It sounds like a scene straight out of a Bollywood drama — an astrologer father, a warning about a “bad day,” a prophecy about stardom, and a prediction that one of India’s biggest industrialists would rise to unimaginable heights. But for Jackie Shroff, this isn’t fiction — it’s his life. In a candid conversation with Twinkle Khanna on the YouTube channel Tweak India, the veteran actor opened up about the lesser-known spiritual and prophetic side of his family, led by his father’s uncanny foresight.In the interview, Jackie revealed that his father, an astrologer, once shared a remarkable prediction about none other than Dhirubhai Ambani, founder of Reliance Industries. He said his father was close to Natubhai Ambani and Kokilaben Ambani, and would often advise them. Jackie recalled, “He (Jackie’s father) was close to Natubhai Ambani and Kokilaben Ambani, used to advise them. He had said also, 'Aapka husband bahut bada aadmi banega.'” According to Jackie, Dhirubhai himself brushed off the prediction at the time, saying, “He’s gone crazy.” But it turned out to be accurate.
Jackie also recounted a deeply emotional and personal tragedy — the loss of his elder brother. His father had warned the family that it was going to be a bad day and had specifically told his brother not to step out. “Bhai ko bola tha, 'Aaj kharaab din hai, mat jana bahar.'” But the actor’s brother stepped out to save someone in the sea, without knowing how to swim and drowned. He was just 10 years old when his brother, aged 17, died trying to save someone from drowning.
The third major prediction was about Jackie himself. At a time when the young Shroff felt uncertain about his future — with no money for college and no interest in academics — his father once again had an accurate prediction that offered him a surprising assurance.
Jackie also recounted a deeply emotional and personal tragedy — the loss of his elder brother. His father had warned the family that it was going to be a bad day and had specifically told his brother not to step out. “Bhai ko bola tha, 'Aaj kharaab din hai, mat jana bahar.'” But the actor’s brother stepped out to save someone in the sea, without knowing how to swim and drowned. He was just 10 years old when his brother, aged 17, died trying to save someone from drowning.
The third major prediction was about Jackie himself. At a time when the young Shroff felt uncertain about his future — with no money for college and no interest in academics — his father once again had an accurate prediction that offered him a surprising assurance.
Jackie shared that his father told him he would become an actor, which he did. In the same interview, he recalled the conversation he had with his father and had told him that he didn’t want to pursue further studies due to financial constraints. His father simply asked him not to worry, as he was going to be an actor.
Jackie took the leap of faith and eventually became one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars, known for his rugged charm, unique dialogue delivery, and decades of memorable roles.
