Sharib Hashmi: For me, the platform is never more important than the story

Actor Sharib Hashmi, known for films such as Slumdog Millionaire, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Sharmajee Ki Beti and The Diplomat, as well as web series including The Family Man, Asur and The Great Indian Murder, is set to make his debut in the vertical drama space with a comedy-thriller tentatively titled Double Life.Directed by Shadab Khan, the series features Sharib as Baburao Sawant, a hawaldaar with a layered personality. Speaking about the role, Sharib says, “It’s a comedy thriller and the concept is quite interesting. I play Baburao Sawant, a hawaldaar who is constantly suppressed by the people around him. Whether it is his colleagues at the police station or his wife at home, everyone treats him poorly. They call him a joker and often ill-treat him. However, he has another side to his personality, which viewers will discover as the story unfolds.”According to the actor, the show’s treatment is what sets it apart. He says, “The treatment is the USP of the show. It is a thriller-comedy where serious situations have been presented in a lighter and entertaining manner. I believe the audience is going to enjoy it.”Sharib also spoke about stepping into the vertical drama format and why he was open to exploring it. He shares, “A lot of people are watching vertical dramas these days, and it has opened up a completely new market. As actors, we should experiment and explore different mediums. For me, the platform is never more important than the story. If the content is engaging and I feel satisfied as an artiste, I am happy to be a part of it, whether it is a film, a web show, a vertical drama, or even a nukkad natak.” Sharing his experience of working with Shadab Khan, Sharib says, “I am working with Shadab for the first time. He is very talented and sorted. I particularly like the way he is open to making changes in the script during the shoot whenever it helps improve a scene.”The actor is joined by Nancy Thakkar, who plays his wife in the show. Speaking about working with her again, he says, “We have worked together on an unreleased film, a short film directed by Aarya Babbar and a music video. This is my fourth project with her. Working with her again is always exciting.”He is also sharing screen space with veteran actress Abha Parmar, who plays his mother-in-law. He says, “I have known Abha Ma’am since childhood. My father, Z.A. Johar, was a film journalist, and she used to tie Rakhi to him. This is the first time I am working with her, and I am very happy about it.”Apart from Double Life, Sharib will also be seen in Haiwaan, an action-thriller directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. “All I can say is that I am playing an interesting role in the film,” he concludes.