Sharib Hashmi: Was told I’m not the right fit for a hero

A still from the film

Tarla will always hold pride of place in Sharib Hashmi's filmography. The actor, who plays the male lead in the biopic on famous home-chef and cookbook author Tarla Dalal, has waited for the past 15 years to headline a mainstream film. "When you play the lead role opposite a mainstream heroine, people look at you differently," he smiles. Essaying the role of the quiet Nalin Dalal - who puts his ambition on hold to support his wife Tarla, essayed by Huma Qureshi - came easy to the actor. "When I began working on the character, I realised he is an extension of me," shares Hashmi.

From starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) in the early years of his career to now leading the ZEE5 film, Hashmi has had a long journey, complete with highs and lows. The Family Man became a game-changer for him, as he starred as an undercover agent alongside Manoj Bajpayee. Reflecting on his long run, the actor says, "I was told that I am not the right fit for a hero. But more than that, what hurt me was that even after doing Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Filmistaan [2012], I wasn't getting the kind of work I had expected. Some good films would get off the ground, but eventually get shelved. Then came a time when I would be told to pick whatever was coming my way. People would say, ‘Do this, it's important to be seen, and there is good money.'"

Now, his plate is full with projects that he believes in - from The Diplomat with John Abraham, to a SonyLIV web series. He adds, "Hopefully, I will be back on the set of The Family Man 3 soon."