Emraan Hashmi on Reinventing Himself for a New Generation of Viewers
As he continues to win over a fresh fanbase with his recent performances, veteran actor Emraan Hashmi has opened up about his journey of reinvention, his desire to take on diverse roles, and why the audience continues to celebrate swag on screen. In a candid conversation, Hashmi reflects on staying relevant in an ever-changing industry landscape.
A String of Talked-About Projects
Even after his brief viral appearance as himself in The Ba**ds of Bollywood last year, Emraan Hashmi has maintained a strong screen presence with a series of notable projects. These include Ground Zero (2025), Haq (2025), and the recently released Netflix series Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web. These roles have not only brought Hashmi back into the spotlight but have also helped him connect with a younger demographic, effectively reshaping his on-screen persona for contemporary audiences.
Staying Relevant Through Diverse Roles
Hashmi, who rose to fame with pulpy entertainers like Murder (2004) and Gangster (2006), attributes his recent variety of roles to the opportunities presented by talented directors and producers. "I don’t take credit for it. I’ve been fortunate that there are great directors and producers who are offering me interesting roles," he says. Over the past two years, his filmography has showcased remarkable diversity:
- An RTO Inspector in Selfiee (2023)
- A spy in Tiger 3 (2023)
- A BSF officer in Ground Zero
- A lawyer in Haq
- A customs officer in Taskaree
Hashmi emphasizes the importance of keeping his work fresh and engaging, which has been a key factor in his sustained relevance.
Embracing a New Audience
When asked if he is approaching acting with renewed energy, Hashmi clarifies that he has always been active in the industry. "I was always there in the game, working and being appreciated for it. But there is a new audience now," he explains. He notes that people are revisiting his older films, and projects like Haq and Taskaree have drawn renewed attention to his work. "It’s great that they have woken up and taken notice," he adds, acknowledging the support from long-time fans who have championed his career on social media.
Navigating Industry Changes
With over two decades in the film industry, Hashmi has witnessed significant shifts in audience preferences and cinematic trends. He recalls being initially boxed into a specific image as a star, which served him well at the time. However, he has consciously maneuvered his career toward roles with more substance and depth. "It’s a little bit by design," he admits, crediting his collaborators and their faith in his abilities.
Hashmi highlights the challenge of staying relevant as audiences evolve with each decade. "The only way to stay relevant is by tapping into subjects and films that deliver that fresh experience," he asserts. While not every project achieves commercial success, he believes in the importance of experimenting and offering something new to both existing and potential viewers.
On Hyper-Masculinity and Diverse Roles
Known for portraying morally ambiguous characters earlier in his career, Hashmi shares his perspective on the current trend of hyper-masculinity in Indian cinema. "The trend right now is becoming more skewed towards hyper masculinity, which is working in favour of theatrical business," he observes. He points out that while OTT platforms allow for more experimentation, theatrical releases have become more contained in their approach.
Hashmi expresses his desire to break away from stereotypes and take on diverse roles that make an impact. "I want to do diverse roles and want to take up ones that create some impact on screen," he says, emphasizing that his choices depend on the script, director, and producer involved.
The Fascination with Acting
For Hashmi, the allure of acting lies in the transformative process of bringing characters to life. "It’s the journey of reading something on paper, breathing life into a character and living that character out," he explains. He finds it particularly rewarding to portray characters that are distinct from his own personality, as it presents both a challenge and an opportunity for creative exploration. "You get to play a hundred different lives," he adds with enthusiasm.
His Approach to New Projects
Hashmi reveals that he treats every script with utmost reverence, describing it as "like a Bible" for him. He approaches each film as if it were a stage play, arriving on set fully prepared. "Knowing how the writer and director envision it helps," he notes. After internalizing a character, he focuses on rehearsing extensively before filming begins. Once on set, he enjoys performing without the burden of memorizing lines, allowing for a more organic and immersive experience.
The Timeless Appeal of Swag
When asked about his signature swag, Hashmi believes it is an intangible quality that cannot be manufactured. "Swag is not something that you can work on," he says. While one can improve their dialogue delivery or style, true charisma is innate. He acknowledges that swag and heroism have always been celebrated by audiences, describing it as "the icing on the cake" for any actor who possesses it.
Future Aspirations
Regarding the possibility of venturing into direction, like many in his extended family, Hashmi remains focused on acting for now. "I have no particular goal right now," he admits, noting that directing requires a significant time commitment and detachment from acting. "I’ve still got a lot of acting left in me," he concludes, while leaving the door open for future possibilities with a cautious "never say never."
As Emraan Hashmi continues to evolve and adapt to the changing dynamics of Indian cinema, his commitment to diverse roles and connecting with new audiences remains unwavering. His journey serves as a testament to the importance of reinvention in an industry that thrives on innovation and fresh perspectives.
