He's a busy man. At a young age, he took over the responsibilities from his father Jagdish Mohanlal Joshi and expanded his family business (JMJ Group). His dream was also to make it big in the entertainment and fitness fields. And while doing so, he's garnering a name as the insightful entrepreneur of Viking Ventures. We're talking about Sachiin Joshi, the multi-faceted industrialist-turned-actor who's third film Jackpot is about to release. While Sachiin may not have yet skyrocketed to success, his gusto to make it work is commendable. On the brink of his new release, he already thinks he's hit the proverbial jackpot with his future prospects. News has it that he's seriously contemplating buying a football team in ASFC (a football equivalent to IPL in India). And with wife/actor Urvashi Sharma pregnant, Sachiin is in the midst of a really good time.
After Azaan and Mumbai Mirror, how was it shooting for Jackpot?
It's been an experience. With time, you learn from your mistakes. You try to rectify them and keep evolving. It's always good to grow and reinvent yourself.
What do you consider as mistakes?
The kind of scripts I chose early on weren't ideal for a newcomer. They were mature instead of being lighthearted, the kind the audience prefers. I should've signed them once I made a name for myself. Maybe because I was confident in other businesses, I thought I'd excel here too. But as an actor, it's imperative you don't take full responsibility of the film. That was too much to handle for me.
How did Jackpot come along?
Kaizad (Gustad, director) wanted to discuss a script with me for quite some time. I casually met him one evening after I'd wrapped up shooting for Mumbai Mirror. Normally, you have a perception about people before you meet them. I'd heard about Kaizad and his films but I still wanted to hear him out. I was sold the moment he narrated the script. The biggest USP of this film is its screenplay. It was exciting because it's different from what I've done so far. Things fell into place after that...
The film was shot completely in Goa...
Yes. It never felt like we were out there making a movie. It felt more like a holiday. Especially, with such an easy-go-lucky team and cast.
It was a lot of fun.
How did Sunny Leone become a part of the film?
Well, we kept meeting for various other projects. She is also the brand endorser for my energy drink - Triple X. I thought of her when I heard the script and Kaizad didn't mind it either. Sunny's particular about her scripts. She had read a few scripts previously but of them all, she liked Jackpot.
How was it working with a veteran like Naseeruddin Shah?
He's been in the industry for 40 years now. And the beauty is that he's so effortless. He does everything to perfection and is always well-prepared. In short, he's a fine talent with huge experience. I learnt a lot from him.
Your first film didn't live up to expectations. What has that left you with?
Basically, I'm a content person. However, I realised in this country even though everyone talks about content and cinema, we're star centric. If you have good content with a star, it's a sure hit. But having good content without a star can lead to a flop. What I understand is that you've got to connect with the pulse of the audience. You must comprehend what they want to watch and what attracts them.
What are you future projects?
I may have 500 scripts lined up in my inbox but I like to take one thing at a time. I give my 100 per cent to my work.
Did you dream of being in the movies as a kid?
I was brought up in Pune and our house shared a compound wall with the FTII (Film and Television Institute of India). I watched students trying to make movies. When I was eight, I worked in one of their documentaries. In no time, I went on to work in 16 documentary films. That's why films have always been on my mind. Sports and films are my
two passions.
How are you associated with sports?
There are two football leagues starting soon. I'm planning to buy a team in ASFC (All Stars Football Club). It's going to do to football what IPL did to cricket.
What's your first love?
Work, for sure. Films are a passion. I've treated films as dessert and my business as food. You can't live without food. But you're always excited about your dessert more
than your food, isn't it?
Your wife (Raina aka actor Urvashi Sharma) is pregnant. How do you feel?
It's exciting to have a child. I want many. Let's see how things work out. With Jackpot hitting the theatres soon the way my career is going and now the news of her pregnancy, I believe this is my purple patch.
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