Exclusive: “Insecurity is a part of being an actor,” says Emraan Hashmi

Emraan Hashmi is no longer a serial kisser. He’s no more into fluff and is concentrating more on substance. He was praised for his villainous role in Tiger 3 and is now earning accolades as a greyshaded character in the OTT show, Showtime. He’s the perfect casting for the show as being an industry kid, he knows the ins and out of the profession. His sessions with uncles Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt must have opened his eyes to the day-to-day travails of a filmmaker. The series is said to be full of insider winks and nods and offers plenty of goss to the discerning viewer. And Emraan seems to be enjoying himself playing a second-generation film producer, keeping the viewer guessing about his character’s motives at every turn. Excerpts from a tete-a-tete with the actor who is finally free of sobriquets.

You’ve portrayed a grey character in Showtime. How are villainous roles evolving nowadays?

Raghu isn’t the sole grey character in the series. If you observe closely, there are no black-and-white characters; they’re all shades of grey. Even those who initially seem whitewashed in the first four episodes may surprise you. Present-day audiences disdain squeaky clean, unidimensional characters. We all possess shades of grey and sometimes engage in actions deemed unethical, yet concepts like redemption and remorse exist. No one’s life follows a singular path of righteousness, a reality mirrored in films and shows.

Why did it take you five years to undertake an OTT project post Bard Of Blood?

Timing is crucial. For me, the script’s quality tailored to my abilities matters most. It’s not that I haven’t received offers but none were groundbreaking. When Karan Johar presented the opportunity to join Showtime, it piqued my interest. Having been an insider for the past 20-25 years, I’ve witnessed the audience’s enduring fascination with Bollywood’s magnetic allure. Bollywood, akin to cricket, holds a religious status in our country. Thus, my decision to participate in this show stemmed from the fact that there would be much to do in it and I’d be adding to it in more ways than one.

Do you consider yourself fortunate, having encountered fewer struggles, being an insider?

My background in film certainly provided me with a foothold in the industry. Growing up in a family entrenched in Bollywood, I was exposed to the inner workings of the business from a young age. This undoubtedly smoothed my path into acting. However, it’s essential to recognise that even with these advantages, success in Bollywood is never guaranteed. I still had to prove myself as an actor, win over the audiences and navigate the complex web of relationships and politics that define the industry.

Your views on nepotism in the industry?

Whether it’s producers casting their own children or star kids getting preferential treatment, nepotism is an ever-present reality. But it’s important to recognise that nepotism isn’t unique to Bollywood; it exists in various forms across all industries. However, where it becomes problematic is when it hinders the advancement of deserving individuals who lack those familial connections. The challenge for the industry is finding a balance between honouring tradition and creating a level playing field for all talent. Don’t forget that I started out as a character actor in my debut film, Footpath (2003). And then when people became aware of my potential, I started getting lead roles. So everyone has their own bit of struggle.

Are you a more secure actor than most, given your industry background?

Insecurity is an intrinsic part of being an actor, regardless of one’s background or level of success. It’s easy for outsiders to assume that industry insiders like myself have it all figured out. But the truth is far more nuanced. The pressure to perform, the constant scrutiny from both the audiences and the critics, the uncertainty of where the next opportunity will come from—all of these factors contribute to a pervasive sense of insecurity. And while experience may temper some of these anxieties, it never truly eradicates them. At the end of the day, what matters most to me, as it does to any actor, is connecting with the audience and earning their acceptance. It’s a continual process, one that requires vulnerability and resilience in equal measure.

What in your view are the good and the bad aspects of the film industry?

The best thing about the film industry is that it’s always been a secular space. Individuals from diverse cultures, religions and ideologies have always come together to entertain audiences. However, like any industry, it has its share of challenges. There are some misconceptions about the industry and all I can say is, don’t write off the whole crop because of a few bad apples. Such issues exist in every sector. Currently, there seems to be a stagnation in the types of commercial films being produced, They lack innovation in storytelling and character portrayal. Filmmakers are hesitant to take risks. They are still sticking to conventional narratives, failing to break new ground or introduce fresh perspectives. Look at the South industries and the OTT space. They are flourishing because the players have realised they have to take risks and do new things.

How do you handle criticism?

When I first entered the industry, especially the initial five years, criticism really got to me. Sometimes, critics’ reviews felt overly personal. They’d focus less on critiquing the craft and more on attacking me as a person, which didn’t seem fair. However, over time, I’ve learnt to cope with it. I’ve come to realise that everyone has their own perspective. I’ve grown accustomed to the fact that not everyone will appreciate me, and that’s okay. Some will resonate with what I do, while others won’t. And I’ve learnt to accept that.

They say reinvention is the key to an actor’s longevity…

When it comes to reinventing myself as an actor, much of the transformation occurs at the script level. However, as an actor, I also bring my own touch of imagination to the table. With each character, I step into a new life, navigating through unique dynamics, stories and genres. Ultimately, it’s about the conviction I bring to the role that allows me to truly reinvent myself. It’s a process of honing the skill set required to authentically showcase this fresh persona on screen.

After 20 years in the industry, how do you motivate yourself?

My motivation stems from the fact that I strive to offer my audience something fresh and unexpected each time they see me on screen. Whether it’s exploring diverse genres or delving into unique stories, I aim to keep them intrigued by mixing things up. I know there’s a certain appeal to characters who are brash and rebellious. I’m keen on embodying those qualities in various narratives, albeit with a fresh twist each time. Moreover, I’m drawn to roles that present a challenge and carry a slight risk. It’s those uncharted territories, those characters I’ve never portrayed before that truly excite me. There’s a thrill in stepping into the unknown, in pushing the boundaries of my abilities and surprising both myself and the audience.

You recently offered relationship advice at a press meet…

What I’ve said then and what I’m reiterating now is that in any marriage, a little compromise is inevitable. When your intention is to build a life together that lasts, anything is possible. The vows Parveen and I exchanged when we were getting married, those promises still hold true in our relationship even after 17 years. Respect is paramount in any partnership. It’s essential to understand what you want from your partner and vice versa. Everyone’s perspective is unique and disagreements are natural. However, it’s how you navigate these differences that truly matters. I’ve found that communication is key. Talk openly about your needs, desires, and expectations. Listen actively to your partner’s perspective and be willing to compromise. Remember, it’s not always about being right; it’s about finding a common ground and making things work together.