For someone like me it takes time to be recognized: Sharman Joshi

Rekha who turned 59 this week plays that adept actor Sharman Joshi’s grandmother in Indra Kumar’s Super Nani. Says Sharman, “I had the good fortune of having Rekhaji play my mother in Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Lajja. She now plays my grandmother in Super Nani. The other day she said she may end up playing my great grandmother. But Rekhaji is aging in reverse. I told her I may soon end up playing her father.” Sharman has been working at his own pace. “I am doing the films that I want to, and if you feel I deserve a lot more then I’m deeply grateful. I guess the audience has a certain regard for my talent which I don’t want to betray by doing the films I don’t believe in. Yes, I am choosy. As long as I am satisfied with the work I am doing I’ve no reason to complain.” His recent release being War Chhod Na Yaar. Says Sharman enthusiastically, “First and foremost I am an entertainer. So I chose to do this film because it is entertaining. Then the fact that it has an anti-war message was an added incentive. I wanted to be part of this project right away.” Sharman was part of Bollywood’s largest money spinner. “Yes, 3 Idiots was a major turning-point in my career. The love and recognition I got for it cannot be compared with any other film so far. And after 3 Idiots I’d say Ferrari Ki Sawari was another turning-point. It really helped me position myself as a leading man. However Ferrari Ki Sawari was not a film for the masses. But we loved the concept and felt it needed to be executed.” Sharman is all praise for his 3 Idiots and Ferrari Ki Sawari producer. “Mr Vidhu Vinod Chopra has been extremely kind to me. His faith in my talent helped me immensely. I’m indebted to him forever. I am hoping to work with him again soon.” Sharman shoots down the perception that he strives to do only solo-hero films. “Not not at all! Any script that interests me is my cup of tea. Right now I am working in Satish Kaushik’s Gangs Of Ghosts which is a satire on ghosts.” This versatile actor has become wary of doing broad comedy films that he did earlier on. “I did Style and Gol Maal. Thereafter I did distance myself from comedy because I had to respect what I choose to do. At the moment I am working on Vikram Bhatt’s second sequel to 1920. It’s a scary movie. But it also has a powerful story to tell. We’ve finished 50 percent of the film.” Looking back at his career Sharman says, “I don’t think of the success quotient. I’ve come from outside the film industry. It took me a while to understand that it is a closely-knit family-driven industry. For someone like me it takes time to be recognized. I am happy with my progress. I had hoped I’d be gradually accepted for my talent. And that’s what has happened. I dream to achieve much more. I am here for the long haul. I started my career 13 years ago with Vinay Shukla’s Godmother. I intend to be part of the film industry for another 10-15 years.”