Actor Jimmy Shergill celebrates his 55th birthday today, and he continues to be regarded as one of Bollywood’s quietly magnetic stars. For those who grew up in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Jimmy wasn’t just another actor—he was the soft-spoken heartthrob who won hearts with his memorable role in Mohabbatein. While many remember him for that romantic drama, few know that his film journey actually began earlier. He made his debut in Gulzar’s Maachis (1996), a gritty political drama set in Punjab during the turbulent 1980s. It was far from the typical glamorous Bollywood launch, but it demonstrated early on that Jimmy was a talent to watch. Every time he appears on screen, he ensures his presence is felt.

Jimmy became an instant heartthrob with Mohabbatein, playing Karan Choudhary, one of the young lovers in the film. Even amid a star-studded cast, his charm and soft-spoken persona left a lasting impression on audiences. He then appeared in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003) as Zaheer, a young cancer patient, a brief but emotionally impactful role that earned him a return in the sequel, Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006).

In A Wednesday (2008), Jimmy portrayed Arif Khan, a tough and perceptive police officer, sharing screen space with veterans like Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah. His performance was praised for its intensity and realism, further cementing his reputation as a versatile actor. He continued to showcase his talent in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (2011), where he played Aditya Pratap Singh, a royal struggling to hold onto power as his world unraveled. His portrayal brought raw emotional depth to the character, contributing significantly to the film’s cult status.

Jimmy also won hearts with the Tanu Weds Manu series, playing Raja, a tough yet emotional character who, despite being the “other man,” managed to earn audience sympathy. His nuanced performance in both films added layers to a role that could easily have been one-dimensional. Whether as a romantic lead or in complex, layered roles, Jimmy Shergill has consistently delivered performances that leave a lasting impression, proving that his talent and screen presence have stood the test of time.