On being Priyanka’s coach

Shishir Sharma who plays the role of international coach of Priyanka Chopra in the film ‘Mary Kom’ talks about the film and more…

Shishir Sharma is a well known Indian film and small screen actor. He has played several successful TV roles as a father figure, director, business man etc. Now, Shishir will be seen in the upcoming film ‘Mary Kom’ as a coach to Priyanka Chopra's character. He has also done international projects, which includes the Hollywood film ‘The Second Best Marigold Hotel’ to hit screens in 2015.

Excerpts from an interview:

Yours has been a long journey with acting. Can you elaborate?

I started acting in 1974 with Pt Satyadev Dubey who was into play writing called ‘Sambhog Se Sanyas Tak’ at that time and I was cast in the play without any knowledge of acting. It marked the beginning of one of the finest journeys that has stayed with me for 25-years now. Meanwhile, we started our own group called ‘Arpana’ with Sunil Shanbag, Akash Khurana, Utkarsh Mazumdar , which is still active. We do contemporary Hindi plays not only in Mumbai but outside too.

My foray into TV started in 1993 with ‘Swabhimaan’ on DD1 and it’s been 21 years in this Industry. My first Hindi film was ‘Satya’ with Ramgopal Verma. I played a small role but it was effective. Since then I did films like, ‘Sarkar Raj’, ‘Om Jai Jagdish’, ‘Darling’, ‘Fanaa’, ‘Second Best Exoctic Marigold Hotel’, ‘Talvar’, ‘Ungli’ and now I am doing ‘Mary Kom’ and many more.

What has been the influence of Naseeruddin Shah whom you admire so much?

I consider him as the finest actor on stage and screen as well. He is versatility personified. I have learnt a lot from him as an actor from the time I acted with him in my first play, ‘Sambhog Se Sanyas Tak’. His mere presence on stage justifies him to be the finest actors. His craft of acting is something every actor must learn. The discipline with which he works and his methodical and meticulous treatment of the character make him different from others. His total attitude towards acting is absolutely amazing.

Are there any directors that you are looking forward to work with?

To name a few, I love to work with Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, Rensil Dsilva, Oomang Kumar and Madhur Bhandharkar.

What do you foresee for your new film, ‘Mary Kom’?

The film is already creating a lot of buzz all over the world. Priyanka Chopra has surpassed all expectations as an actor. She has done a fantastic job as Mary Kom. I am saying this from my experience of working with her; I am one of the coaches in the movie. It is a film that I think everyone must watch. I am sure it will be loved by everyone.

Tell us about your Hollywood film ‘The Second Best Marigold Hotel’?

It was an experience any actor would like to go through - A fantastic, exhilarating experience, working with people like Dame Judi Dench, Richard Gere, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, and Tena Desae. Being directed by an Oscar winning director John Madden was the icing on the cake. We did most of the shooting in India and as an actor I got the opportunity to learn a lot from these actors in terms of the discipline and the professionalism they brought with them on the sets.