Then & Now: Tracing Sharman Joshi’s Two-Decade Journey in Hindi Cinema

From earnest newcomers to unforgettable cult characters, Sharman Joshi’s journey in Hindi cinema is a masterclass in versatility and longevity. Over two decades, he has seamlessly moved between comedy, drama, romance and socially relevant storytelling—leaving a lasting impact across films, OTT and theatre. Here’s a look at some of his best projects, then and now, along with the characters that defined them.

1. Style (2001) – Bantu
Then:
Sharman made a confident debut with Style, playing the charming and street-smart Bantu. His natural comic timing instantly connected with young audiences and set the tone for his career.

2. Rang De Basanti (2006) – Sukhi Ram
As Sukhi, Sharman portrayed the carefree friend whose journey from fun to fearless left a strong emotional impact, proving his strength in socially relevant storytelling.

3. Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006) – Laxman Sharma
Laxman, the soft-spoken man with a stammer, became one of his most iconic roles. His impeccable comic timing and innocence made the character unforgettable.

4. 3 Idiots (2009) – Raju Rastogi
One of Sharman’s most loved performances, Raju Rastogi resonated deeply with audiences. His portrayal of fear, hope and resilience remains timeless.

5. Ferrari Ki Sawaari (2012) – Rusy Cooper
Transition Phase:
Playing a single father chasing his son’s cricketing dream, Sharman delivered a heartfelt and restrained performance that showcased his emotional depth.

6. Hate Story 3 (2015) – Aditya Diwan
Reinvention:
Breaking away from his clean-cut image, Sharman surprised audiences with a darker, intense role—marking a bold shift in his career choices.

7. Baarish (Short Film, 2017) – Husband
Exploring New Formats:
Sharman embraced short-format storytelling with a nuanced, intimate performance, reflecting his adaptability as an actor.

8. Kaashi in Search of Ganga (2018) – Kaashi
Now:
As a man fighting societal systems to honour his wife’s last wish, Sharman delivered a powerful, socially rooted performance.

9. Medical Dreams (2023 – OTT Series) – Dr. Aashish
OTT & Meaningful Roles:
In Medical Dreams, Sharman played a mentor figure guiding aspiring doctors through pressure, ambition and ethics. The role resonated strongly with young audiences and reaffirmed his ability to connect across generations.

10. Raju Raja Ram (Theatre Play) – Multiple Characters
Back to His Roots:
With Raju Raja Ram, Sharman returned to theatre—his first love—playing multiple characters on stage. The play highlights his command over live performance, comic timing and emotional range, reaffirming why he remains one of the most versatile actors of his generation.

From cult comedies and landmark films to socially relevant cinema and powerful theatre performances, Sharman Joshi’s journey reflects evolution, reinvention and consistency. Two decades on, he continues to grow—choosing stories that balance entertainment, emotion and meaning across mediums.