Jimmy Shergill has weighed in on the challenges filmmakers face while tackling politically sensitive chapters of history. The actor, whose debut film Maachis explored militancy and unrest in Punjab, believes such stories inevitably bring uncomfortable issues into public discussion and can become entangled in politics.
His remarks come after Satluj, starring Diljit Dosanjh, faced a troubled journey to audiences. The film arrived on ZEE5 in India last month but became unavailable on the streaming platform in the country two days later.
Jimmy Shergill On Politics Around Sensitive Films
During an interview with PTI, Jimmy was asked why Satluj encountered difficulties while Maachis, which also dealt with a politically charged period in Punjab, received
acclaim upon its release.
Jimmy said politics surrounding such subjects is unavoidable. However, he argued that bringing these stories into conversation can also expose aspects of history that otherwise remain overlooked.
“Politics exists, and it will always go on,” he said, adding, “When you touch upon even a single aspect of sensitive matters, other hidden aspects surface as well. So, that is the politics of it.”
Satluj, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, reportedly remained caught in censorship issues for more than three years and underwent over 127 cuts mandated by the Central Board of Film Certification.
Jimmy Recalls Making His Debut With Maachis
Jimmy entered films with Gulzar’s Maachis, which was set against the insurgency in Punjab during the 1980s. The 1996 political drama also featured Tabu, Chandrachur Singh and Om Puri.
Looking back, Jimmy said he was a newcomer from Delhi with little understanding of how he would translate his acting training to the screen. Reading the script itself left him emotional.
“I read the script and I cried,” he recalled. Soon afterwards, he learned that he had landed the film and was instructed to grow his hair and beard for the character.
Jimmy credited Gulzar with guiding him through the experience. The filmmaker wanted the young actor to remain on set and closely observe how a movie was put together.
‘I Was Terrified’
One sequence in particular left Jimmy nervous. He had to perform a lengthy monologue and doubted whether he could pull it off.
Gulzar, however, refused to let his newcomer lose confidence. Jimmy recalled the filmmaker assuring him that he would not have been cast in Maachis if he were incapable of delivering the scene.
The faith paid off. Maachis went on to earn critical and commercial success and won two National Film Awards, including Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Actress for Tabu.
Jimmy is currently seen in Netflix’s Operation Safed Sagar, playing Wing Commander B S Dhanoa during the Kargil War.
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-178645753625751307.webp)
