Emraan Hashmi has long been associated with the “serial kisser” persona in Bollywood. Despite his attempts to diversify his roles with films like Jannat, Kalyug, and Shanghai, he found it challenging to escape this image. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Hashmi shared insights into his career and his efforts to break free from this mold.
Throughout the 2010s, Emraan Hashmi began to redefine his on-screen presence. He noted that it wasn’t a singular role that changed perceptions but rather a journey. Films such as Shanghai and Tigers played significant roles in this evolution, with earlier works like Jannat and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai also contributing to the shift in his image.
Critics often labeled Hashmi a “one-trick pony,” a notion he handles with grace. While acknowledging their opinions, he expressed confidence in his versatility. He cited his work with renowned director Dibakar Banerjee in Shanghai as a testament that he could excel beyond the romantic roles he was primarily known for. For him, proving his capabilities was not just an external challenge but a personal one.
Recently, Hashmi appeared as an exaggerated version of himself in Aryan Khan’s *The Ba**ds of Bollywood, a project that sparked widespread online interest. He reflected on the role’s impact on his relevance in a changing entertainment landscape, especially as younger audiences engage with his work in new ways. He emphasized the importance of connecting with a Gen Z audience that may have encountered him primarily through social media rather than traditional films.
When discussing the nuances of internet fame, Hashmi admitted that he finds the concept of virality perplexing. He pointed out that while there are mechanisms to promote content, genuine popularity cannot be fabricated. He noted that while some musical successes can be engineered, chartbusters often arise organically through word of mouth.
Currently, Emraan Hashmi stars in Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, a new show created by Neeraj Pandey. The series features a strong cast, including Sharad Kelkar, Amruta Khanvilkar, Zoya Afroz, Nandish Sandhu, and Anurag Sinha. Taskaree premiered on January 14 on Netflix, marking another significant addition to Hashmi’s evolving career.