For actor Sharib Hashmi, the story of his life seems serendipitously intertwined with destiny and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. With a career defined by hard work, talent, and a touch of fate, Sharib has left an indelible mark in the space of both films and web series alike. In an exclusive conversation with The Movie Mail, Sharib reveals how his personal connection with Shah Rukh Khan adds a magical layer to his journey.
“Shah Rukh bhai made me feel special”
Sharib Hashmi’s first major breakthrough as an actor came in 2012 with Yash Chopra’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan, where he shared the screen with Shah Rukh Khan for the first time. Reflecting on his bond with the superstar, Sharib recalled, “My first meeting with Shah sir was really nice, and he is very special as a co-star. We had a great experience working with each other in Jab Tak Hai Jaan. But my film Filmistaan, that gave me so much exposure as a lead actor, was also releasing in the same year (2015). So, I requested him, ‘Shah Rukh bhai, mera ek film aa raha hai, aap dekhiyega (Shah Rukh brother, a film of mine is coming up; please do watch it).'”
Sharib further reveals, “Then, something very special happened. I was awarded as Best Actor (Comic) at the Screen Awards that year. Shah Rukh bhai was hosting that segment. He called me on stage and mentioned, ‘Sharib Hashmi, a very talented actor and my friend, well deserved!’ It was so special for me to hear such words from him! He could have not done that, and we would have still loved him the way we do, but here he was, making me feel special for winning an award. I think there’s a reason why he is such a special human being—because he makes you feel special!”
“It was pure destiny“
Sharib’s connection with Shah Rukh doesn’t end there. During one of the most challenging phases of his life, Sharib found himself financially broken, struggling to make ends meet after months of unsuccessful auditions. He shared, “I was sitting at Inorbit Mall, scrolling through my phone, thinking whom should I call for a job? Quite randomly, I stumbled upon Vaibhav Modi’s contact, my ex-boss. When I called him, he told me he was working on a show with Shah Rukh Khan called Zor Ka Jhatka for NDTV Imagine and needed an on-field writer. It was such a coincidence, pure destiny, and Vaibhav’s generosity that gave me this opportunity. I am forever thankful!”
From Filmistaan to The Family Man
Sharib has since become a force to reckon with in Indian entertainment. His work spans critically acclaimed films like Filmistaan, Ram Singh Charlie, Vikram Vedha, and Sharmajee Ki Beti, as well as popular web series such as The Family Man, Asur, and Scam 1992. His most recent film, Sangee that released on January 17, showcases him as a middle-aged protagonist entangled in financial misadventures with his college friends, and is directed by Sumit Kulkarni.
