Jackie Shroff: 'A strong spine at 90 makes you a superhero' ahead of The Great Grand Superhero
Synopsis
Jackie Shroff isn't just promoting a film — he's redefining what heroism means in your twilight years. His belief that a strong spine at 90 is its own superpower reflects a philosophy that has kept him relevant across four decades of Hindi cinema. The Great Grand Superhero, releasing 29 May, casts him as the bridge between a child's imagination and adult wisdom.
Key Takeaways
Jackie Shroff says staying fit and active into your 90s makes you a superhero, ahead of The Great Grand Superhero release on 29 May 2026 .
The film, produced by Zee Studios and Amdavad Films , explores a grandfather-grandson relationship with an alien-encounter twist.
Directed by National Award-winner Manish Saini , the ensemble cast includes Prateik Smita Patil , Bhagyashree Dasani , and Sharat Saxena .
Shroff made his Bollywood debut in Subhash Ghai's Hero in 1983 , marking the start of a four-decade career.
Ghai recently praised Shroff for maintaining respect and gratitude toward his mentor despite decades of success.
Jackie Shroff, the veteran Bollywood actor, believes that physical fitness and mental vitality in advanced age are their own form of heroism. Speaking ahead of the release of his upcoming film The Great Grand Superhero on 29 May 2026, Shroff reflected on what true heroism means beyond the screen.
"With The Great Grand Superhero, we're fulfilling every child's dream," Shroff said. "If your spirit stays young and your spine stays strong till 90, that itself makes you a superhero. Kids' dreams should always come first."
The film's premise and cast
Produced by Zee Studios and Amdavad Films, The Great Grand Superhero explores a unique bond between grandfather and grandson, anchored by a child's imagination and an unexpected encounter with aliens. The teaser, released recently, hints at a narrative that blends warmth with adventure — a departure from conventional family cinema.
Directed by National Award-winner Manish Saini, the ensemble cast includes Prateik Smita Patil, Bhagyashree Dasani, Sharat Saxena, Mihir Godbole, Durgesh Kumar, Saharsh Shukla, Shivansh Chorge, and Kumar Saurabh.
Shroff's enduring legacy in Hindi cinema
Jackie Shroff has been a fixture of Bollywood for over four decades, having made his debut in Subhash Ghai's landmark film Hero in 1983. That film, produced under Mukta Arts, marked the beginning of an acting journey that has seen Shroff maintain both critical respect and audience affection across generations.
Ghai's tribute to his protégé
Recently, Subhash Ghai, who directed Shroff in his debut, publicly praised the actor's consistency and character. On social media, Ghai wrote: "In my journey as a filmmaker I did my best to groom non actors raw actors n actors to shine on screen n I feel happy that they are still at their peak with audiences. But some get into the orbit of their own success they deserve but some have same love n respect for the maker they started."
Ghai then singled out Shroff, stating: "N one of them is HERO who started as hero in #Mukta arts n still remain as HERO for millions of people today. I m so proud of him as a man n actor both always." The tribute underscores Shroff's reputation for professionalism and gratitude within the industry — qualities that have sustained his four-decade career.
What's next
The Great Grand Superhero releases on 29 May 2026. The film represents Shroff's continued engagement with family-oriented narratives that appeal across age groups, positioning him as a bridge between generations in contemporary Hindi cinema.
Point of View
He's choosing roles that celebrate aging with dignity rather than fighting it. The Great Grand Superhero, with its grandfather-grandson narrative, feels like the logical endpoint of a career built on authenticity. It's also a rebuke to the industry's unspoken rule that relevance ends at 60.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Great Grand Superhero about?
The Great Grand Superhero is a family film exploring the relationship between a grandfather and grandson, centred on a child's imagination and an encounter with aliens. Directed by Manish Saini and produced by Zee Studios and Amdavad Films, it releases on 29 May 2026.
When does The Great Grand Superhero release?
The film releases on 29 May 2026. The teaser has already been released, hinting at the unique blend of warmth and adventure.
What did Jackie Shroff say about being a superhero?
Shroff said that if your spirit stays young and your spine stays strong till 90, that itself makes you a superhero. He emphasised that children's dreams should always come first, reflecting his philosophy on aging with purpose.
Who is in the cast of The Great Grand Superhero?
The ensemble cast includes Jackie Shroff, Prateik Smita Patil, Bhagyashree Dasani, Sharat Saxena, Mihir Godbole, Durgesh Kumar, Saharsh Shukla, Shivansh Chorge, and Kumar Saurabh, directed by National Award-winner Manish Saini.
What did Subhash Ghai say about Jackie Shroff recently?
Subhash Ghai, who directed Shroff in his 1983 debut Hero, publicly praised him for maintaining respect and gratitude toward his mentor despite four decades of success. Ghai wrote that Shroff remains a 'HERO for millions of people today' and expressed pride in him both as an actor and a man.
