In this candid interview, Khalid Mohamed speaks with Sharib Hashmi about resilience, The Family Man, Filmistaan, rejection, family, cancer, writing, directing, and why unforgettable performances prove that size never truly matters.

For nearly two decades, Sharib Hashmi has quietly built one of the most distinctive careers in Indian cinema and OTT. From fleeting appearances to unforgettable performances in The Family Man, Scam, and Filmistaan, he has proved that sincerity outweighs stardom. In conversation with Khalid Mohamed, the actor reflects on rejection, love, family, ambition, and the extraordinary power of small roles.

Flashing an emoji smile, the mild-mannered Sharib Hashmi has established himself through almost two decades as one of the most stand-out character actors in films and OTT series.

Without much do-dah, then, over to the actor, who at the age of 50, has at long last arrived to stay forever in our hearts, minds and of course film memories. Over then to the Q and A:

From Slumdog Millionaire to The Family Man

It's been 18 years since you've appeared in a teeny weeny part in Slumdog Millionaire? What have been the highs and lows in these years, were you suddenly dropped from any project?

I didn’t even realize it’s been 18 years! I consider Jab Tak Hai Jaan to be my first film… because during Slumdog Millionaire I had not thought of pursuing acting as a profession. I was working as a writer at that time. And Jab Tak Hai Jaan was the first film which I was offered after quitting my job at MTV as a writer and auditioning incessantly for three years.

It was a dream to work with the biggest of the industry’s names, Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, I was living my dream. And then there was my first film in the main lead. I got immense love and recognition for Filmistaan, a political satire. I don’t know why it didn’t translate into more work barring a few indie movies which came and went without a trace.

So, I was back to auditioning and rejections. I had to wait another four years for The Family Man in which I was appreciated. Post that things have been good, Alhamdulillah. The Family Man, Scam, Asur, Mission Majnu, Tarla, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke all strengthened my position in the industry, I wasn’t suddenly dropped from any project anymore.

Which films you've seen since childhood have impacted you? Any books? Have you tried to do theatre?

I used to watch a lot of mainstream Bollywood films while growing up but I equally enjoyed watching a Sparsh, or an Ardh Satya… I can’t pinpoint one specific film though. I would watch anything and everything, but if I have to take one name it has to be Anand. I have seen the film a ceaseless number of times: the character of Anand, a terminally ill man, portrayed so brilliantly by Rajesh Khanna, has only a few months to live, but still refuses to give up on life and spreads joy to everyone he meets.

As for theatre, I did not have a stage background… nor did I do theatre in my school and college. I entered theatre after doing films and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I didn’t read much as a kid but I started reading Manto, Premchand, Uday Prakash, Ismat Chughtai who have left a lasting impact on me.

His Father’s Belief in Acting

Was your father – journalist Z.A. Johar of Mayapuri – okay with you choosing acting as profession? What would he tell you about his profession, since it's largely a thankless one?

In fact, my father wanted me to pursue acting. Quite often, actors and directors would drop in at our house. I used to sing and do mimicry during my school and college days, somehow he saw some potential in me and would encourage me to become an actor but as I grew up, I thought I didn’t have the personality of an actor. At 5’4” I thought I was too short to even play supporting parts. I saw Asrani sir at a film party, and even he was taller than me. That I think was the last nail in the coffin. I gave up my desire of becoming an actor and started as an assistant director in films.

What were your days like at the Bhavan's College? And what did the mirror tell you?

When I was maybe eight or ten, I would find myself very handsome when I looked in the mirror. It was only after college got over; I realized ab aur height nahin badhegi… and that I am of average looks. Those college days were a lot of fun… especially during my degree year. I used to bunk my classes and while away my time near the canteen with friends, sing songs and perform for them. I met my future wife Nasreen also in Bhavan’s College.

How Filmistaan Changed Everything

How did your break as a 'hero' in Filmistaan come about?

Nitin Kakkar was trying to make his debut as a director and was writing a story, I was working at UTV Bindass as AVP Programming. I had to take up a job after auditioning for three years in vain, since I was knee deep in debt. So, Nitin would write during the day, I would meet him after my office hours and we would jam on the script. He would narrate whatever he had written and I would act as a bouncing board. Suddenly one day, he told me, “Sharib you’re perfect for Sunny Arora’s part.” I thought he was joking… why would anybody see their main protagonist in me?... and we continued working on the script. I also started contributing to the script as the dialogue writer. He made me audition for the part and thankfully the producers liked what they saw. Some were against the decision of casting me since it was Nitin’s directorial debut, but he stuck to his conviction.

As long as I like the character I’m playing, I don’t mind if it’s a cameo. The size doesn’t matter. The love and appreciation I have received for Scam in which I’m there for only one and a half minutes, was unbelievable! Even in Fighter I received compliments galore. As long as I’m facing the camera, nothing else in the world counts. I have no vanity, no ego.

The Family Man and Scam have been your most praised performances so far? Do you feel any other strong performance went under the radar? Got overlooked?

I feel two of my most challenging roles have gone completely under the radar… one is Darbaan and the other is Afwaah… Darbaan was a role of a lifetime. I portrayed such a complex character. I still remember you calling me after watching the film and praising me and I was on cloud nine.

On Hosting Award Shows

Are you cut out to be a co-host at awards ceremonies? They can be messy.

I don’t know if I’m cut out to be a co-host or not but when I co-hosted Filmfare OTT Awards twice, I really enjoyed the experience of improvising and repartee on stage. Even at SWA Awards I had a great time co-hosting the award ceremony and would love to do more often if given a chance. And why not?

Do you intend to write and direct films of series yourself?

Of course I want to. I have been juggling with the idea and have started developing a subject now. I don’t know whether it’s going to be a film or a series but I definitely do intend to write and direct in future.

Nasreen: His Greatest Strength

You've been an exemplary husband and father. Can you tell me about your wife who has been such a pillar of support despite her ailment? Was it an arranged marriage?

Nasreen is my strongest support system… she’s everything to me. We’ve spent more than half of our lives together. We met in college; I courted her for a year. Then we broke off and met once again after six years and after that we have not left each other’s sight for a second.

She has supported me at every step and every decision. I was dying to pursue acting and Nasreen told me, “If this is what you really want to do in life, then you must pursue it and go all out.” She’s a fighter. I applaud her for the way she has dealt with cancer and always has a positive outlook towards life. I am nothing without her.

Which careers would you like your two children to opt for?

The ones they’re passionate about. I don’t want my son and daughter to opt for something which I choose.

How do you approach acting? Spontaneously or have you ever used the method process?

I am an untrained actor, so I don’t even know how to use the method process. I try and follow the text of the script… and what my director wants. Whatever I have learnt, I have learnt hands-on the job. My co-actors and directors have been my teachers.

Are you financially stable now? Still live in your same Malad apartment?

I’m financially in a much better position. I can’t leave Malad. I was born and raised there, so there’s a nostalgia value attached to Malad. I have changed the apartment but yes, I still live in Malad. 

You haven't been projected in the media sufficiently. Is that because you don't want to maintain a PR team?

I don’t have a PR team in place. I did hire someone for a brief while but couldn’t continue it. Maybe I do need to hire a PR team, I don’t know. I generally receive a lot of pyaar from the media. Aur bina PR ka pyaar aur genuine lagta hai.