Born into a middle class family the acting keeda bit Sharib Hashmi at a very young age as he observed his journalist father interact with B-town celebs. Nitin Kakkar’s National Award winning FILMISTAN earned him critical praise for his acting and since then there has been no looking back.

In an exclusive interview, Sharib Hashmi talks about how the current phase in Bollywood is best for actors with unconventional or average looks, nepotism and he also clarifies the rumours regarding the similarity between his next PHULLU and Akshay Kumar’s PADMAN.

Read on to find out more: 

SHARIB HASHMI

When did this acting keeda bit you?
Oh it’s a long story actually yeh acting ka keeda kata toh bachpan me hi tha . As I grew up but unfortunately my height didn’t. I am a short guy (5’4 inches). My dad was film journalist so I used to tag along with him for filmy parties. Then I came to know that there’s a requirement of specific height even for the supporting actors in the movies and I couldn’t even fit in there. So very dejectedly I had given up my dream of becoming an actor. Then I started as an assistant director in 1998 in the film HUM TUM PE MARTE HAIN. Then I shifted to writing for television non-fiction. When I was working in MTV as a writer for MTV Bakra show at that time the urge for acting started to get stronger again. So I got incorporated in some spooky and funny shows.

But I was unable to take the decision of opting for acting as a full time work because I was married and had a kid. In the year 2008 I decided to leave my job and take up acting seriously. That’s how I started as an actor.

Your last film FILMISTAN was critically acclaimed and also bagged a National award. So tell us about one best thing that you gained out of this film.
My life is now spoken as in regard as pre FILMISTAN and post-FILMISTAN that’s how important this film is to me. I had never dreamt of my film bagging National awards or being a part of such a film ever. So that’s one thing and apart from that the kind of actors I got a chance to work with were all from NSD like Kumud Mishraji, Inaamulhaq I got to learn so much from them. After working with them I got to know that it’s always the film that’s important not your scene or your dialogue but the film that should matter the most.

Even after your last film being a hit why didn’t you sign up other projects? Or was it a deliberate decision to be choosy?
No it was not a deliberate decision, after FILMISTAN none of my film released except for BADMASHIYAN in which I had a small role. Actually I did few films in fact I have completed five films in three years and Inshallah! am praying that all these films get released very soon. In these years I have also written one film RAM SINGH CHARLIE along with my FILMISTAN director Nitin Kakkar and we have even co-produced it and most probably by the year end we will release it. It stars Kumud Mishra and Divya Dutta in pivotal roles.

"Star kids get more opportunity"

Can you tell us what’s the meaning of your next PHULLU and how did you bag it?
PHULLU is actually the name of my character in the film. In 2015 Abhishek Saxena who is the director of this film came to me with its script and I really liked it but it took some time for the project to take off. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the entire team of PHULLU.

Is the story line of PHULLU similar to Akshay Kumar’s PADMAN?
My film is not similar to PADMAN because this concept is of Dr. Anmol Kapoor ji whereas PADMAN is a biopic based on the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham. Ours is a fictional story in which the protagonist strives towards eradicating the lack of menstrual hygiene. The theme of
PHULLU and PADMAN might be same but that’s the only similarity between these two films. And there should be no comparison between PHULLU and PADMAN as their film is way bigger than our film. Our film is even ready while theirs is still being shot.

What’s your take on the prevalent nepotism in Bollywood?
It’s not like nepotism is prevalent only in Bollywood it’s there in every field. Jab Doctor ka beta Doctor banta hai toh koi kuch nahi bolta, Neta ka beta Neta banta hai toh koi kuch nahi bolta so if a Film star’s son becomes a film star then what is wrong in that?

But then isn’t it unfair when star kids gets more opportunity to prove themselves only on the basis of their parents’ name?
They may get more opportunity but they can sustain themselves only on the basis of their own talent. So I don’t think it’s unfair because it was not their choice to have been born in a star’s family. So even if they are getting more chances then the rest is only because of the hardwork that their parents had put in to earn that reputation. So if you look at this from this point then it’s not at all unfair.

What do you have to say about current lot of actors focusing more on their physiques and appearance rather on their acting skills?
I think slowly and slowly this trend is fading out as people have started noticing character-driven films. Irrfan Khan saab and Nawazuddin Saab are doing lead roles and they are doing really very great job. Film me jaisa character hota hai waise uski casting hoti hai aap kitna bhi acha dikho app kitna bhi bura dikho role aapko wahi milega jo aapki personality ko suit karta hai. So for different roles there are different actors of different personalities available. 10 years back I couldn’t even imagine of someone making a film with me but today people are actually making film with me so this current time is a golden period for actors with unconventional or average looks like me.

Are we going to see you only in content-driven films or are you open to masala films as well?
I am open to any kind of film because I love acting. The story has to be good now be it a masala, bland or diet film (laughs) all I care is that I get a chance to work with good people. Even if I have one single scene I would be happy being part of a good project.

"If PADOSAN is remade then I would love to do Mehmood’s role"

When did you get into theatre acting?
Generally, people first do theatre and then come into films, but in my case it was opposite. I started it during FILMISTAN when I met Gopal Dutt who was my co-star in FILMISTAN. He is very active in theatre. He has a theatre group called ‘Aarambh’ so during an interaction he told me that I am more of a theatre actor and I should start doing plays. When he was starting a new play he casted me in his play. And that’s how I went on to do 4-5 more plays for his group.

According to you what is more important in a given project-its director, its actors or the script?
It’s the script of course because one can end up making a bad film out of a good script but one can never make a good film out of a bad script! And even the director is equally important as he is the one who shapes up the entire film.

Tell us one classic film in whose remake you would like to work in?
There are many actually (laughs) If I get a chance to play Om Puri’s role in ARDH SATYA I will go mad. If PADOSAN is remade then I would love to do Mehmood’s role in it. Actually the list is endless.

Which directors do you aspire to work with?
Again there are many with whom I would love to work like Rajkumar Hirani ji, Anurag Kashyap, Imtiaz Ali saab, Tigmanshu Dhulia ji. Again the list is never ending.

What’s next after PHULLU?
Actually I am not allowed to talk about my next project right now I will reveal about them at right time.
 

The alleged couple Farhan Akhtar and Shraddha Kapoor, who were last seen in ROCK ON 2, are said to once again team up. That Farhan has been roped in director Mohit Suri’s next film based on a father-son relationship is something we all know. But now speculations are rife that Shraddha might also join the team. She may star opposite Farhan in Mohit’s directorial venture. And this is quite likely, because Shraddha has been part of Mohit’s three films back-to-back (AASHIQUI 2, EK VILLAIN, HALF GIRLFRIEND). In fact it is said that Shraddha is considered as lucky charm for Mohit because he got his first biggest commercial hit AASHIQUI 2 with Shraddha.

FARHAN AKHTAR AND SHRADDHA KAPOOR

So whichever film Mohit plans to direct will certainly have Shraddha. And with Farhan already being part of Mohit’s venture, the alleged couple will be seen together once again. While the duo couldn’t weave any magic with ROCK ON 2, let’s see if their pairing can rock this time around!

Failures and success are part and parcel of life. Sometimes you win, while sometimes you lose. But that shouldn’t affect a person’s well-being. It looks like Kriti Sanon is also one such person who takes ups or downs in her stride as they come. Where other stars would have gone into oblivion for a while after their film’s failure, the pretty actress Kriti Sanon, accepting RAABTA failure, has moved on graciously.

KRITI SANON, MANISH MALHOTRA AT FASHION WEEK AUDITIONS 2017

In fact the actress is behaving so cool & calm. She is going places, visiting different people. Recently, she was spotted with ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra, who is girls' favourite, at Lakme Fashion Week auditions 2017. She not gracefully attended the event but even posed with Manish Malhotra and pouted in a selfie with him. The girl seemed in high spirits, despite RAABTA failure.     
 

Bollywood stars love releasing their films on their favourite festive periods so that they can encash maximum from it. While some may also be doing it out of superstitious belief of being lucky period.

AAMIR KHAN AND SALMAN KHAN

The Khans of Bollywood – Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir, who rule the roost, from last few years have been constantly releasing their films in their favourite festive periods (Eid, Diwali & Christmas). While Salman has positioned himself for Eid, Shah Rukh is known to bring his films in Diwali, whereas Aamir has acquired his authority over Christmas period. But they have also ventured into each other’s zone. Like Shah Rukh attempted to release his films in Eid (CHENNAI EXPRESS) and Christmas (DILWALE). While the former worked, the latter was given thumbs down.

However, we haven’t seen Aamir and Salman shifting their comfort zones that much. If Salman is fond of releasing his movies on Eid, Aamir has also maintained his record in Christmas. But it looks like in the year 2019; Aamir might have to give up his favourite time period or be ready for a clash with his dear friend (& rival) Salman Khan. Well, according to the latest reports, Salman Khan’s KICK 2, sequel to KICK, will hit the screens in Christmas 2019. Sajid Nadiadwala has already embarked his preparations on the film and he will soon give the narration to Salman.

Nevertheless, the official confirmation is yet to be received.

Recreating old classics as well as chartbuster songs is the current trend in Bollywood. And the filmmakers are leaving no stone unturned to cash in on the popularity of the hit classic songs.

JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ AND VARUN DHAWAN

David Dhawan following the current trend will be re-creating Salman Khan’s popular 90s hit ‘Tan Tana Tan’ for JUDWAA sequel starring his son Varun Dhawan in double roles, Taapsee Pannu and Jacqueline Fernandez.

Actress Jacqueline is gearing up for this recreated version which will be choreographed by Ganesh Acharya. They have already wrapped up another dance number from the film called ‘Oonchi Hai Building’ which is also a recreated version of Salman’s track from JUDWAA.

Talking about ‘Tan Tana Tan’ song Jacqueline Fernandez was quoted saying in Mumbai Mirror as “I’m excited and nervous to work with Ganesh master again after ‘Taang Uthake’ in HOUSEFULL 3. Training with Varun is like rehearsing with the toughest dancer. His energy is insane but it’s also motivating because he is super encouraging. For the ‘Tan Tana Tan’ remake, it’s ridiculously difficult to keep up with the dance moves but I’m giving it my best shot.”

Well we hope that Varun and Jacqueline together are able to recreate the same magic which Salman and Karisma Kapoor had created in the original.

Varun Dhawan and family – brother Rohit Dhawan and father David Dhawan were recently spotted celebrating mom Lali Dhawan’s birthday. It was a private family affair. However, one pretty lady hogged the limelight for being part of Dhawan family’s private party. Well, we are talking about Salman Khan’s alleged girlfriend Iulia Vantur, who appeared to be a special guest at the party.

VARUN DHAWAN AND IULIA VANTUR 

While we didn’t spot a single B-town celebrity except for Jaya Bachchan, Iulia made a special entry at the party. And quite surprisingly, Salman, who shares a great equation with filmmaker David Dhawan, didn’t accompany Iulia. We wonder what made Iulia join in Dhawans’ private bash – was it for some future collaboration or Varun Dhawan & his family share good rapport with the Romanian beauty Iulia? Well, we will know soon.        

Indian classical dance seems like an all woman's world and so a male classical dancer doesn't get the same respect. Saqib Saleem’s next seems to focus on this aspect of the society. The 29-year-old actor has been roped in for a short film AAMAD where he plays the character of a Kathak dancer.

Though learning Kathak and playing a Kathak dancer was very challenging but the actor took it in his own stride and put together a genuine effort to learn the art by a professional Kathak guru and actress Ishita Sharma. The actor showed immense grace learning the art.

He shared a video clip in which we can see him dancing along with his guru:

AAMAD is a story of a father who is a Kathak dancer and how his son is embarrassed of his father's art. The plot explores how they build their relation over a period of time and overcome their personal apprehensions and start a new friendship.

The film will be released by Terribly Tiny Talkies on the special occasion of Father’s Day and is directed by Neeraj Udhwani who has previously worked with Saqib for MERE DAD KI MARUTI.

When asked Saqib about this film, he said, “I know Neeraj for a while now as he wrote MERE DAD KI MARUTI and we meet often to discuss ideas. He shared the idea of AAMAD with me and asked me what I thought .When I read it I instantly fell in love with the story and I told him that he shouldn't look for anyone else as I want to do it. It's such a simple yet complex film as it speaks about the unsaid things in a father-son relationship.”

After enough speculations around the casting of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s GUSTAKHIYAN, it seems the lead pair of the film is on the verge to get finalized. If the latest reports are to be believed then Irrfan Khan and Priyanka Chopra are considered to portray on-screen the late famous poet & lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi and his girlfriend AmritaPritam respectively.

IRRFAN KHAN AND PRIYANKA CHOPRA

SLB has already zeroed in Irrfan to play the role. In fact it is said that he was always the first choice. While in the case of leading lady, Deepika Padukone, who has of late become Bhansali favourite, was in news to be paired opposite Irrfan, considering their chemistry in PIKU. But now it seems Priyanka will take the cake. And there is a reason behind it, as PeeCee will not only star in the film but she will also co-produce the film along with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali under her banner Purple Pebble Pictures.

However, no official announcement has been made yet by SLB or Irrfan or Priyanka. But going with the industry buzz it looks like Irrfan and Priyanka are mostly doing the film.

Till then we wait for the announcement to happen. Watch this space for more updates.
 

Yesterday we showed you how badass Ajay Devgn looks in Milan Luthria’s upcoming action thriller BAADSHAHO.

And today we bring you Emraan Hashmi’s look from the film. Wearing what appears to be a Rajasthani turban and clad in traditional Rajasthani attire Emraan’s look is really very different and it’s something we haven’t seen this actor in before.

This guns and roses badass Emraan Hashmi certainly looks charming and conniving.

Catch these guns and roses badasses in theaters on September 1.

Making films based on true stories or inspired from real life incidents seems to be the current fascination of Bollywood filmmakers. So here comes yet another political crime drama film based on gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli.

After capturing the audience’s interest with their unique posters and teasers, the makers of DADDY have finally released the trailer of their film after a very long gap.

But we must say that the wait is worth it as the trailer of the film is very gripping and succeeds in arousing curiosity.

The 2 minute long trailer takes us back in 1970’s the time when Textile Mills were shut down and the subsequent unemployment gave rise to crime.

The trailer of this Ashim Ahluwalia directorial chronicles how Arun Gawli went on to become India’s most feared mobsters who later also entered politics and popularly came to be known as Daddy by his followers.

Arjun Rampal looks like a doppelganger of Arun Gawli and it’s difficult to take your eyes off him whenever he is on screen. The treatment of the story gives you a SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA feel.

DADDY will hit the silver screens on July 21.

Watch the official trailer below: