Jim Sarbh loves to play different characters with every outing characters to dabble in. Essaying a real-life character for the first time in Rocket Boys, where he played the role of Dr Homi J. Bhaba, sure had his challenges, but one that he overcame effortlessly. So much so that it has gotten him a nomination at the International EMMys for Best Performance by an Actor in the said series. In an exclusive chat, the talented actor speaks about what global recognition like this means, how overwhelmed he feels and more. Excerpts…
Would you say a recognition like EMMY is a milestone in your career? I am overwhelmed and excited to be nominated under the Best Actor category at the International Emmy Awards for my portrayal of Dr Homi Bhabha in Rocket Boys. It is an honour to be recognised amongst such talented individuals from across the world. This nomination is a testament to the hard-working, dedicated, and extremely talented cast and crew, who brought the incredible story of Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Bhabha to life. As far as my career goes, I suppose time will tell.
Who was the first person called when the news broke about your nomination? Abhay Pannu broke the news to me via text, and simultaneously Nikkhil called me - so Nikkhil Advani was the first person I spoke to on the phone. You and Shefali Shah both have been nominated to the EMMYS… Don’t forget Vir Das! I think Shefali Shah is a fantastic actor. From her early work in Satya and Monsoon Wedding to the more recent Darlings and Delhi Crime, I think she brings incredible truth, gravity, and mischief to her performances. I have not seen Vir's show yet, but I look forward to it. I have not seen the work of Gustavo Bassani, and Jonas Karlsson (the other nominees in the best actor category), but I am very interested in watching the shows they have been nominated for. Martin Freeman? I have followed his career for many years and love his work. He always pops up in one of my favourite director's films: Edgar Wright. In addition, there is The Office, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Fargo, Carnage, and, of course, Sherlock. I have not watched The Responder, but I am very eager to. I greatly admire his ability to represent an underdog, an everyman, with so much grace, depth, bravery in the face of sadness, quiet charisma, and humour. He always has me rooting for his character.
What are your takeaways from Rocket Boys and your character that has brought in such a huge recognition? I loved working on Rocket Boys, a project that salutes some of India’s scientists, artistes, and leaders, the pioneers of a newly birthed nation. The fact that the producers wanted to take on a story about two scientists who were integral in building the early blocks of modern India, excited me. Men who worked tirelessly, who persevered in the face of limited resources and national and international pressures, who balanced their ambition, or maybe more appropriately, harnessed their privilege and ambition for a greater cause, the cause of a better India, is extremely inspiring for me.
What kind of responsibility do you think comes with playing a real-life person? Dr. Bhabha was a fascinating man. A complete man. He was a scientist, first and foremost, but he was also a painter, a violinist, an architect (he designed most of his institutes), a die-hard supporter of the arts, a loyal friend, and a charming partner. He was full of life. He believed in increasing the longevity of his life by increasing the intensity with which he lived it. How you do something is how you do everything, and his attention to detail, appreciation of showmanship, and pursuit of perfection show in every aspect of his life. The big challenge for me was to try to represent this genius - to represent someone who thinks deeper, faster, and broader than I do. The makers of the show were always very clear, they wanted to show not Dr. Bhabha and Dr. Sarabhai, but Homi and Vikram, the men who did not know what their legacy would be but worked tirelessly to solve the problems that were before them. We tried to approach each problem but through the lens of a genius.
Did you expect the show to become as big as it did? Based on the first iterations of the script, and my discussions with Abhay Pannu, I had complete faith in him as a writer/director. We spent ages workshopping the scenes, and discussing what we thought was the best approach tonally, physically (by blocking the scenes well in advance), and emotionally. We hoped that the story would resonate with a wider audience because we worked hard at bringing the script and the character to life. It feels good that the shows we are making are reaching global audiences because what a story wants more than anything else, is to be heard. The more, the merrier. More on: Jim Sarbh
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