He is known for his roles in The Family Man, Asur and many more.
But the part of his story most people do not see is the one at home.
He has said that his journey in acting was possible only because she walked with him, step by step.
They first crossed paths in college.
A chance introduction by her brother in law, Sameer, brought them together. He never formally proposed. He held himself back because of what he describes as the “bro code”. Yet they continued spending time together.
Soon, someone noticed them and informed Sameer.
They ended things. He was still in college and conversations about her marriage had already begun.
And just like that, they walked away from each other.
For five and a half years, they neither spoke nor met, except occasionally at common friends’ gatherings.
During those years, Sharib completed college and began early television work such as MTV Bakra. He also started building his career behind the scenes in writing and assisting.
Nasreen waited three years, hoping he would return. When she later learned of his engagement elsewhere, she told her family to begin looking for a match for her.
Then Sharib reached out. He said his engagement had ended because he needed time to build his career and that he understood his real connection was with her.
When he returned, Nasreen told her parents that he was earning Rs. 15,000. Shortly after, she took up a job to support them.
Sharib moved between acting opportunities. His early television work was followed by screen appearances in Haal e Dil in 2008 and Slumdog Millionaire in 2009.
On 27 December 2003, they got married.
The initial days were difficult.
After the wedding, work was scarce. Roles were rare and money was tight.
They sold their house and jewellery when their savings ran out.
Nasreen, who came from an insurance background, had left her job after the birth of their son. She later returned to work to support the family while managing the home, allowing Sharib to continue pursuing acting.
In 2009, Sharib left his MTV writing job to focus on films. He auditioned for years without success, took loans and later worked on scripting for Sony TV. A short film titled Mehrooni eventually led to work in Jab Tak Hai Jaan in 2012.
In 2018, Nasreen was diagnosed with oral cancer.
She underwent four surgeries. The battle was long.
Even during her illness, she continued holding the family together as a wife and mother.
Sharib kept working. Gradually, opportunities returned and years of effort began to bring stability.
Landing The Family Man enabled him to fund her treatment on time.
From a chance meeting in college to years of hardship, they continued choosing each other.
This is the story of Sharib and Nasreen Hashmi.
