Shishir Sharma is enjoying a brief respite in Dubai, where he is visiting family amidst the shooting schedule for his forthcoming film, Ramayana. In this epic, he portrays the sage Vashishta, alongside lead actors Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi. The film is helmed by Nitesh Tiwari. "Collaborating with Nitesh Tiwari on his third film is a dream realized, especially with esteemed co-stars like Arun Govil, Ranbir Kapoor, and Sai Pallavi," he shares.
Sharma eagerly anticipates the release of his other projects, including Pune Highway, featuring Amit Sadh, Jim Sarbh, Manjari Fadnnis, Sudeep Modak, and Anuvab Pal, and Songs of Paradise, which stars Saba Azad, Sheeba Chhada, Soni Razdan, and Lilette Dubey. Additionally, he has Sant Tukaram with Subodh Bhave and Parable with a cast of young talents.
Recently, Sharma appeared on a Dubai podcast called The Majlis Show, where he discussed various issues in the film industry, including the casting of influencers based on their follower count rather than acting prowess. "I often wonder how they could surpass seasoned actors in skill. How can they replace those who have honed their craft? I firmly oppose casting influencers as actors without proper training," he asserts.
A frequent visitor to Dubai over the past few years, Sharma visits the city to spend time with his two daughters and four grandchildren, as well as to reconnect with friends. The Raazi actor, who began his career in theatre at 19 and later ventured into television, commercials, films, and web series, boasts an extensive portfolio of serious work.
The legendary Indian theatre figure, Pt. Satyadev Dubey, cast him in the play Sambhog Se Sanyas Tak in 1975. This play notably facilitated the meeting of his dear friend Ratna Pathak Shah with her future husband, Naseeruddin Shah. "Naseer Sahab came from the Film and Television Institute of India and conducted a workshop with us. That marked the start of a long and cherished relationship with both of them," Sharma recalls.
His television debut came with the popular series Swabhimaan on DD1 in the mid-1990s, catapulting him to fame. The show Shanti further elevated his popularity. "During that era, content was revered, the writing was exceptional, direction was top-notch, and the production quality was high. The sets were not overdone, and the performances were subtle, highly appreciated by viewers," he reminisces.
Shooting days typically began at 9 am and concluded at 6 pm. "I thoroughly relished my role as K D Saxena in Swabhimaan," he adds.
Sharma has also worked closely with the late Sushant Singh Rajput. "I met him a few times at Film City as we were both involved in a Zee show. Either he would join us for lunch or we would visit him. When the film Chhichhore came along, he greeted me with such warmth and affection. His smile was so innocent — I couldn't wait to get on set and start working with him," Sharma fondly remembers.
He also maintains a cordial relationship with Shraddha Kapoor, who starred as the female lead in the film.
When asked what he believes makes a good actor, Sharma responds, "Actors with a theatre background generally excel because they are disciplined, committed, and focused on their craft. They possess a solid foundation in the art, and only theatre provides actors with the opportunity to refine their skills. Consider actors like Amrish Puri, Nasseruddin Shah, Om Puri, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee, and many others."
Sharma has collaborated with director Meghna Gulzar on Talvar before Raazi. "Her working style is commendable; she creates a very comfortable environment for the actors on set. I also had the privilege of working with Irfaan Khan in the film, whom I knew through cricket," he notes.
Many of his roles have depicted him as an army officer or a strict father. "Indeed, I've played strict disciplinarians and softer fatherly roles in Permanent Roommates, What the Folks, and Dil Dosti Dilemma (where I played a grandfather). What I've been yearning for is a comedic role. I hope it comes my way sooner rather than later," he expresses.
Is he strict in real life? "Yes," he admits, "strictness is necessary and will be enforced where required, but I am also a fun-loving father, which helps me stay balanced amidst the chaos around us."
