When Jackie Shroff revealed producers gave him film narrations while waiting in toilet queue

Time of India

2 days ago

Since rising to fame in the 1980s,
has remained firmly grounded in his modest upbringing. Though stardom came early, he stayed connected to the chawl in Mumbai's Teen Batti area where he was raised.
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In a past interview, the actor shared how he maintained a simple lifestyle despite his success.
Early Memories: From No Cupboard to Community Gatherings
On the Yaaron Ki Baarat show, Jackie fondly remembered his early days when he had just landed a film but didn't even own a cupboard. The suit came before the cupboard, and when the cupboard finally arrived, the entire chawl gathered to see it. This experience reflected the close-knit community he grew up in and taught him the true value of possessions and simplicity.
While others might have upgraded to lavish homes, he remained close to the people who watched him grow. Even after starring in hits like 'Hero', 'Andar Baahar', and 'Yudh', Jackie continued living in the chawl, where sharing basic amenities like toilets was part of everyday life.
Shared Washrooms and Producers' Film Narrations
Shroff recalled that living in a chawl with just three washrooms for 30 people often led to amusing situations.
He mentioned how producers would sometimes spot him waiting in line for the toilet and even give him film narrations then. After he became an actor, visiting producers and directors also had to queue for the washroom, which upset the chawl residents. They told Jackie, 'You've become such a star, but we don't want you or your friends standing in line for the washroom.
So, we're gifting you the washroom.' This story highlights the close-knit community and the unique challenges of his early life.
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The Gift of a Private Washroom from the Chawl Residents
The actor tried to politely refuse the chawl residents' generous offer of a private washroom, saying neither he nor his guests minded waiting in line. However, they insisted on gifting it to him. Jackie recalled that the washroom even had a lock. Despite his rising fame at that time, marked by his film 'Shiva Ka Insaaf', his mother had proudly displayed the movie's poster in their home, symbolizing his growing recognition.
'Shiva Ka Insaaf' (1985) was notable as India's first Hindi superhero movie and the first 3D Hindi film.