The Family Man actor Sharib Hashmi opens up on body image issues and finding career goals in his 30s

Sharib Hashmi, who gained fame with his performance in the acclaimed web series The Family Man, has emerged as one of the most prolific and visible actors in the Hindi film industry. In 2023, the actor appeared in as many as 7 films, including popular films like Mission Majnu, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke and Tarla. During a recent media interaction, Hashmi opened up about finding his calling rather late as well as battling body image issues while growing up.

Slumdog Millionaire was a big turning point, stated Hashmi

In an exclusive interview with Mid Day, Hashmi recalled how he bagged his first major job as an actor in Danny Boyle directorial Slumdog Millionaire. The actor stated, “At the time, I was working as a writer. During that period, a colleague from MTV, responsible for casting the film, contacted me. I went through an audition and gave an improvisation, and Danny Boyle, who took my audition, incorporated it into the script—a significant moment for me.” Hashmi noted how it was with this opportunity that Sharib Hashmi first felt the desire to become an actor, adding that he realised his calling very late.

The actor also addressed being very self-conscious being his looks and physical appearance once he entered his 20s. The Family Man actor added, “As I grew older, I became very self-conscious about my image, leading me to underestimate myself. Consequently, I pursued a career as an assistant director. It was during this time that writing unexpectedly entered my life.”

Want to be part of a film like Pushpa: Sharib Hashmi

Sharib Hashmi’s upcoming projects include Hrithik-Deepika starrer Fighter among other films. However, the actor also expressed a desire to be part of big-budget action spectacles, something on the lines of Pushpa, a larger-than-life film like Pushpa, "where every second is passing in slow motion.” Further speaking about his career ambitions, the actor added, “I want to direct soon, and I don't mind acting in my directorial debut. I really enjoyed my negative role in Vikram Vedha and had grey shades in Afwaah. Now, I want to do a Bhayankar Badass role, something intense.”