Mumbai, Jan 1 (NationPress) Actor Jackie Shroff once shared how he overcame significant challenges to pursue acting, crediting filmmaker Subhash Ghai as the pivotal force in his cinematic journey.

An archival video from the IIFA awards has recently emerged online, featuring the actor's heartfelt speech upon receiving an accolade.

He stated, “I am a boy from chawl. I grew up in a slum. I had no understanding of acting, nor did I realize that I was a child of South Mumbai. Subhash Ghai presented me with the opportunity to be a hero, and I embraced that role. I’m unsure how he managed to convince me. My command of Hindi isn't great, and when I speak, it sounds peculiar. My linguistic skills are lacking. Nevertheless, the way Subhash Ghai mentored me transformed my life, granting me a platform to stand among eminent actors like Anil Kapoor.”

“Here you are, asking me to speak. I’m at a loss for words, Subhash, my respect for you is immense. You’ve made this moment possible for me. Thank you very much,” he continued.

Jackie Shroff's journey began in a humble chawl, marked by economic hardships and personal loss. He left school early to assist his family, taking on various jobs until he was discovered for modeling. Acting was never an intended aspiration, yet it became his salvation. His major breakthrough came with the film ‘Hero’, where his innate intensity and authenticity distinguished him in a star-centric industry. However, his path to success was not devoid of challenges. Jackie experienced a tumultuous career filled with box-office disappointments and the pressures of maintaining stardom amidst evolving trends in Hindi cinema. Yet, he adapted, transitioning from romantic leads to intricate character portrayals with grace.

Films such as ‘Parinda’, ‘Gardish’, ‘Rangeela’, and ‘Devdas’ highlighted his emotional richness and adaptability, garnering critical praise and respect beyond commercial achievements. One of Jackie Shroff's most significant triumphs is his decision to remain true to his roots. Despite his fame, he has maintained a grounded personality, spiritual inclination, and unconventional lifestyle. He embraced change long before it became trendy, working across both mainstream and regional films.