Emraan Hashmi has come a long way from his first day of shoot as an actor in his debut film Footpath in 2003. But Emraan remembers how his first day of the shoot of the film that was directed by Vikram Bhatt film produced by his uncles, Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt, was jinxed for him as an actor with many retakes. An irritated Mahesh Bhatt had said, “Iss ladke ka kuch nahi ho sakta [Nothing will come of this boy]!” Even the shoot was called off. But director Vikram Bhatt was still very confident and sure that the next day, it would be smooth-sailing; thus started Emraan’s acting career.
About twenty years later, through all his hits and misses, Emraan has only perfected his craft. And now, he will be seen in the upcoming Rumi-Jafry film, Chehre, sharing screen space with the doyen of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan.
Ahead of the film’s release, the actor gives us a glimpse into his world.
QHow was your experience sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan for Chehre especially when you think back to your first film Footpath?
It was very scary in the beginning obviously, especially after the initial reaction to the great script and my excitement to work with Amit ji and the rest of the stellar cast. But I hoped I could match up and not ruin the script with my limited experience as compared to the other actors in the film. But I realised that’s where your survival mechanism kicks in. So, I worked my ass off to match these veteran actors. I hope the audience sees that.
QInterestingly, we hear your debut film Footpath had first called off its shoot but that the next day at Filmalaya Studios, you performed very well. There has been no looking back. Is that true?
It was my second schedule in Filmalaya Studios. And though on the first day, the shoot was called off, the next day was fantastic. I’d gotten intimidated at first, and it took me a little time to understand what exactly I was to do on a film’s sets. Finally, I got it right. The credit beyond an iota of doubt goes to Footpath’s director Vikram Bhatt. I didn’t know anything about acting. But he instilled confidence in me then, and today I am recognised on the Bollywood map.
QI remember we had a casual chat sitting in your white-coloured car in the studio. Which car do you have now?
[Laughs aloud] Yes, I had a small Maruti and a Fiat back then…ab gadiyaan hain [Now I have a fleet of cars].
QYou have come a long way in your career. When will you produce your next film?
As a producer, I’m waiting for the right script; in the meantime, I’m focusing on acting. Wearing a producer’s hat has its own challenges. At the moment, I want to focus on acting but yes, I would definitely want to produce soon.
QDo you agree that people, be it a common man or actors, live for the sake of society, wearing masks, but that actors are targeted more?
I don’t think people see a dividing line; sometimes, they feel an actor does not wear a mask. But I agree, even a common man wears masks. We wear different masks at different social occasions and with some people we are different. Sometimes, a different side of us comes out where we are different with certain friends, family and strangers. There are also different sides which we don’t reveal around people.
QSo do you agree people belonging to the field of glitz and glamour profess dual personalities?
Yes, I believe actors possess dual personalities.
