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I never chased relevance; I chased honesty: Jackie Shroff

I never chased relevance; I chased honesty: Jackie Shroff

TNN / TNN / Jun 09, 2026, 15:24 IST

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Jackie Shroff

Written By: Ancela JamindarThere is an effortless warmth and authenticity about Jackie Shroff. Decades into his film career, the veteran actor remains refreshingly unpretentious—candid, witty and grounded. During a recent interaction, Jackie, who was in Ahmedabad, seamlessly switched between Hindi, Gujarati and English, speaking about his fondness for Gujarat, playing a superhero in his latest film The Great Grand Superhero: Aliens Ka Aagman, working with children, staying relevant across generations, and his enduring bond with nature.The actor grew nostalgic while reflecting on his Gujarat connection and family roots. “My father was from Rajkot. After he passed away, I get to speak Gujarati only when I visit here,” he said, adding, “I missed having my usual jalebi-fafda this time—it’s something I make sure to have whenever I’m in Gujarat.”‘Always open to learning from younger people’Despite the ever-evolving entertainment landscape and shifting audience tastes, Jackie says his core approach has remained the same. “I never chased relevance; I chased honesty,” he reflects. “Cinema changes, audiences change, technology changes, but emotions remain constant. I’ve always stayed open to learning from younger people and respecting every generation of storytelling. Perhaps that willingness to evolve is what has helped me connect with audiences across generations.”He adds, “I don’t see challenges as obstacles because I place complete trust in my technicians, regardless of the medium. Every format has its own language and demands, but I wouldn’t say one is more difficult than another. The real challenge today is to remain truthful in every performance and avoid repeating yourself. I enjoy stepping into unfamiliar spaces because that sense of discovery keeps the excitement alive.”Even when talking about health and fitness, Jackie keeps his philosophy simple, saying, “Keep moving. Staying still is a health hazard. Age is just a number, and health is your greatest wealth.”‘Nature keeps me balanced’Away from cinema and the spotlight, he finds his anchor in nature. “Nature keeps me balanced. Fame, work, noise—all of it comes and goes, but nature keeps you grounded,” says Jackie, who carries potted plants to events as a tool to spark conversations about tree plantation.He adds, “I grew up valuing simplicity and a deep connection with nature. Plants, trees, and fresh air never judge—they simply give. Time in nature reminds me of who I am beyond the spotlight. Simplicity isn’t something I consciously practise—it’s where I find the most peace and happiness.”Concluding the conversation with a message on sustainability, the actor candidly acknowledges the environmental damage caused by previous generations but voices confidence in the youth, saying, “Apan ne band baja dala hai vatavaran ka, abhi new generation aage badke sudhareli hai. I am proud of the youngsters who are working to fix the environment we have spoiled.”‘We need stories filled with warmth and hope’Talking about the kind of stories required today, he says, “My new film is for both children and adults. There’s nothing more rewarding than bringing joy to kids. At a time when the world seems consumed by negativity, stories filled with warmth and hope are needed more than ever. Everywhere you look—newspapers, television, social media—you’re confronted with war, conflict and problems. People need a sense of happiness and joy right now.”He adds, “I enjoyed working with Manish Saini because he has a deep understanding of human emotions and tells stories with honesty and heart.”‘Today’s children are very mature and informed’On working with child actors, he laughs, “Yeh sab bachche baap thay mere; bov advanced che bappa! While they do masti, they’re also incredibly professional and serious about their work.”Reflecting on how childhood has changed, he said, “When we were kids, we were largely unaware of what was happening around us. Today’s children are so mature and informed that it sometimes feels like we adults are the ones falling behind.”

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