Jackie Shroff completes 30 years in film industry

Actor Jackie Shroff talks about his journey as he completes 30 years in the film industry

You complete 30 years in the entertainment industry and 170 films with the release of Panjaa, your next Telugu film. How has the journey been?
The journey has been absolutely beautiful. I have got a chance to work with some very talented people. There have definitely been ups and downs throughout the journey. But that’s the way life is, isn’t it?

Today, when you look back, how much has the industry changed in your opinion?
Frankly, I don’t look back much. But when I do, I definitely miss the beautiful lyrics we had. Even today, we do have great lyricists such as Javed Akhtar and Gulzaar saab. However, the people’s tastes have changed. The beautiful poetries and the sensitivity to our songs has gone. The melody is no longer there. We are living in the instant coffee and instant noodles generation. Musicians like the great Madan Mohan would create such beautiful music.

Is there one special film of your career?
It’s not possible for me to point out one of the 170 films I have done. It would be doing injustice to the others. There have been many turning points in my career. Right from Hero, where I wanted to be a villain but became the hero of the film. Then came Kaash where people started considering me as a good actor. Later, I got an award for Parinda which was another turning point. Even Rangeela was a very special film for me.

In your opinion, which has been the most memorable moment of your career?
Meeting Dev Anand was definitely the most memorable moment of my career. And losing him has been the most unfortunate one too.

When you look at the current generation of actors today, is there any particular actor you believe to be the next superstar?
Well, everything and everyone is so fast these days, that by the time I point out someone as a rising talent, he or she is already a senior actor. But yes, we do have some great talent emerging. However, by the time I like someone, he or she is already a star. Everything is extremely fast-paced these days.