Most Bollywood actors recoil from playing unconventional roles, particularly where lovemaking scenes or a negative image are involved. In these circumstances, one is curious about how Emraan Hashmi felt comfortable enough to play bold, rebellious characters in almost every film he signed. After locking lips with Mallika Sherawat in MURDER and Dia Mirza in TUMSA NAHIN DEKHA, he consolidated his 'kissing bandit' image by straying from wife Shamita Shetty to get down and dirty with Udita Goswami in ZEHAR, a passionate clinch with Celina Jaitley in JAWAANI DEEWANI, and a pivotal role in KALYUG, which focuses on the po*n trade! His tendency towards bold films over the years does not fully explain it...
I get an oblique hint when we meet at a nightclub, 'Elevate', in Delhi. The tall twenty-something actor is not as striking in person as he is on celluloid. Laughing frequently, he is warm and gracious in an unaffected manner. There are no traces of his onscreen stud image; Emraan is casually dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, and a bracelet peeks out from the sleeves of his shirt.
I ask Emraan if he's enjoying the 'premium' of his profession [translated: bold lovemaking scenes in every film] - and the actor does not disillusion me with a diplomatic response. "It was a surreal moment the first time I had to kiss Mallika Sherawat. And contrary to the rumours of my insisting for retakes - it didn't make me want to rush out and do it again. The controversy arose due to a particular scene where I go over to her house and a passionate kiss is enacted below the staircase. There were many re-takes but I did not propose it. Man, I enjoyed those scenes but not to the extent that I would request for retakes! I fail to see why kissing scenes are creating such a ripple in the media, though. Some publications are even calling me bizarre names like 'smooch king', for heaven's sake!"
Are bold, controversial films a choreographed step to seize audience attention, I wonder? "Well, I am willing to take risks and do nonconformist roles but I do not intentionally choose films with a jolt value. It is a coincidence that the films offered to me have all been unconventional and bold in nature," is his take.
Some say MURDER rings an autobiographical tune... "Yeah, I was involved with a married woman", Emraan admits sheepishly. "We got carried away at that point and did not realize that it was a mistake. I will not do it again because many people get hurt in the bargain. It's not worth it."
On a more serious note, would he be in the same position today had it not been for 'sugar daddy' uncle Mahesh Bhatt's support? "I would not have got a toehold in the film industry if it were not for Mr. Bhatt. In this industry, you need connections," he says frankly. "But I would like to explain here that if he is repeating me in his films; it is only due to my potential. I still remember that when he gave me a break in FOOTPATH, he clearly informed me that he would not hesitate to throw me out of the film if I did not live up to his expectations. Why would he put money on me if it were not beneficial to him?"
For someone who has not undertaken any formal training, Emraan has hit pay dirt. What is his modus operandi? "I never took acting classes. In fact, I went through a phase when I used to scoff at Bollywood films, and how actors dance around trees! I never thought I would be doing the same thing one day. Coming back to my 'formula', I meditate on the role. I need a quiet space where I can just sit alone and visualize my character. Once I get into the skin of the character, I let the director guide me through the motions."
KALYUG aside, what can we expect of this Bhatt protg in the near future? "GANGSTER by Anurag Basu will release in March THE KILLER with Mahesh Bhatt is in the pipeline. Then there's GOOD BOY BAD BOY with Subhash Ghai and JHAMELA with Babloo Pachishia," he signs off.
Kumkum Bhagya
Tu Dhadkan Main Dil
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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