For over two decades, Emraan Hashmi has been a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, yet the moniker of "serial kisser" continues to shadow his extensive body of work. Despite showcasing versatility through numerous diverse characters and consistently proving his acting prowess, the actor recently opened up about how this early-career label still resurfaces in conversations today.
Emraan Hashmi's Journey from Debut to Stardom
Emraan Hashmi made his Bollywood debut with the 2003 film 'Footpath', but it was the 2004 thriller 'Murder' that catapulted him into the limelight. His on-screen chemistry with co-star Mallika Sherawat and their bold, intimate scenes created significant buzz, setting the stage for a career marked by intense thrillers and a rebellious "bad boy" image. This portrayal quickly earned him the infamous "serial kisser" tag from media and audiences alike.
How the 'Serial Kisser' Label Boosted His Career
In a candid interview, Hashmi reflected on this period, acknowledging that he actively embraced and even capitalized on this image. He revealed that the films featuring these elements were commercial successes, and he strategically played into the narrative through marketing efforts. "They were commercial successes, and I was also raking in that image. We were playing up to it through the marketing. The press was in on it," Hashmi shared, highlighting how the label, rather than hindering him, became a profitable aspect of his early career trajectory.
The Turning Point: Realizing the Need for Change
After nearly a decade of riding this wave, Hashmi began to sense a shift in audience preferences and recognized the necessity for personal evolution. He explained that cinematic tastes transform every 10 to 14 years as new generations enter theaters, making reinvention crucial for longevity. "After a decade of doing it, I realized that the audience changes. It's very important to reinvent yourself for that fresh audience. Every character, every mould, reaches the saturation point. You can only juice it out as much. And I realized I juiced it to the hilt, so it was very important to me to switch," he added, emphasizing his deliberate move away from typecasting.
Breaking Free from the Old Image
Determined to shed his earlier persona, Emraan Hashmi embarked on a journey of transformation with films like 'Jannat', where he portrayed a passionate lover, followed by intense, character-driven performances in 'Awarapan' and 'Shanghai'. Despite these efforts and the passage of time, the ghost of his "serial kisser" image persists. "What happens is that when you have such a strong image, especially in a very conservative society like India, they will still hold on to it. Like, if you see people from the press conference the other day, there was still a question about the kiss that pops up. But that's India. They are still obsessed with it," he noted, underscoring the lasting impact of early perceptions in the public consciousness.
The Imperative of Reinvention in Acting
Reflecting on his career evolution, Hashmi stressed that true growth as an actor demands constant exploration of new genres and stepping beyond comfort zones. "You have to go out there and just play on the front foot and do something to at least show your versatility. Just go out there and be daring with the stuff that you're doing," he advised, advocating for bold choices to demonstrate range and adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
Emraan Hashmi's Latest Venture: 'Taskaree'
On the professional front, Emraan Hashmi recently appeared in Neeraj Pandey's Netflix series 'Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web', where he took on the role of an upright customs officer. The series, which also features Sharad Kelkar and Zoya Afroz in pivotal roles, premiered on January 19, marking another step in Hashmi's ongoing reinvention and commitment to diverse storytelling.
