Javed Sheikh, a veteran Pakistani actor, director, and producer, has been a prominent figure in both Pakistani and Indian entertainment for decades.
With his extensive career, Sheikh has become a household name, known for his iconic roles in dramas such as Ankahi and Zindagi Gulzar Hai.
His presence in Pakistani cinema is equally impressive, with standout performances in Na Maloom Afraad, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, and Wrong Number. Additionally, he made his mark in Bollywood with films like Om Shanti Om, Namastey London, Tamasha and Jannat, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.
Recently, Sheikh appeared on the Ramadan transmission Baran-e-Rehmat, hosted by Pakistani model and actor Omer Shahzad alongside Arsala Siddiqui.
During the show, the host asked Sheikh about a character or film that is particularly close to his heart. Sheikh took this opportunity to reflect on some of his most memorable roles, including his work in Na Maloom Afraad, before mentioning Jannat.
Jannat is a 2008 Indian crime-sport-drama film, where Emraan Hashmi played the protagonist, while Sheikh took on the role of the villain, Abu Ibrahim.
When Shahzad asked Sheikh what it was like working with Hashmi, the veteran actor shared an intriguing story about their first meeting in Cape Town, right before the filming began.
Sheikh recalled, “I was on the set of my film with Imran Hashmi in Cape Town. I was sitting on my set when the director introduced me to Emraan Hashmi. I said, ‘Assalamu Alaikum.’ He rudely behaved with me, ignored my greeting and went away, after that I sat at my seat and didn’t talk to him. I was just sitting on my seat when the director came to me and said that you have to do rehearsal with Emraan Hashmi. I then told the director that I am not going anywhere, he will come to me and then the director made him come to me and we did rehearsal. This is how I treated him because of you will respect, you will get it from me.”
Sheikh went on to express his shock at how a newcomer like Hashmi, at the time, treated him with such disregard.
For someone who has worked with some of Bollywood’s biggest stars—Shahrukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan—Sheikh felt that he was due a certain level of respect. As he put it, “They all call me Javed ji.”
Javed Sheikh added that he doesn’t take revenge in a harsh way but instead in a “soft and stylistic” manner. “That’s why I said I will not get up and make my way to him; rather, he will come to me,” he explained with a touch of humor.
Despite the initial tension, Sheikh mentioned that after around two weeks of not speaking to him, Hashmi eventually approached him personally and began to strike up a conversation.
