In the annals of Indian cinema, few have carved a niche quite like Emraan Hashmi, the poster boy of bold cinema for Vishesh Films. As he reflects on his journey from humble beginnings to stardom, Emraan offers insights into the origins of his cinematic odyssey and the pivotal role played by the Bhatt brothers in shaping his career.
With a penchant for love, sex, and rock and roll, Emraan Hashmi burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, captivating audiences with his portrayal of characters steeped in passion, crime, and intrigue. Yet, his ascent to fame was far from conventional, marked by skepticism and uncertainty.
Emraan’s foray into the industry commenced with the 2003 film “Footpath,” a venture that underscored his familial ties to the esteemed Bhatt clan. Despite this connection, Emraan found himself navigating uncharted territory, with doubts looming over his ability to deliver as an actor.
In an exclusive conversation with Indianexpress.com, Emraan delves into the pivotal moment when the Bhatt brothers, Mahesh and Mukesh, took a leap of faith on him, propelling him into the limelight amidst a landscape dominated by established stars. “They wanted to have their own home-grown star, that’s where I came in,” Emraan reveals, shedding light on the strategic shift underway at Vishesh Films at the time.
His cinematic repertoire brims with Vishesh Films productions such as “Murder,” “Kalyug,” “Zeher,” “Awarapan,” “Jannat,” “Raaz,” and “Tum Mile,” each contributing to his ascent as a formidable force in the industry. Emraan’s journey, however, was fraught with uncertainties and skepticism, with even his own family harboring reservations about his prospects in the world of cinema.
“My grandmother felt I shouldn’t get into movies because I traditionally didn’t have that mindset of wanting to become an actor,” Emraan confides, reflecting on the initial skepticism surrounding his career choice. Yet, buoyed by the unwavering support of the Bhatt brothers, he embarked on a path of self-discovery and artistic evolution, gradually carving a niche for himself in an industry brimming with talent and ambition.
However, Emraan’s ascent to stardom was not without its challenges. Recalling his interactions with Mahesh Bhatt, Emraan recounts a moment of truth that set the tone for his acting journey. “He told me, ‘Then you can forget about acting.’ He put the fear in me and said I better get my act together,” Emraan reminisces, highlighting Mahesh Bhatt’s no-nonsense approach to talent management.
The director’s candid admonition served as a wake-up call for Emraan, instilling in him a sense of urgency and determination to prove his mettle onscreen. “We are probably a part of the same family, but we can’t do beyond this,” Emraan recalls Mahesh Bhatt’s pragmatic stance, emphasizing the business imperative that underpins the film industry.
Emraan’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the transformative power of opportunity. As he ventures into new territory as a producer with his upcoming project, “Showtime,” Emraan continues to defy expectations and challenge conventions, cementing his status as a trailblazer in Indian cinema.
Set to premiere on March 8, “Showtime” promises to be a thrilling addition to Emraan’s repertoire, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Rajeev Khandelwal, Mouni Roy, Naseeruddin Shah, Mahima Makwana, and Shriya Saran. With this venture, Emraan embarks on yet another chapter in his illustrious career, poised to captivate audiences with his creative vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.
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