3 Fits With Jim Sarbh

Jim Sarbh's career reads like a kaleidoscope of characters—bold, unpredictable and endlessly compelling. From his chilling debut as a terrorist in Neerja to a cunning slave general in Padmaavat, a suave hotshot in Made in Heaven, the visionary Homi Bhabha in Rocket Boys, and a sharp lawyer in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, he slips between personas with chameleon-like ease.

Much like his filmography, his wardrobe resists categorisation. One moment he’s sharply tailored, the next, nonchalantly layered in eclectic prints or unexpected textures. It’s a sartorial language that blurs the lines between classic polish and fearless eccentricity, proving that, for Jim Sarbh, a performance doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling—it continues in every thread and silhouette.

We catch up with the actor—now also a writer, producer and fulltime sartorial shapeshifter—to decode the choices, quirks and instincts that define his look, and the grand career plans he has for 2025.

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Was there a first moment you fell in love with clothing and menswear?

Unfortunately, clothing is expected at most stages and events of your life. I distinctly remember opening my eyes for the first time, a new born babe, and being swaddled in a designer cotton-muslin-blend Balenciaga ‘Hospital-esque Toga’. There was no looking back. If my nappy was not a slinky silk Rajesh Pratap Singh number, I would fume and rage and induce a bout of constipation. If my onesie was anything but a repurposed Sabyasachi sari, I would hold my breath until I passed out.

You’ve made some compelling style statements on the red carpet—what inspires your edgy approach to fashion?

I have always enjoyed the fluidity of David Bowie, the grunge of Kurt Cobain, the floral motifs of Mother Nature, but now I like soothing, comfortable colour blocks. However, when it comes to the red carpet, there is only one person who has edged me along: Tanya Vohra [Ahuja] is the most beautiful, kind, talented stylist a person can wish for. She will run with whatever I’m in the mood for, no matter how wacky, and somehow, somehow, she will make this obsolete vulture of a human look ‘edgy’.

Are there any designers who inspire your style choices?

I like how things feel. I like interesting looking materials; I like how disparate things can come together; I am drawn to Japanese designers for all the ways they know how to use black and I like that store Darklands in Berlin. I don’t want to name my three favourite Indian designers at the moment, because I am gatekeeping them like a horrible piece of shit.

Any look from the ’80s or ’90s that you’d like to bring back?

Where is all the leopard print? More leopard print.

What would you never ever wear?

Jam.

Why?

Too sticky.

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What are you currently on the hunt for?

I have hung up my spear at the moment. I have enough. Yet, I cannot predict what I would do, if, let’s say, a beautiful fabric leapt out at me from a window, and startled me. Pull out the gat perhaps. Over before you know it. Blam blam.

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it consist of?

Confidence.

One thing from your closet you’ll never throw out?

A T-shirt I have with my friend Victoria’s face on it. She was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in a jealous rage, many years ago… Good reminder of her, and a good reminder of the futility, absurdity and small-mindedness of vengeful violence.

What's happening for you on the professional front currently?

Two films I helped produce, Sabar Bonda and Baksho Bondi, played at Sundance and Berlin respectively, earlier this year. Their journeys forward look strong. I have a strong hope that one of them is picked as India’s Oscar representative. Later this year, Pune Highway and my first Telegu film, Kubera, will have theatrical releases, and Inspector Zende will premiere on Netflix. Crew Cut, an interview series out on YouTube I created with the gorgeous, talented Zoya Hussain, is, against the odds, managing to trot along nicely. Actors interview crew members, in the attempt to reveal just how crucial every member of a film team is in the storytelling. And also, who wants to hear from actors anymore? F**king boring. We are looking for sponsors, though. Help. Made in India—A Titan Story also starts shooting later this month, so I have a busy year ahead.

What about acting do you love most?

Tasting a life.

Are there specific personal or professional goals you have this year?

I am tentatively tiptoeing down a previously untrodden path: developing a film, writing. F**k sake, I am wildly nervous. It is one thing to give feedback as an actor, and totally another to begin from scratch. Writers are the best and bravest.

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What are the things you enjoy doing during your downtime?

Sleeping.

Three quirky things no one knows about you?

I wish I could eliminate the word quirky from the English dictionary.

Styled by: Tanya Vohra Ahuja

Hair & Make-up: Poonam

Fashion Team: Komal Shetty

Bookings & Production: Varun Shah

Location Courtesy: Sarita Handa

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