Having been a part of Slumdog Millionaire, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Filmistaan, Vodka Diaries and Batti Gul Meter Chalu among other films, actor Sharib Hashmi has carved a niche for himself in the industry. But it is with The Family Man franchise, that the actor has truly gained the limelight. Stepping in the shoes of Srikant Tiwari’s best friend, JK Talpade, Sharib’s character has given viewers a friend everyone needs.  

Speaking to Times Now Digital, the actor shared his experience of playing JK in the web show. He said he had a great time playing it, and shared, “I am still not done yet. I have lots to explore, and I am sure we will in the next season hopefully.”

Asked about the praise coming his way, Sharib shared someone’s quote and said, “Srikant is the heart of the story, and you are the heartbeat.” It’s indeed the effect that his character has had on viewers.  

He also talked about the audience’s liking for his character and said, “What connected with the audience is everybody wants a friend like that in their life. Somebody who loves you unconditionally, with whom you can talk about anything without thinking that they will judge you. Gande gande jokes maaro, daaru piyo, so I think everyone found that friend in JK and that’s the reason they connected with the character so much.”https://www.youtube.com/embed/NGf_B81Hc2M

The actor, who shot most of his scenes with Manoj Bajpayee, said that he feels blessed to have gotten this opportunity. “If you like JK, a lot of the credit goes to Manoj sir. He made me comfortable from day one itself. On the first day of the first season, he made sure I was comfortable and wasn’t nervous. He’s a friend, philosopher, guide, big brother, and guru – all rolled into one,” he articulated.

But his journey to the phase of success hasn’t been a bed of roses. He shared that it feels almost unreal. “I have waited for this for so long,” he said, adding, “I am happy that it is happening, I have no regret that it took so long what is happening now. I have enjoyed my lows as much as I am enjoying my highs.”

The actor said that while he’s faced many rejections in the past, he’s also learned a lot from them. “I took them as my motivation point to move forward, to improve, and to get better at my craft,” he said. 

Sharib, however, shared that there were some films which he was to be a part of that didn’t get materialised.  

“There were some films that almost happened. It could have changed the course of my career. But unfortunately, they didn’t materialise. But I have no regrets… I was in a very depressed state when the rejections were fresh. I was in a depressed state for weeks. But after a point, you get used to the rejections and you get thick-skinned. Then you know you can survive the rough patches,” he shared. 

He further said, “It actually takes a lot of courage to constantly listen to no-no-no -o and keep a positive attitude and confidence in your work. It takes a lot of patience in you.”

Next up, the actor will be a part of Dhaakad, starring Kangana Ranaut in the lead role. The film is being directed by Razneesh Ghai.