Sharib Hashmi’s mantra for aspiring actors is to start following their ambitions early in their life and not wait as he did. 

We have now seen him as JK Talpade in The Family Man 2 and it’s not wrong to say that we can’t imagine the show without his character, because he has done a commendable job displaying his powerful acting skills and also adding humour to the show.

His journey has been a roller-coaster ride and he has dealt with many obstacles until he was finally able to make a mark. 

From almost giving up his passion for acting to making JK a hit character on the show, Sharib has made a separate fan base altogether. 

His journey started from the chawls in Mumbai and Sharib’s father ZA Johar was a noted film journalist. 

His father wanted him to pursue acting after he finished his degree in Economics from Bhavan’s college.  

In an interview with Your Story, he said, “While my parents were of the impression that I am good-looking, I had no such delusions. Also, even for character roles, I felt my height would be a problem. I just naively gave up on my dream without pursuing it.” 

He got his first job as an Assistant Director to Nabh Kumar Raju for the film Hum Tumpe Marte Hai in 1998. In the same interview, he shared his experience working with the stars of that era. 

“It is something that taught me a lot about the art of filmmaking. I have no formal training in acting or direction, so I learn everything on the sets. And the first film I worked on had stellar actors like Govinda, Urmila Matondkar, Dimple Kapadia, and Paresh Rawal. For a film buff like me, it was a dream come true. I want to become a director.” 

He then went on to become a writer and wrote VJ links for MTV. He kept at it and it was in 2007 that he landed a role in Slumdog Millionaire. He then wanted to follow his passion for acting for real. He gave hundreds of auditions but was rejected in many, leaving him disheartened but he kept trying. 

In an interview with Times Of India, he said, “When it comes to rejection, I have faced a lot of them, in fact, I have used these rejections as a motivating factor to work harder, fight back, and to become better each day. I always take these rejections very positively and it has helped me in becoming a better person and growing stronger in my craft.” 

When things didn’t work, he had to leave his passion and look for a job as he was married and also had a child. His wife was supporting him but he still had to have a job to keep the house running. He again tried his luck in films but things changed when he got to call from the casting director of Yash Raj Films - Shanoo Sharma.   

After giving an audition for Jab Tak Hai Jaan, he got the role of Zain, and at the same time, he bagged a role in Filmistaan. He even won the Best Actor in a comic role, Screen Award for his role in Filmistaan. 

Things changed for good for the actor and after this, he didn’t look back and went on to do many other roles. He finally landed the role of JK Talpade in The Family Man. He has been a part of both seasons and would be continuing with his character in the third season too. 

We wish only the best for the actor and we think his amazing journey actually has the potential to be documented as a film, such has been his struggle. 

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