Renowned actor Jimmy Shergill, known for his breakout performance in ‘Maachis’ and subsequent fame in Aditya Chopra’s ‘Mohabbatein’, recently shared insights into his deliberate efforts to avoid being typecast in the film industry. Despite gaining acclaim for his boy-next-door charm post-‘Mohabbatein’, Jimmy expressed a strong desire to venture into diverse roles, steering away from the stereotypical ‘chocolate boy’ image.
In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, Shergill disclosed that he took significant measures, including returning signing amounts to certain producers, to prioritize versatility over predictability in his roles. He revealed that after working extensively in the initial two years, he returned signing amounts to several individuals, driven by a conviction that he needed to break free from the limiting ‘chocolate boy’ persona.
The actor foresaw that such an image might have a short-lived popularity and wanted to explore unconventional roles. This strategic move led him to projects like ‘Munna Bhai’, ‘Haasil’, and ‘Yahaan’, which offered a departure from the expected and showcased his range as an actor.
Jimmy Shergill also delved into personal aspects of his life, recounting the decision to cut his hair at the age of 18, acknowledging it as a mistake. He opened up about the emotional distress of estrangement from his parents, highlighting the profound pain associated with the lack of communication. Shergill shared that it took approximately a year and a half for his parents to forgive him, and he reflected on the unpredictability of destiny, suggesting that his journey into the film industry was perhaps written in the stars. Despite being perceived as a mistake or accident, Shergill expressed gratitude for the way things unfolded, allowing him to land in the world of cinema.