In the limelight for his dynamic performances and remarkable versatility, Sharib Hashmi has solidified his presence in the Indian film industry. Best known for his auspicious beginning alongside Shah Rukh Khan in “Jab Tak Hai Jaan,” Hashmi has had an illustrious year in 2023, replete with critical adoration and personal triumphs. During an exclusive dialogue with midday.com, Sharib Hashmi candidly discussed his transformation from an assistant director to a celebrated actor.
“The year 2023 has unfurled itself as an incredible tapestry of professional acclaim and personal milestones for me,” shared Hashmi. His cinematic endeavors have been well-received, propelling him further into the hearts of audiences. Revelations about his personal life were equally captivating. “I have laid foundations for a new home and undertaken a spiritual journey to Mecca Madina. The fruition of these years’ experiences is something I wish could continue indefinitely,” he expressed with poignant longing.
Tracing his trajectory from the written word to the performing art, Hashmi recounted an unexpected but defining break in his career. His impromptu audition and resulting cameo in the Oscar-winning “Slumdog Millionaire” was a turning point. “I found myself in front of the legendary Danny Boyle, and the improvisation I offered during my audition was etched into the script. It was an epiphanic moment leading me to acknowledge my latent passion for acting,” he reminisced.
Detailing earlier phases of his life, he disclosed that despite a childhood dream to act, insecurities about his appearance burgeoned as he aged. This self-consciousness nudged him towards roles behind the camera, first as an assistant director and serendipitously into writing. Hashmi illuminated the pivotal nature of these transitions by narrating how a simple visit to Rajshri productions to meet a friend unknowingly charted a new path for him. “I assisted my college friend, Rajul Mishra, on a freelance project. He recognized my potential as a scribe, thereby steering me towards writing,” explained Hashmi.
As 2023 winds down, Hashmi’s enthusiasm for his craft has not waned. He eagerly anticipates his upcoming film “Fighter” and the next installment of the successful series “Family Man 3”. While his role in the Hrithik Roshan starrer “Fighter” is brief, it was an opportunity he cherished, dedicating it to his respect and admiration for director Siddharth Anand.
Sharib Hashmi is already plotting his future moves in the entertainment realm. With an appetite for directing, he is open to multitasking as both an actor and director for his debut in that role. After enjoying the depth and complexity of characters with darker traits, as in “Vikram Vedha” and “Afwaah,” Hashmi is eager to immerse himself in an even more potent role. His aspiration is to be a part of cinema that not only magnifies his artistry but also has the grandeur and emotional sway of blockbusters like “Pushpa.”
Reflecting on his multifaceted journey, Hashmi remains a paradigm of an artist who, despite an inadvertent start and individual struggles with self-perception, emerged as a strong and relatable figure in Bollywood. The narrative of his 2023 accomplishments not only underscores the success he has attained but also the vibrant aspirations that keep him tethered to the cinematic universe. With eyes cast forward, he anticipates a continuation of his remarkable journey through the arc lights and beyond.
