A ‘grounded’ Jackie Shroff speaks about his pet peeve, and why it’s important to take life ‘like it’s music’

About his latest venture, Jackie Shroff shared the stories that inspired him the most, along with his tree planting campaign, how he unwinds, his pet peeve, his diet, and much more. Read the edited excerpts below:

What compelled you to take up Planet India?

Saving Mother Earth is our duty and responsibility. I find peace through such initiatives that think about taking care of our environment. Protecting the planet is something I care very deeply about and through Planet India I have been introduced to people from across India who share this passion and are doing incredible things. This is such a positive and inspiring initiative and gives me hope for the future. I am really proud to be the face and voice of the ‘This is Planet India’ film.

The documentary showcases inspiring stories from across the country. Stories such as growing forests or turning trash into a useful resource will motivate people to look at nature and the climate challenges we face in a new way. It’s a great idea to showcase the innovation around climate solutions that is happening across our country. All of these stories should be watched by more people who should get inspired to care for the environment and talk about why we need to be around nature.

Also, I wanted to do something beyond entertainment, something that allowed people to look at bringing a positive change. Stories, fiction or nonfiction, carry the power of ringing in change. If we want society to change, we have to start at home. So, with this documentary, I am reaching out to people, and urging them to care for our planet.

Which Planet India story was the most inspiring to you?

These stories are all so inspiring. Somewhere someone’s saving snow leopards, while someone else is growing a forest in only three years — which otherwise would have taken a decade. So definitely, each person here is very inspiring, and they are all immensely talented. I’m so happy to see so many children talking about the environment, and thinking about how it could improve — which is superb. I want people to watch these stories and get inspired to think of their own innovative ways to join the climate movement. Any small thing they can do — such as washing utensils with less soap so the groundwater doesn’t have too much soapy water and reducing water usage in general — could be useful. If we all start paying attention to these small things, that would be great for the movement. So yes, you should watch these stories, but also implement such things, and think of your own original ideas to combat climate change.

You have been a crusader of sustainability and green living for a long time now. How has that fared for you over the years?

I started an online campaign in 2020 called ‘Ped Lagao Bhidu’. I wanted to encourage people to plant more trees. I also actively participate in plantation drives. One of my pet peeves is the usage of plastic. I keep telling my friends to avoid using it as much as they can. I try to stay away from it as much as possible. I also grow a lot of fruits and vegetables on my organic farm.

Jackie Shroff at a cleanliness and plantation drive in Mumbai. (Photo: Varinder Chawla)

You say that you grow a lot of fruits and vegetables on your organic farm. Apart from being conscious about eating organic produce, do you also stick to a strict diet in general? 

When I’m not working, I spend at least three hours watering and caring for the plants and trees in my garden. And I make sure to do this barefoot. That way, at least for three hours, I remain ‘grounded’. Then, if I get the chance, I pay attention to my breath and do some pranayam.

In terms of my diet, I am vegetarian so my food is pretty light. I can eat anything, but I make sure I don’t repeat the same meals too often. If I’ve eaten something for lunch, I won’t be eating it again for dinner.

Mental health is equally important. How do you ensure to keep the noise and pressure away?

I believe making an effort to pay attention to your breath and regulating your breath can be very helpful. And to not take other people’s words to heart. If they say something that upsets you, it’s important to not take it too personally and respond with anger.

You have to try to take life like it’s music. If a motorbike or a car unnecessarily honks at you, one needs to take it like a musical note — if you start to hate them for it, then that’s what you’ll take from that experience. But one can also just take it as part and parcel of life, and not take things like this too harshly.

The actor often shares posts encouraging one to plant more trees. (Screenshot: Jackie Shroff/Instagram)

You, however, have been away from the screen for a while now. Can we expect to see more of you in the near future?

I hope so. Jab tak hai jaan, I’ll keep coming and going. That’s my plan. [Laughs]

Finally, a question about your distinct style. You have redefined the scarf, an accessory you are often spotted wearing. What does fashion mean to you, and how would you describe your style?

I truly think wearing what you find comfortable — that’s stylish. If you’re comfortable in a dhoti, shirt, jeans, suit, sherwani, jacket, then that’s fashion. Whatever you wear, you should feel comfortable in it. If you are comfortable, then whatever you wear really shines. And also, of course, one should take care of their hygiene, keep their nails clean, you know? [Laughs]

Planet India, created by Pluc.TV, in partnership with Studio Silverback, streams on JioCinema.

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