Jason Shah talks about working in Jana Nayagan and his perspective on Indian cinema; says, ‘I no longer see myself as an outsider' - Exclusive interview

Jason Shah Exclusive Interview

• Jana Nayagan marks Thalapathy Vijay's farewell to cinema in 2026
• Jason Shah plays Bobby Deol's loyal right-hand man in the political action drama
• Jason nearly missed the role but joined after schedule changes aligned

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As Indian cinema gears up for one of its most emotionally charged releases of 2026, Jana Nayagan stands tall, not just as a high-voltage political action drama, but as the film that marks Thalapathy Vijay’s farewell to the silver screen.

Amidst the scale, legacy, and anticipation surrounding the project, actor Jason Shah finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his own career. From his early days as a model and actor navigating Hindi television and films to earning nationwide recognition with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi, Jason’s journey has been one of steady evolution and quiet resilience.

In Jana Nayagan, Jason steps into a dark, layered role as the trusted right-hand man to Bobby Deol’s character, an association that places him right at the heart of the film’s power dynamics. What makes his presence in the film even more compelling is the near-miss that almost cost him the project altogether, before fate, timing, and perseverance aligned. In this candid conversation with MoneyControl, Jason opens up about the emotional weight of being part of Vijay’s final film, his enriching collaboration with Bobby Deol, the discipline of big-ticket South productions, and how negative roles have allowed him to push his creative boundaries. Read on

Jana Nayagan is one of the most anticipated films of early 2026, especially as it marks Thalapathy Vijay's cinematic farewell before his expected political career. What does it mean to you to be part of such a landmark project?

Being part of Jana Nayagan is truly an honour. This film carries emotional weight not just for Vijay sir’s fans, but for Indian cinema as a whole. To be associated with a project that marks the closing of such a monumental chapter in someone’s cinematic journey is incredibly humbling. I’m grateful to be a small part of a moment that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.

Interestingly, Due to an overpacked schedule in Telugu at the time, I had to let the project go initially, which was honestly one of the most difficult decisions of my career. Opportunities like this don’t come often. When I was later reconsidered and the dates aligned, it was truly the best news to receive, and I didn’t hesitate for a second to say yes.

You are reportedly playing the right-hand character to Bobby Deol’s role in Jana Nayagan. Can you describe your character’s arc and his relationship with Bobby’s character?

(Laughs) Sure but as you know, I can’t reveal much. Without giving too much away, my character is deeply loyal and closely tied to Bobby sir’s character, both emotionally and strategically. It’s a relationship built on trust, shared ambition, and a certain darkness that binds them. The arc is very action-driven, but beneath that, there’s a psychological layer that was exciting to explore. It’s not just about being the right-hand man it’s about understanding why that loyalty exists and what it ultimately costs.

Working with Bobby sir has been extremely fun. I got to see a side of him that I never knew existed. He’s a very warm person, and while that does come across, experiencing it firsthand was special. Interestingly, he’s the only big actor I’ve worked with so far who already knew me and my work when we first met. I had thought I’d be speaking to him about his work, but it turned out to be the opposite. Knowing that someone of his stature had taken the effort to understand the people working alongside him really meant a lot.

With stars like Vijay, Prakash Raj, Bobby Deol and more, what was the on-set atmosphere like during filming?

The atmosphere was intense yet incredibly disciplined. When you’re surrounded by artists of that calibre, there’s a collective sense of responsibility towards the film. Even when I wasn’t shooting with everyone directly, the energy on set was focused and charged. There’s a quiet respect that flows through such teams, and it pushes everyone to bring their best every single day.

Many fans saw you gain widespread notice from Heeramandi. How did working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and on a prestigious period series change your career outlook?

Heeramandi was a turning point for me. Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali introduced me to a completely different level of discipline, detailing, and emotional investment. The scale of the project and the time we dedicated to it reshaped how I view my craft. It also brought me recognition on a national level, which opened doors to more diverse and meaningful opportunities. Most importantly, it taught me patience both as an actor and as a storyteller.

Negative roles in South Indian films often leave lasting impressions. What do you find most challenging and rewarding about playing antagonists?

I completely agree with the fact that antagonists often become larger-than-life in certain films, and I believe that’s because they have to work just as hard as the main lead. A hero truly becomes big only when he defeats a strong antagonist.

The most challenging part is ensuring that the character doesn’t become one-dimensional. A good antagonist needs depth, conviction, and logic behind their actions. What I find most rewarding is that negative characters give you the freedom to explore extremes emotionally, physically, and psychologically. When done honestly, these roles tend to stay with audiences long after the film ends, which is incredibly satisfying as an actor.

With projects across different languages, is there one role or genre you have yet to explore but would love to in the future?

I’m always curious about characters that are emotionally complex rather than genre-specific. That said, I would love to explore a strong, character-driven drama or even a grounded romantic story, something minimal yet powerful. I’m also keen to work more in regional cinema, especially Gujarati, Marathi, and Malayalam films, where storytelling often feels very raw and rooted. Luckily, I’m already in talks for a few projects in some of these newer regions, and hopefully things will start locking soon.

Also Read: Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan release postponed amidst CBFC certification row, makers issue official statement

Having spent much of your career in India as a British actor and model, how has your perspective on Indian cinema evolved over the years?

Indian cinema has taught me the importance of emotion and scale coexisting. Over the years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the passion with which stories are told here across languages and regions. I no longer see myself as an outsider working in Indian cinema; this industry has shaped me both personally and professionally. The evolution has been organic, and I feel fortunate to grow alongside it.