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"All I know is that I LOVE her�" Jimmy On His Real Life Mohabbatt!
(Source: 3to6.com A Complete Movie Portal)

Talk about his level of patience? Well, it took him nearly two years to convince his girlfriend's parents that he was THE RIGHT GUY for their daughter. Want to know more about the REAL LIFE LOVE STORY of this lover boy on screen - JIMMY SHERGILL?'Love is as cute as a puppy's wet nose' said a professor of mine in college. The unconventional definition that it was, it made a permanent place in my memory. And it's when you meet people like Jimmy that you want to believe more and more in this marvel called LOVE!!! What's interesting is Jimmy's love story that is as unconventional as his idea of romance. So what does the term 'LOVE' mean to him?
LOVE IS�.NOT AT FIRST SIGHT!
"Priyanka (his girlfriend) was friends with my cousin. And it's through him that I met her. After 'Maachis', I would very often go to Delhi to meet my cousins and Priyanka was a part of his group. We used to hang around in groups and party together. So, it was not love at first sight," smiles Jimmy. "I remember my cousins and her sister trying to do the match making but I would just laugh it off. After few days, all of us met at a common friend's house for dinner. We all sat around the bonfire on that winter evening, talking and singing away to glory. It was only then that I actually got to know Priyanka truly and liked her. I found her very sweet and homely. My cousin of course wanted to know my feelings towards Priyanka. I did tell him that I like her but I was under the impression that she was seeing somebody. Later of course I realized that my assumption was wrong. On the other hand, Priyanka's sister who was very close to my cousin told him that Priyanka too liked me. That's when they seriously decided to do something. One day, when four of us met at their office for coffee, my cousin in everyone's presence said, 'Jimmy, now tell Priyanka whatever you have to say. I know you told me that you like her'. Her sister on the other hand too echoed, 'Priyanka, why don't you tell Jimmy that you also like him'. God! It was so embarrassing for us," laughs Jimmy. "But then, we started meeting each other and talking over the phone, learning more of one another and that's how it all happened!
"LOVE IS�.BEING VERY PRACTICAL!"
I remember telling Priyanka that we have to be very practical because I was coming back to Bombay for my work. I assured her of my 100 per cent commitment towards the relationship. Priyanka too wanted to make our relationship work. And our relationship only grew with time!
"LOVE IS�NOT FEELING INSECURE ABOUT HIM BEING AN ACTOR!
"When we started seeing each other, 'Maachis' and 'Jahan Tum Le Chalo' had already happened. Arre, I admire her for the faith she has in me. I admire her for the fact that despite me being from the industry and living in Bombay all alone, she has stuck to me for 3-4 years now without doubting me even once. It's also for the assurance that I gave her that I wasn't going to do anything of that sort. Though we were living far away, she was always very secure about me and knew that nothing would go wrong!
"LOVE IS�.NOT TELLING HER THE STORY OF YOUR FILM!
"Throughout the shooting of 'Mohabbatein', I would update her on whatever happened except for the story. This was because I wanted her to enjoy the film. Nevertheless, everyone including my girlfriend was very happy when I signed 'Mohabbattein'. Priyanka loves the film and has already seen it four times." .
LOVE IS�PUSHING OFF TO DELHI AFTER PACK UP!
"During the making of 'Mohabbattein', I was in Bombay most of the time. But whenever there would be a break of 2-3 days, I would go to Delhi. And before Mohabbatein, the kind of work that I wanted was not happening. In that case, I would go to Delhi for 15-20 days and come back.".
LOVE IS�. PROVING THAT LONG-DISTANT RELATIONSHIPS DO WORK!
"We never made it look like a long distant relationship. Since the time we started going around, we would talk to each other 7-8 times a day. After every two hours we would be in touch with each other and would talk a lot in the night. So it was like as though we are in the same city but not meeting. I knew exactly what she was doing and vice versa. We still joke about the kind of money we spent on our phone calls. We could have easily bought a Mercedes Benz with that," laughs Jimmy. "Honestly speaking, I attribute the success of our relationship to both of us. We have worked hard at it and we have also gone through hell at times. But we stood by each other like rocks no matter what happened. We made it work!"
LOVE IS�CONVINCING HER PARENTS THAT HE WAS MR.RIGHT!
"Her parents were not interested in getting their daughter married off to just any guy from the film industry. They were very skeptical about my being an actor, which I think is very normal. Any father would feel like that about a daughter. But I always knew that with God's grace, things would be fine. It was just at the time of the release of 'Mohabbatein' that I met Priyanka's father. By then, my parents had met her parents and all my friends told Priyanka's dad that he should at least meet me once and then decide. The meeting was a very lengthy one. And it was only after Priyanka's dad met my parents for the second time that he agreed.
LOVE IS�. LOVING HER THE WAY SHE IS!
"I can't pin point only one thing that I really like about her. All I know is that I LOVE HER. And that's it! There are so many small things that contribute to your love. Now I don't sit and think why I love her etc. Even if one thing dies, there are million of other things in her that will carry on like that. And my entire family, cousin's, friends' loves her the way she is. I read Priyanka as a homemaker."
LOVE IS�NOT REVEALING THOSE BEAUTIFUL INCIDENTS HE SHARED IN LOVE.
"Yeah! The reason why I don't want to share all those lovely moments that happened between us is because I am keeping them for a film. I have some mind blowing incidents but it's all under wraps because they make amazing scenes for films," smiles Jimmy.

Sh`e�ring a moment with Jimmy
�I�m happy to be married�

In the much hyped visual thriller, �The Matrix� based on the concept of virtual reality, there was a brilliant scene. A confrontation scene between Keanu Reeves and Lawrence Fishborne where the latter asks Reeves to jump off one skyscraper to the next. �Don�t think you can, know you can,� he suggests. The most legendary success stories are founded on a similar concept of belief in self. Success is a hand�s pace away when you believe in your-self. �Mohabbatein� wonder Jimmy Shergill�s success story is the outcome of his immense belief in good things.
Newly married to his sweetheart of four years and numerous film offers later, Jimmy�s life�s on a roller-coaster ride, each spin churning out something new.
So has life changed after marriage? �Not really. Frankly the feeling hasn�t really sunk in as yet. Since the time I�ve got back, my life has been in an absolute frenzy. Work�s happening in the first gear.�
Is he breathing a sigh of relief now that finally everything�s fallen into place? After all, his relationship with wife Priyanka hasn�t exactly been smooth-sailing. One hears that her parents weren�t agreeable to the match. �Look, I don�t really blame Priyanka�s parents for being skeptical. They were justified as parents of a girl who wanted to see their daughter secure in life. All they knew about me was that I was a struggling actor trying to gain a foothold in the film industry. Obviously, they would have certain reservations regarding me. But things changed once I met them. Although it took a couple of years for the fog to settle down, eventually everything worked out fine,� he concludes contentedly.
Certainly Jimmy�s relationship with Priyanka has to have had solid ground for it to survive all odds since most long-distance relationships don�t reach their destination in marriage? �Yeah, everybody around was of the opinion that it wouldn�t work. But I proved them wrong. I have been seeing her for the past four years. I was here in Bombay while she was in Delhi. The only communication I ever had with her was over the phone.�
People in the media circuits often talk of Jimmy�s struggle. He�s had to swim against some rough tides to reach ashore. How was it for his wife? �My struggle wasn�t just about getting any kind of work. I had a phase where I was getting commercials, music videos and film offers. But I wasn�t satisfied with the quality of work. I didn�t want to compromise and do just about anything. I can speak of the times when I didn�t have a place to stay and I was sleeping on the roads. But it was something that I had brought upon my life myself because I was waiting for that one role that I could believe in and be happy doing. Also the two videos that I did were with people I trusted and knew very well.�
I remember vividly when �Maachis� had released, everyone was talking about a newcomer who, though not so prominent, was noticed as one of the gang of disillusioned youths who had taken to terrorism. And that the actor was none other than Jimmy. The critics and junta alike had applauded him. So, why was there such a long lull between �Maachis� and �Mohabbatein�?
He clarifies, �In Maachis I had a very camouflaged look with a French beard, long hair and also it was a supporting role. Though I was appreciated in the film, the roles that followed were all these sidey cameos. They didn�t put me in a hero�s mould. I could�ve gone ahead and done such roles but it would turn into a habit, which I clearly wanted to avoid. But then in time �Mohabbatein� happened and things started rolling,� he opines.
So what in his opinion is all the fuss about Mohabbatein that made him so famous? �I still don�t know!� he says with a smirk. Is he still reeling under the success of the film? �Look, �Mohabbatein� is not the be all and end all of my career. I was certainly overwhelmed with all the adulation that the film received in totality because I strongly believe that Adi as a director deserved all of it for his sincerity and dedication. But as an actor, the ultimate high is yet to come. I�m always faced with the question, �What next?� and that�s what keeps me going!� he says on a positive note.
What does he have to say about the rumour linking him and Preeti Jhangiani romantically. �Yeah, that was a ridiculous rumour that appeared in one of the national dailies. I immediately called up the person concerned and demanded an explanation. They couldn�t put it down straight, so they wrote about it in a roundabout way with a tinge of sarcasm stating that, �We thought Preeti and Jimmy were seeing each other but actually it turns out that Jugal (Hansraj) and Kim Sharma are a pair�. He suggests in an almost serious tone, �They weren�t.� I try to probe further and get a, �Not at all. In fact, Jugal and Kim are so different as individuals. They wouldn�t even touch each other with a bloody bargepole. But my rumour with Preeti happened at a point when I was sorting out my personal life. This kind of irresponsible reporting could have probably destroyed my reputation at least with my father-in-law and others in Priyanka�s family. I was so irritated with this issue.�
To divert Jimmy�s attention from the topic that excites him the least, I switch over to his professional life. Jimmy has replaced Govinda in Tanuja Chandra�s film. Where�s the similarity between the two artistes for him to step into Chi Chi�s shoes, I ask. He laughs at my remark and replies, �There was and is no similarity. After I was signed on the character was altered to suit my image although the script still remains the same.�
In Kundan Shah�s film, a Tips production, Jimmy is playing the second fiddle to Arjun Rampal�s main lead. After films like Tanuja Chandra�s where he�s playing protagonist why did he settle for a callous cameo? �It�s not exactly a cameo, but a regular two-hero project. The film�s an entirely unusual set-up. The role I have is very substantial, that of a ventriloquist. It took a lot of research to know a ventriloquist�s job. I knew that this role is very challenging so I didn�t mind taking it up.�
From the looks of it, Jimmy�s concentrating only on the commercial scene. Would he go back to doing a �Maachis� or for that matter a non-commercial venture when he knows that mainstream is where the money is? �I�d love to do a �Maachis� again, to work with Gulzarsaab again. I�ve no hassles in doing non-commercial cinema as long as it�s meaningful.�
Then why�s it that he wasn�t approached for Meghana Gulzar�s directorial venture �Filhaal� when a newcomer like Sanjay Suri, who could be considered in the same league as Jimmy has been cast opposite Tabu, which has catapulted his career to unimaginable heights? �Because, I was under contract with Yash Raj films for �Mohabbatein�. Meghana was actually planning to start a film a long time ago but there were certain hitches and nothing materialized. And when it did, I was already under contract so I couldn�t have done it. But I know I�ll work with her in the future. She�s like a sister to me.�
When he and Chandrachur Singh started out with �Maachis�, the former was a second lead while the latter, the main lead. Haven�t the tables turned a little today? �No yaar nothing like that,� he asserts in an awkward tone. �Chandrachur is an intense actor and actors will always stay. Only stars come and go. He might be going through a low phase but he�ll bounce back for he�s full of potential. He�s an immense source of inspiration.�
From his looks, Jimmy seems absolutely cut out to play the conventional hero in any film. He has the boy-next-door image. At this point in his career, would he risk jeopardizing his image to play a negative role? �Yeah, surely I will. As for my looks, I�ll work towards looking the part. I can certainly carry off a negative character convincingly if given a chance,� he assures.
Trade tattle had it that the Priyadarsan film that he had signed had been shelved for some strange reasons. Could he verify the truth? �No, yaar. The project�s still on. Only the script had to be rewritten. The film has me and Aftab (Shivdasani) and three girls. It�s an interesting plot with one guy playing a crook and the other a good Samaritan.�
A good handful of films including a Venus project, a Priyadarsan film, besides one with Tanuja Chandra, Kundan Shah�s and other acclaimed makers. Jimmy�s career graph seems to be climbing an upward curve with great velocity. But all this is an aftermath of a silent period of years where not an inch was moving. Does he ever feel bitter towards the industry when he looks back in retrospect? �Never, why should I? The industry and its people have always been good to me. Ultimately, it all depends on destiny, where you�re meant to be and when you are meant to be there is never up to an individual.�
There�s an inevitable glow that lights up Jimmy�s face today, the glow of success. His grandly fur-nished apartment, his sparkling new Lancer and his dapper Gucci glares are only a materialistic measure of what he has achieved. And then life couldn�t have been better. After all what more does one need to survive - the love of your life by your side, good friends that give you hope and contentment. It�s like he himself puts it, �Nothing else matters.�
Source: Stardust

Jimmy Shergill � the boy next door comes of age
Parbina Rashid (Chandiargh Tribune Online Edition)
Chandigarh, July 29

What strikes you the most about Jimmy Shergill, the lover boy �Karan� of �Mohabattein�, is his boy-next-door image. After climbing the ladder of success in a slow but steady manner, Jimmy is too cautious to get caught by the heady feeling of success.
Jimmy, who was in town to inaugurate the first outlet of Provouge Studio in Sector 17, talked at length about his career that started with a short yet meaningful role in Gulzar�s �Machis�.
Though entering the glamour world was just an adventure for this Gorakhpur-born and Patiala-bred man, he was not completely unarmed when he was signed up for �Machis� in 1993. He had already finished a year with Roshan Taneja learning acting.
Recalling his fifteen minutes of fame in �Machis� he says the thrill of seeing himself on the silver screen was unparallel and he saw the film 28 times to actually believe it. In �Machis� Jimmy played a character by the same name as his own �Jimmy�- a carefree college student, who becomes a terrorist out of frustration.
Nothing much happened with Jimmy from the period from �Machis� to �Mohabattein� except for an art film �Jahan Tum Le Chalo� starring Nirmal Pande and Sonali Kulkarni which failed to get noticed and another picture �Dam Dam Diga Diga� a project which got aborted after completing 80 per cent of the total shooting.
�� I was really frustrated and had a tough time keeping my cool , so that I would not end up signing wrong projects,�� he says. ��There are too many projects are being taken up by some producers which never even get started,�� he adds. What kept him afloat during this long period was two music videos- the first one �Who Kaun Thi� and the second Jagjit Singh�s �Marasim.��
Jimmy who has already signed two films , �Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar� and �Hasil� as lead hero, says his association with Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan was fruitful which taught him a lot about acting. ��I am willing to do any kind of role, even negative ones depending on who is directing them,�� says Jimmy.
How about a Punjabi film? ��I feel there is a lot of potential in Punjabi movies but right at this stage I am not in a position to act in them,�� says Jimmy with a diplomatic touch. ��Probably when I am well established in the Bollywood, I would like to work in some good Punjabi projects,�� he adds
Jimmy Shergill � the boy next door comes of age
Parbina Rashid (Chandiargh Tribune Online Edition)
Chandigarh, July 29
What strikes you the most about Jimmy Shergill, the lover boy �Karan� of �Mohabattein�, is his boy-next-door image. After climbing the ladder of success in a slow but steady manner, Jimmy is too cautious to get caught by the heady feeling of success.
Jimmy, who was in town to inaugurate the first outlet of Provouge Studio in Sector 17, talked at length about his career that started with a short yet meaningful role in Gulzar�s �Machis�.
Though entering the glamour world was just an adventure for this Gorakhpur-born and Patiala-bred man, he was not completely unarmed when he was signed up for �Machis� in 1993. He had already finished a year with Roshan Taneja learning acting.
Recalling his fifteen minutes of fame in �Machis� he says the thrill of seeing himself on the silver screen was unparallel and he saw the film 28 times to actually believe it. In �Machis� Jimmy played a character by the same name as his own �Jimmy�- a carefree college student, who becomes a terrorist out of frustration.
Nothing much happened with Jimmy from the period from �Machis� to �Mohabattein� except for an art film �Jahan Tum Le Chalo� starring Nirmal Pande and Sonali Kulkarni which failed to get noticed and another picture �Dam Dam Diga Diga� a project which got aborted after completing 80 per cent of the total shooting.
�� I was really frustrated and had a tough time keeping my cool , so that I would not end up signing wrong projects,�� he says. ��There are too many projects are being taken up by some producers which never even get started,�� he adds. What kept him afloat during this long period was two music videos- the first one �Who Kaun Thi� and the second Jagjit Singh�s �Marasim.��
Jimmy who has already signed two films , �Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar� and �Hasil� as lead hero, says his association with Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan was fruitful which taught him a lot about acting. ��I am willing to do any kind of role, even negative ones depending on who is directing them,�� says Jimmy.
How about a Punjabi film? ��I feel there is a lot of potential in Punjabi movies but right at this stage I am not in a position to act in them,�� says Jimmy with a diplomatic touch. ��Probably when I am well established in the Bollywood, I would like to work in some good Punjabi projects,�� he adds

Jimmy and Hrishitaa play cat and mouse

Bharati Dubey

In the wee hours of morning, Mumbai's Edward Theatre is buzzing.

With only two nights of shooting left, the set construction technicians are busy giving the final touches to the props.

Drector Tigmanshu Dhulia and choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant discuss the sequence with the film's leading stars, Jimmy Shergill (Maachis, Mohabbatein) and Hrishitaa Bhatt (Asoka).

The film under question is Haasil.

Clad in a red pullover, Jimmy and Hrishitaa, wearing a burkha, seem engrossed in the discussion.

Meanwhile, choreographer Vaibhavi instructs Jimmy and Hrishitaa to take their respective position.

"We are shooting a song. The boy and the girl meet [for the first time] in this theatre because they don't want anyone to know about them," informs Dhulia. "They have a fight in their very first meeting, which is followed by a dream sequence."

Haasil is a romantic thriller with some religious undertones. Shot extensively in Allahabad, Bhandara and Mumbai, Dhulia faced a lot of problems in Allahabad.

"People have only mentioned films like Gadar - Ek Prem Katha and Water facing the wrath of people in Uttar Pradesh. I hail from Allahabad. I expected the city to welcome me; it didn't. There were press reports that the film would create communal tension. We were given permission to shoot inside the University. Thanks to the reports, the permission was cancelled. Even as we shot the University bit, we were being chased by people."

For the moment, Jimmy is trying to appease a furious Hrishitaa, who walks away in a huff. The dance director is dissatisfied with the take. She asks for one more before she is happy. Vaibhavi Merchant also choreographed Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh in O ri chori (Lagaan).

Jimmy takes a break for dinner. Hrishitaa prefers to talk about her role in Haasil: "This song comes immediately after our fight. I play a simple, subdued character. Though she stands up for her rights, which is quite appealing. Besides, Tigmanshu is a brilliant writer and director, committed to his work. I am really happy with my role."

Jimmy echoes Hrishitaa's thoughts. "This film is very close to my heart. Each of us has given our best for the sake of the director. His dedication and conviction in himself is encouraging."