Once dreamt of becoming a VFX artist, today Emraan Hashmi is a celebrated name on celluloid who is known for his unconventional on-screen characters. Emraan, as an actor, has always chosen to be a private person, who doesn't socialize much and prefers to create a balance between reel and real life because, in his opinion, too much focus on a particular aspect leads to a loss of focus, and he definitely doesn't want that to happen in his life. In a free-wheeling conversation with TMM, he talks about his approach to life and career and what family and friends mean to him.
You started your career in Bollywood as an assistant director and then moved to acting. Was it an organic or deliberate move?
It wasn't a deliberate move, because I never thought of myself as an actor. I had plans of becoming a VFX artist, and I was planning to move abroad to sharpen my skills, but then Mr. Mahesh Bhatt offered me the supporting role in Footpath, and I jumped in for it to take it as a learning lesson and then go back to behind the camera. But I guess destiny had something much bigger for me, and here I am celebrating life and acting as my second skin.
It's been more than two decades for you in your acting career; how do you look back?
I don't really dwell on or reflect on this thought, because I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and there is something called destiny that drives you to be your best, and in my case, this is exactly what happened. I feel it was the most unexpected and beautiful turn in my career, and I couldn't have asked for anything better than this. I chose to embrace my failures too, as they helped me improve and be a better artist, and that is very important.
What is your take on nepotism in Bollywood?
I feel it comes from the space of blame game when you don't achieve what you dreamed of. I am not denying the fact that there is no nepotism, but that is not the only truth about this industry. Nepotism might give you an easy entry into the world of cinema, but survival lies in your talent and hard work. Names like Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, who never had any Bollywood connections, are the leading names, and the credit goes to their hard work and dedication to the art. So, it is very unfair to just look at one side of the coin.
How important is friendship for you, and who is your 3 AM friend in this industry?
Friendship is an integral part of my life. It shapes us as individuals. Our work defines who we are externally, but friendship defines our inner essence, and those who know me well know that for me, my friends are like family, and I go back to them as Emraan Hashmi after serving Emraan Hashmi in front of the camera. As far as my friend is concerned, I am not usually up until that late, but in case I have to, I will go back to those friends who knew me before I became an actor.
Feature films or OTT, which is your favorite?
As an artist, both platforms are the same for me. But if I have to choose one, then feature films, because that is what I have been doing throughout my career. When I look at the present, yes, the platform has given voice to many unheard ideas and talents, but when it comes to the processing and hard work that goes into making a character, both platforms require the same effort and dedication.
So, are you a director's actor, or do you also contribute to the character?
I am surely a director's actor who surrenders himself to his or her craft. However, I do my homework before arriving at the set. I feel it is more important to be prepared at your end than just being a blank canvas because, when you prepare yourself, it becomes easy to understand the approach of the director, and then the final outcome is even more realistic and impactful.
You made a comeback with Tiger 3. How did the project happen, and how was it working with Salman Khan?
Not exactly a comeback, but yes, surely a comeback with a mass movie with bigger numbers at the box office, and that is what the industry talks about. When I was offered the role, I got a hint of the nuances my character needed, and I knew that I could do justice to the antagonist, Aatish Rehman, and that my self-confidence in my craft made me say yes. With Salman, it was surely a learning experience because such actors are institutions in themselves who make you learn and grow together. Also, as it was a big banner project and strategic marketing was in place, it was very promoted so that the larger audience knew about the release, and it all worked in favor of the movie and all of us.
You don't socialize much; tell us about who Emraan is off the camera.
Yes, I chose not to socialize much because I learned the lesson my grandmother taught me. If you pay too much attention to one area of life, there are chances you might lose focus, so be careful with that. So, yes, I do socialize, but once my shift as an actor is over, I chose to play the role of a family man, a friend, and a father, who is very much connected with his family and friends.
What makes you say yes to a project?
I think it's a blend of a few elements, which include interesting character, director, novelty, and, most importantly, the internal feeling that the audience might have when watching it. I always think from the perspective of the audience, and if I feel that yes, people might like this, I say yes. However, there are times you are wrong, and that is perfectly fine because nobody here in this industry knows what will work and what will not.
If not acting, what would you be doing in your career?
Well, as I said earlier, I would have been a VFX artist or something to do with movies, because since childhood, I have been a movie buff who knew that he had to do something here to make it big in life.
How do you define your personal style?
I am someone who loves classics the most. A black or white tee and a well-fitted pair of denim define me the most, but when it comes to elaborate dressing, I love all things Indian. During the cover shoot too, I loved the ethnic range by Nasir Ahmed Sabri of House of Nasir. The detailing with an edgy simplicity drew my attention, and I found it so comforting that I can wear his clothes on any occasion with the utmost confidence.
Apart from Mumbai, one place you feel connected to and why?
I am a Bandra boy who also loves hanging out in Colaba and Worli. But, when it comes to beyond Mumbai, Goa is my vibe. Till 2010, every year, every holiday was about Goa, and November and March were two times I would love being in and around Goa. Now, the whole traffic chaos scares me. But, yes, I hope to be back in Goa very soon.
One lesson that you have learned in this industry.
I think it's important to make mistakes and not be hesitant. Also, don't be afraid to fail, because it teaches you more than success. And it makes you understand what not to do further in life.
Team Credits:
Creative Director & Stylist: Pooja Gupta, Spectrum Styles
Photography by Amit Khanna
Designers/Brands: House of Nasir, Rosso Brunello, Omega, Dmodot, Obeetee, Altovida & EyemyEye
Hair Stylist Arif from Aalim Hakim
Assistant Stylist: Vanshika Kesharwani
