Jackie Shroff hasn't delivered a memorable performance on the big screen in years. One now sees more of him in late night teleshopping ads, while contemporaries Sunny Deol and Anil Kapoor continue to make films. Currently, Jaggu Dada is in the news for making a comeback in an action film and also being a part of Rajinikanth's Kochadaiyaan.
Ask him about it and he laughs, "Bhidu, how many times will they make me come back?" Despite his personal and professional setbacks, he has managed to stay positive. Over coffee and sandwiches, Jackie chats with TOI about his new innings, his son Tiger's big launch and his relationship with wife Ayesha. Read on...
There were reports that Aamir Khan would launch Tiger. What went wrong?
Aamir is my buddy. I had taken Tiger to meet him. Aamir said if I needed help in marketing, selecting scripts, etc, he'd be there for Tiger. He asked my boy what kind of films he would like to do and they spoke. But there was no discussion of them working together. It was my job to make them meet. He loves Tiger and will always give him good advice whenever needed.
Why didn't your mentor Subhash Ghai launch Tiger?
I think Subhashji is busy with his studio and other things. I remember when Tiger was born, he said, 'Yeh mera beta hai, mein isko signing amount de raha hoon, mein isko launch karoonga.' Maybe he didn't want the pressure of creating another Hero? Subhash Ghai launched me in that film and now if he'd cast Tiger, he would've become Hero 2. There should be no comparisons; he should have his own identity. He doesn't look like me; he has a face and physique that is totally different. Thank God he is not a photocopy of me!
Why don't we see Ayesha and you together at events anymore? There are even rumours of a separation...
Our friends are different. We both hang out with different people and have separate lives. Only if there's a family function do we go together. I tell her, 'You've been a doormat for a long time, now go ahead and enjoy yourself.' That's why we've been together for 35 years. We've been friends, and courted for 10 years before marriage. I remember telling her, 'I don't love you, I lust you'. Today, we understand each other on a totally different level. Her trust is unnerving.
How has your friendship with Anil Kapoor fared over the years?
It is a friendship for life. When I look back at the films we did together, they were amazing days. I am really happy for him and the unending zest he has for life. He is more energetic and enthusiastic than many youngsters today. He keeps calling me whenever he does anything new. He's too sweet. When he talks about going international now, I'm absolutely proud of him for opening the doors of Hollywood for desi actors.
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