Jackie Shroff tells Shalini Saksena why he chose to talk about Thalassemia and what is keeping him busy
Why did you choose to be the brand ambassador now?
A Ms Nanni, executive member of Thalassemics India reached out to me to be the brand ambassador. The disease is preventable but unfortunately not much is spoken about it. I thought I might as well create awareness and prevent children from the painful needle pricks and blood transfusions they will need to go through.
How do you think you can create awareness?
Without the help of the media, I can’t do anything. I don’t consider just myself as the brand ambassador. Each one of us is a conscious citizen. If we all start educating people around us, the message and awareness will spread faster. Let’s make a start.
A lot of films are being made that talk about things that ail our society. Do you think such subjects make a difference?
It definitely does. Akshay has been carrying different kinds of issues in his films like Toilet:Ek Prem Katha.
The one thing that you love about the industry.
It’s an industry where there is no cast and creed.
What subject would you choose to make a movie one?
I love to make documentaries on the environment because that’s the biggest issue which will affect the generations to come.
Is it correct for actors to be so active on social media?
As the sky is the limit, whether you are there on the social media or not privacy seems to be history. And I feel we are public property anyway.
A role that you will not turn down
(Sunil) Dutt saheb’s role in Mother India.
What keeps you busy these days?
Social work, family, farming, friends and films, films and films.