Getting into the army was a big thing in my time: Jimmy Sheirgill

Actor Jimmy Sheirgill always wanted to be an army officer, and if not off screen, he is glad he could play one on screen in Yahaan (2005)

Actor Jimmy Sheirgill always wanted to be an army officer, and if not off screen, he is glad he could play one on screen in Yahaan (2005)

Jimmy Sheirgill is thankful to director Shoojit Sircar for offering him the role of an army officer in Yahaan. (Hindustan Times)

Read: I want meaty roles, not ones that can be played by anyone else: Jimmy Shergill

“When I was growing up, 80 % youngsters wanted to be in the army. But, very few of us could get through . I mean if you got into the army it was a big thing, boss. So like everyone else, I also wanted to join the forces and do something for my country. But obviously that didn’t happen. But, I joined films (laughs). When Shoojit offered me the role, I was beyond ecstatic and I will be always thankful to him for offering me that role,” says Sheirgill.

Jimmy Sherigill in Yahaan.

“ Working in films gives you a chance to be someone you always wanted to be, but for whatever reasons you couldn’t be that. In my case, it was the army and I got a chance to live that life of an army man. It was a wonderful experience,” he continues.

However, playing an army officer on screen is not the only character that interests Sheirgill. “ There are so many other characters I want to play. I want to be moved by a script and the character has to be inspiring enough for me to do that. I think Aman (Sheirgill’s character in Yahaan) had a lot of life, and that’s why I enjoyed playing it. The character has to be well defined and that’s what encourages me to take it up. I want to take up such kind of roles in future,” he says.