree that these two films were the defining point of your career as an actor?

Let’s hope that there is more to come but there is no denying that these two films were the turning point of my career. I became a name that was recognised post these films but in the coming time I hope I can offer more films to the audience that they can remember me for.

But after 3 idiots, your career went into a different tangent? Was it something that you knowingly did – change the direction your career was taking?

Films post 3 idiots, apart from Ferrari ki Sawari were not too successful. There were 3-4 films that didn’t work at the Box office, then I got Hate story 3 that worked. I wish I were in control of my career which had gone into a different path. But honestly, it’s a collaborative art - a good script doesn’t guarantee a great film on celluloid because many things come into place for translating the thought process on to the screen. Changing the direction of your career does impact you financially but then you hope for the best. The mantra is to be sincere to your work and hang on to it, it will definitely tilt the balance soon.

You’re a phenomenal actor and so why haven’t we seen you in phenomenal films after 3 idiots?

I have been fortunate to have that one film 3 idiots in my life. I’m not being complacent but I want to show some gratitude and understand the value of 3 idiots, a film that happens once in a blue moon - and I happen to be part of this wonderful film which is a big blessing. It makes my entire journey successful. From my end I’m trying my best to make a film that makes a noise at the box office. I am doing what it needs to do for an actor. But there comes a time when your films do not work but you get to learn. Anyway, all the time being successful would be boring I feel.

Rohit (Shetty) told me that “ they were not happy with the negotiations they were trying to have with my manager.

You belong to a family with a strong connection to the world of theatre, tell us a little about your family?

Basically, my father was from theatre, he’s been an actor, writer, producer, director. From the past 30 years he’s into theatre. He’s also been a Gujarati film actor, played a villain for almost 20-25 years of his career. So, I have been in that background for quite a long time.

A lot of people don’t know that you’re married to Prem Chopra’s daughter, a little about this side of the family?

Yes, exactly. We were college sweethearts, we met in my 1st year. I had broken up with a girl and was single for a period. Prerna happened to be in my group itself, being in the same group we spent lot of time together and ended up being in a relationship. It’s now been 25 years of being in love. Fortunately, we never had any difficulties because we both came from film backgrounds, and it’s easy to adjust when you both understand and feel the situation. I am very happy and blessed to have a good relationship with her even after so many years.

Getting back to your career, you’ve always done not-so- serious, flippant characters, how about going for serious characters as well?

There was a point in my life when I wanted to try out new genres in movies. A lot of directors offered me roles where I had to play serious characters, so I took it since I always believe in trying. My physicality and my looks always supported me in flippant or joyous characters. However, now I have made a physique so I can essay a serious character too and gladly beards grow faster now (laughs).

“I am very boring. It’s not like I haven’t tried my best not to do anything controversial. ”

What made you chose an erotic film like Hate Story 3? What was the experience of working in a film like this?

As an actor, I always wanted to do various kinds of films. I didn’t want to be dictated by perceptions that get created around an actor that he should do something or not do. I don’t like those boundaries. I want to explore. I thought I could pull off various genres. I find each genre interesting and exciting - and the erotic genre is one domain I wanted to explore. There was a lot of noise, people were skeptical and disappointed with my choice that this was something I shouldn’t do. They didn’t want me to be in this kind of cinema, I understand their view but at the same time I must do what I have to do for myself. I didn’t want to regret not taking the movie later. It’s liberating to have done it, now I know I can do an erotic movie and thankfully, the movie was successful.

“Atul Agnihotri once told me that Salman sir recommended me for Atul’s film Hello.”

Why aren’t you in other Golmal movies after Golmal:Fun Unlimited?

Somehow, things didn’t work out I really don’t know what, I had a manager who was taking care of things that time, and there were so many stories. I had just one conversation with Rohit (Shetty) but by the time they had Shreyas in the cast and it couldn’t be changed so that was that. Rohit told me that they were not happy with the negotiations they were trying to have with my manager but that was not an issue from my perspective. These things happen, confusions happen but from my end I had done my clarity and my manager was just doing his job. But it’s alright, things happen, what’s done is done.

Would you do a Rohit Shetty film in the future?

Yes, absolutely. He’s one of the best directors in the industry. I would be more than happy to work with him again.

“I’m fortunate enough to have Prerna since she understands my work. ”

You have also done the Famous Westend plays, please tell us something about this?

Yes, I have bought the rights to the play. I was traveling to London around 4 years back and I watched this play, it was fascinating. I spoke to them about the rights to the play for India. It took a year or so and now I am producing it in English and in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati. In the Gujarati and Marathi plays, I’m just going to produce, Hindi and English I’m going to act as well as produce. For 10 years, theatre wasn’t a part of my life but till Rang de Basanti, I was doing theatre and for the past 4 years I have resumed theatre and I will not stop it, I love it.

I read somewhere that Salman Khan recommended you, what did you mean?

No, not exactly. Atul Agnihotri once told me that Salman sir recommended me for Atul’s film Hello. “How come you are casting me out of all the actors in Bollywood?” I asked Atul. He said, “Bhai suggested me your name, so its done.” I call Salman as Sir. That’s all.

You’re looking super svelte, how did you manage to do that?

My weight keeps oscillating, I put on weight and loose weight. I eat everything, but I do go on a diet if I must. To make a physique, you must be disciplined. I m not exactly a foodie so it does make it easier. Being a foodie has become cool nowadays so whatever is cool, I don’t want to be a part of it (laughs).

How do you balance your professional and personal life?

While I am at shoot, there are times when Prerna accompanies me but at some point, during the shoot you are not in the frame of mind even if you get a day’s break or two. So we plan holidays, special ones which are not associated with work. Work-cum-pleasure trips are not designed for us. As I told you I’m fortunate enough to have her since she understands my work. After work, we meet up and have the rest of the day chilling together. There are lots of awkward situation on the sets, you spend a lot of time with co-workers so you get closer, which I don’t have to explain to her. We have known each other for so long it makes it easy with faith and trust. There are my parents, my in-laws, Prerna and my cousins living close by so we have a huge extended family and we have get togethers very often.

You’ve never ever been embroiled in controversies. Do you steer away from trouble or are you just clever?

Hahaha I am very boring. It’s not like I haven’t tried my best not to do anything controversial, it’s just the way I am maybe. I am very natural with everyone in the industry. It is a place where you should just be yourself and I do exactly that.

“But I have been very ambitious, and I feel there is always more to come. ”

What’s on your bucket-list currently in terms of your career and personal life?

I have matured as an actor but my approach towards work is the same. I’m very sincere, my understanding has improved of the script, or how I should approach my character. I’m more in-charge now of what I’m doing, profession wise. I’m happy though people think he’s sad or he’ s going through a lull phase. Of course, at one point, I was since I didn’t have much work. I always knew I wanted to be an actor. God has been really kind in my personal life, I have a great family, wonderful wife, great kids. I am satisfied.

Lastly, who is the real Sharman Joshi? What are you like in real life?

I have always been very earnest, truthful and hard-working… these qualities have always been with me. About negativities I was very aggressive but over the years I have taken control of that. I have generally been a good kind of a guy which makes me boring. But I have been very ambitious, and I feel there is always more to come.

Any message for your Stardust fans?

Keep watching my movies and keep reading Stardust. Thankyou.