Sharib Hashmi: Post 'Filmistaan', My Career Saw A Dull Phase, Didn't Get Films I Was Expecting

To be an actor is not an easy job especially when one is not from the industry or an outsider. Actor Sharib Hashmi is one of those actors who faced rejections and had his share of struggles in the initial days of his career. But his faith in his talent helped him survive those difficult times. Sharib appeared in films like 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', 'Filmistaan', 'Phullu', 'Batti Gul Meter Chalu', and 'Pagglait' among others. But 'The Family Man' brought him recognition for versatility. He has seamlessly transitioned from films to OTT. Hashmi has bagged several awards for his performances.

Today, he might be a successful actor, but post his film 'Filmistaan', he was not getting the work he wanted to do. While some of his films were shelved while some were not released. Some even stopped mid-way. He told Outlook India, ''Post Filmistaan, my career saw a dull phase. I was surprised with what was happening to me because the movie did well and I was nominated for all the other awards. I won a Screen Award for Best Actor in Comic Role. The film even won a National Award''.

''It was a good film and my work was appreciated but it didn't translate into good work. The kind of films I was expecting after Filmistaan, nothing happened. I did a few interesting films but they got shelved. While some got completed they were never released. I was a little shocked to see what was happening to me,'' he added. 

Three years passed and nothing was happening and then he got a call to audition for 'The Family Man'. Sharib thought he would be recognised after 'Filmistaan' but it was 'The Family Man' that helped him to reach every household. 

Reflecting on his struggling days, he said that the only thing that kept him going was his faith and trust that he has in himself and also his love for acting. ''I knew sooner or later people would recognise my talent and they would give me the kind of work I am looking for,'' Hashmi said further.

When asked if he is choosy about his scripts, The 'Tarla' actor said, ''After The Family Man I had some 10-15 projects which were similar kinds of roles. It was like JK of different variations. I had no problem in doing but they were not written as well as it was written for JK. Thankfully, I also received some different characters and I feel good that not all want to stereotype me. The kind of projects I did after The Family Man, every role has been different from each other be it Vikram Vedha, Scam, Afwaah, Tarla, and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. I am really glad that I am getting to do different kinds of roles and looking forward to 2024 where I have an interesting line-up of releases. 

On the work front, Sharib will be seen in Deepika Padukone-Hrithik Roshan starrer 'Fighter', John Abraham's 'Diplomat'. He will also be seen in celebrity designer Manish Malhotra's film production 'Ul Jalool Ishq' which also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Fatima Sana Shaikh.