DARK STORIES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SURVIVAL: JIMMY SHERGILL
- E2 Correspondent
- Dec 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Jimmy Sheirgill takes on the role of a police officer in Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, a gripping thriller directed by Neeraj Pandey. Released on Netflix on November 29, 2024, the film marks yet another milestone in Sheirgill's illustrious career. Having begun his journey with Gulzar’s critically acclaimed Maachis and finding mainstream fame in Aditya Chopra’s Mohabbatein, Jimmy has continually evolved as an actor. In the era of OTT platforms, he has transitioned seamlessly from the silver screen to the digital space, adapting to the changing landscape of storytelling.
Speaking about his latest collaboration with Neeraj Pandey, Jimmy revealed that while the two have been friends for years, this marks one of their few creative partnerships. “I’ve known Neeraj for a long time, but we never worked together until recently. It started with a cameo in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Hai, which he offered me during one of my visits to his office. For Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, he told me he had written something with me in mind. He didn’t disclose the climax, which was intriguing. I agreed after reading the script and even grew a beard, as he requested, to fit the role.”
The shift to OTT platforms has sparked debate about their content, particularly the prevalence of dark, violent, and mysterious narratives. Jimmy acknowledges this but offers a different perspective. “Yes, there’s a lot of bloodshed and murder in some series, but the beauty of OTT platforms is that viewers have options. There are romantic dramas, comedies, and other genres available. If something doesn’t resonate with them, they can move on to another show. That said, darker stories do attract massive audiences. Without them, OTT platforms might have a hard time sustaining themselves.”
The challenge of holding audience attention on OTT platforms is another topic Jimmy addresses. “Watching at home comes with its distractions—people can pause a show or abandon it halfway. It’s not like the immersive experience of a cinema. However, word of mouth plays a huge role in driving viewers back to a show they initially left unfinished. Often, they return after hearing praise from others. This element of curiosity keeps the platform dynamic.”
Despite his growing presence in the digital space, Jimmy remains steadfast in his love for traditional cinema. “For me, the big screen will always be the ultimate dream. That’s why I came into this industry. But I’ve always been selective with my projects. I only take on about four films a year, whether they’re for theatres or OTT. The priority is always quality and meaningful roles.”
As for whether OTT platforms are a blessing or a curse, Jimmy is unequivocal. “They’re definitely a blessing. OTT has given writers the freedom to experiment without the fear they face with big-screen releases. This has led to some truly fresh and engaging content. For viewers, it’s like having a treasure trove of stories that cater to all tastes.”
