I have some duties towards the Punjabi film industry: Jimmy Shergill'

His debut was an unconventional one in a Bollywood hit called Maachis and over the last 15 years, actor Jimmy Shergill has tried all sorts of roles, his latest being that of a landlord who basks in the glory of the title but has nothing much to boast of in Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster. And the actor’s very upbeat about the reactions to the promos of the film.

“The world that a film showcases to the audience is something they too want to step into and if this happens, the film clicks. I get a very positive gut feeling about Saheb...,” he says, adding, “It’s one of those films for which everything was so smooth.” Quiz him on his role and he elaborates, “The film is set in a small town in Uttar Pradesh. After seeing some glorious days, the Saheb has fallen on tough times but has dealt with things well. He’s dealings are not too noble though. Then, there’s a man who’s ambitious and of course, there’s the Saheb’s wife.”

Jimmy’s look in the film is something he, director Timangshu Dhulia and designer Digvijay Singh worked out together. “The excitement pushed us on and a lot of brainstorming helped us take a decision,” he states. Jimmy, who’s earlier worked with Timangshu in Haasil and Charas, says about the film-maker, “He’s a fantastic actor and that makes it so easy for him to depict what level a scene needs to be taken to.”

Jimmy feels he’s matured as a person and an actor since his debut 15 years ago. “I’m more calm and relaxed and looking back, I have no regrets,” he recollects. And he’s also been very loyal to his roots, considering his thriving Punjabi film career. “I’m from Punjab and I have some duties towards the industry there too. A hit in a year is the least I can give my audience there but at the same time, I can’t let go of Hindi films and relocate there,” he states. And if he were to rate himself? “Only when I do a film with Gulzarsaab (director of Maachis) once again, can I answer this question,” he ends.