Jim Sarbh is a vibe. Seriously. If you’ve seen him onscreen, you know exactly what I’m talking about. There is this frantic, intellectual energy he brings to every frame that makes everyone else look like they’re moving in slow motion. He’s not your typical Bollywood hero. He doesn’t really do the "macho man" thing, and he definitely doesn’t do the "boy next door" thing.
Most people first noticed him when he was terrifying everyone on a plane in Neerja. He played Khalil, the most volatile of the hijackers. It was his big debut in 2016. He didn't just play a bad guy; he played a ticking time bomb. You couldn't look away, even though you kind of wanted to. Honestly, that's been the story of his career ever since.
The Roles That Changed Everything
When you look at the list of Jim Sarbh movies and tv shows, it’s a weird, beautiful mix of high-budget spectacles and tiny, quiet indie projects. Take Padmaavat (2018), for example. Everyone was talking about Ranveer Singh’s Khilji, but Jim’s Malik Kafur was the secret sauce. He played the role with this slinky, devoted, and deeply unsettling grace. It was a "negative" role, sure, but it had layers that most villains in Indian cinema never get to touch.
Then there’s Rocket Boys. If you haven't seen it, stop reading this and go watch it on SonyLIV. Jim plays Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, the father of India's nuclear program. It’s arguably his best work. He captures Bhabha’s genius, his arrogance, and his wit perfectly. He’s charming one second and devastatingly sharp the next. He even got an International Emmy nomination for it in 2023. Not many Indian actors are hitting those global milestones.
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Breaking the "Villain" Mold
For a while, it felt like directors only called Jim when they needed someone "edgy" or "unconventional." He was the drug-peddling friend in Sanju (2018). He was the rich, entitled Adil Khanna in Made in Heaven.
But then he started doing things like Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (2023) and Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022). In Gangubai, he plays a journalist, Amin Faizi. It’s a grounded, empathetic performance. No madness. No slinking. Just a man doing his job. It showed that he could play "normal" just as well as he could play "manic."
What’s New in 2025 and 2026?
Jim is busier than ever lately. In late 2025, he starred in Inspector Zende on Netflix. He played Carl Bhojraj, a character clearly inspired by the real-life serial killer Charles Sobhraj. It was a massive face-off against Manoj Bajpayee. Seeing those two acting powerhouses go at it was basically a masterclass in tension.
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He also recently branched out into South Indian cinema with Kuberaa (2025). He actually learned Telugu for the role, which tells you a lot about his commitment. He’s not just showing up for a paycheck; he’s doing the work.
Upcoming projects for 2026:
- Pune Highway: A gritty crime thriller where he stars alongside Amit Sadh.
- Unnamed International Project: There have been whispers about Jim working on a major global series, though details are still being kept under wraps.
The Theater Roots
You can't talk about Jim without mentioning theater. He’s a Mumbai stage veteran. He’s directed plays like Bull and acted in classics like Death of a Salesman. That’s where that "presence" comes from. In theater, you can't hide behind a close-up. You have to project. Jim projects even when he’s just standing still in the background of a shot.
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He grew up in a Parsi family in Mumbai, spent time in Australia, and studied psychology at Emory University in the US. That mix of cultures probably explains why he feels so different from the usual Bollywood crowd. He’s got this international sensibility that makes him fit just as easily into a Netflix global original as he does in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali epic.
What to Watch First
If you’re new to his work, here is the non-negotiable watchlist:
- Rocket Boys (Series): For the pure brilliance of his Homi Bhabha.
- Neerja (Movie): To see the most electric debut in years.
- Made in Heaven (Series): For the messy, complicated drama.
- A Death in the Gunj (Movie): A quiet, atmospheric film where he plays a character that’s subtly toxic.
- Inspector Zende (Movie): For the 2025 "true crime" vibes.
Jim Sarbh is one of the few actors who makes you feel like the future of Indian entertainment is in good hands. He isn't trying to be a superstar in the 90s sense. He’s just trying to be an artist. And honestly? It’s working.
Practical Steps for Fans
To keep up with Jim’s fast-moving career, follow the festival circuits like MAMI (Mumbai Film Festival) or the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. He often picks projects that debut there before hitting streaming platforms. If you're in Mumbai, keep an eye on the Prithvi Theatre schedule; he still occasionally returns to his roots for live performances.
Next Steps for You
Check out the trailer for Inspector Zende on Netflix to see his latest transformation, or start Season 1 of Rocket Boys on SonyLIV if you want to see him at his absolute peak.