Emraan Hashmi Sets Record Straight on Awarapan 2 and Netflix Success
Emraan Hashmi recently sat down for an exclusive interview with SCREEN, where he addressed several burning topics about his career. The actor firmly denied that his upcoming project Awarapan 2 is an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia. He emphasized that the sequel has been in development for seven years, not triggered by recent trends.
The Netflix Connection and Viral Comeback
Hashmi's association with Netflix India has grown significantly. Many now see him as the platform's unofficial face, a title once held by Radhika Apte. This shift became prominent after his memorable cameo in The Ba***ds of Bollywood, which sparked widespread nostalgia online.
"You don't plan for virality," Hashmi stated. "We put honesty and hard work into every project. How audiences react is beyond our control." He noted that both The Ba***ds of Bollywood and his recent film Haq have received tremendous love, with Haq ranking #6 worldwide on charts.
Taskaree: A Tribute to Customs Officers
His latest Netflix venture is Taskaree, a thriller by Neeraj Pandey set in the world of airport customs officers. Hashmi expressed admiration for these unsung heroes. "They deserve recognition for their tough, often thankless job," he said. At the trailer launch, he humorously shared personal experiences with airport profiling, mentioning even Shah Rukh Khan faces similar scrutiny.
Owning the 'Serial Kisser' Tag
The label 'serial kisser' has followed Hashmi since his 2004 hit Murder. He accepts it as part of his legacy. "Popular culture picks sticking points," he explained. "You own it rather than run away." Co-star Zoya Afroz added that Hashmi taught a generation about romance, and she had to sneak-watch his films as a child.
Hashmi has also explored diverse roles in films like Shanghai and Ghanchakkar, proving his range beyond the romantic image.
Awarapan 2: A Long-Planned Project
Addressing speculation, Hashmi clarified that Awarapan 2 isn't a nostalgia cash-in. "We found a script that continues Shivam's journey," he said. The film is written by Bilal Siddiqi, who also penned The Ba***ds of Bollywood. Hashmi described Siddiqi as family, highlighting their long collaboration.
He acknowledged today's savvy audiences and social media's influence, stressing authenticity in filmmaking. "A good script and genuine intent make a good film," he asserted.
Reflections on Music and Dance
Hashmi joked about the lack of songs in Taskaree, contrasting with his iconic music moments. He recalled lazy choreography sessions and mimicking Dibakar Banerjee for a dance in Shanghai. These anecdotes reveal his playful side amidst serious discussions.
Throughout the interview, Hashmi balanced pride in his past with excitement for future projects, showcasing his evolution as an actor while staying true to his roots.
