Dhollywood’s on a high right now: Jimit Trivedi

Recently, Jimit Trivedi shared a tweet from Rishi Kapoor, which read, “Jimit Trivedi. An actor to watch out for. Confidence, looks and talent, rare combo.” Jimit is currently enjoying a great phase in his career. After Gujjubhai The Great going on to become one of the most loved Dhollywood films of all time, Jimit’s performance in Gujjubhai Most Wanted, was also well appreciated.Excerpts from a chat with Jimit, who will be playing an important role in the Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor starrer 102 Not Out, based on a Gujarati play of the same name (written and directed by Saumya Joshi):
Rishi Kapoor’s tweet must have really made you feel special.
He had tweeted it on the first day of my shoot for 102 Not Out. As a child, I have grown up watching films of these two legends. So, it was a dream come true moment to work with them. They made me feel extremely comfortable right from the beginning. They are extremely down-to-earth people, in spite of being such big stars and it was inspiring to see the kind of respect they had for Umesh Shukla (director). They were ready for multiple retakes and were always open to suggestions. While watching them from close quarters, you realize that they are still like students of this great medium and that humility is amazing. After my first shot, Rishiji praised me in front of everyone. Later, when he tweeted, I was pleasantly surprised and read the tweet more than once for the feeling to sink in!
People in Gujarat will have additional expectations because of the play on which the film is based.
I have seen the Gujarati play and I think all the actors (Jayesh More, Prem Gadhavi, Hemin Trivedi, Vishal Vaishya) have done a fantastic job. The chemistry between the lead actors in the play is mind-blowing! It is a matter of great pride for Gujarat that one of our much-loved plays is being turned into a Bollywood film starring two of the country’s biggest superstars. Hopefully, I will live up to people’s expectations.
Are you happy with the way your latest Gujarati film has been received? And what are your thoughts on the future of Gujarati cinema?
I was very excited as well as nervous about Gujjubhai-Most Wanted because I was playing a completely different character, as compared to what I had played in the last Gujjubhai film. But now, it feels like I have won the battle and the feedback that I have got has been encouraging. What is nice to see is that some really good films have been made in the recent past, including Love Ni Bhavai and Chal Man Jeetva Jaiye. It is heartening to see that some of the new filmmakers have a clear vision and they aren’t hesitant to try out new ideas. That’s the only way to sustain and grow as an industry. Unless our stories are great, people will watch Bollywood films more. We have some really good writers too, and I believe that Gujarati films have a very bright future.