Jackie Shroff: In these times, it is our job to bring a smile on people’s faces

Jackie Shroff

An extensive career that saw him dabble in a variety of genres may be behind him, but Jackie Shroff says he still hasn't explored comedy as much as he would have desired. "I have attempted comedy in films like Bhoot Uncle, among others, but got the opportunity to explore the genre again only now, with Hello Charlie. I wanted to give way to the child in me, and in these times, it is our job to bring a smile on people's faces. I am loving the genre," says Shroff, who will be seen as a man evading an arrest, and in turn, dressing up in a gorilla suit while attempting to do so.

Stepping out of his comfort zone to explore something new has never been difficult for Shroff, who says he continued to go against the tide from the onset. "I have done all kinds of films, including superhero films, during my prime. I have done films that people told me not to do. I never thought about how big or small the project was. I didn't discriminate, and chose to keep experimenting," he says when making a case for giving his nod to Hello Charlie, starring Aadar Jain, Shlokka Pandit, Rajpal Yadav and Elnaaz Norouzi. The movie is set to release on Amazon Prime Video on April 9.

In the midst of the pandemic, both Shroff and his son Tiger have been busy fulfilling their work commitments. The actor says his wife Ayesha has been keeping tabs of Tiger's safety. "My son is careful. He needs to travel, and his mother looks after him. I don't have much of a say, because moms keep [kids] safe. I am trying to stay safe and be inspired by my son. I am inspired by his discipline, and love for fitness. He is an all-rounder, setting an example with his health, and craft."