As Subhash Ghai’s timeless classic ‘Hero’ reaches its 40th anniversary, veteran actor Jackie Shroff sat down for an exclusive interview with ETimes to reminisce about his remarkable journey in Bollywood and the pivotal role played by the legendary filmmaker.
The article delves into Jackie Shroff’s humble beginnings and his gratitude towards the audience for appreciating his work. Despite achieving stardom, Shroff emphasizes that, at the core, he remains the same person, living a normal life and cherishing the memories of his loved ones.
The interview sheds light on Shroff’s enduring association with Subhash Ghai, referring to him as a mentor, brother, and even a father-in-law. Shroff expresses eagerness to work with Ghai again, revealing that discussions about a new project are already in the pipeline.
The piece also revisits the inception of ‘Hero’ and how Jackie Shroff transitioned from playing a thug to the film’s hero, a transformation orchestrated by Subhash Ghai himself. Shroff shares anecdotes from the sets, including his first meeting with industry veterans Shammi Kapoor, Amrish Puri, and Sanjeev Kumar.
Highlighting the impact of ‘Hero’ on his career, Shroff underscores the comfort and guidance provided by Subhash Ghai. He reflects on Ghai’s approachability, sharing a memorable anecdote that revealed the director’s own vulnerabilities, creating a strong bond between them.
The interview touches upon Shroff’s co-star Meenakshi and his admiration for her classical dance skills. Shroff expresses his belief that if ‘Hero’ were to be remade today, his son Tiger Shroff would be the perfect choice, citing Tiger’s talent in music, action, and acting.
As the conversation concludes, Jackie Shroff extends his hope that the audience will embrace his son Tiger with the same love and affection they bestowed upon him during the release of ‘Hero’ 40 years ago.
