In a milestone moment for Bollywood, actors Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat have finally put to rest a nearly two-decade-long feud. The duo, who captivated audiences with their sizzling chemistry in Anurag Basu’s 2004 erotic thriller “Murder,” were seen hugging and posing for pictures together at a wedding reception this past April. This public reconciliation came years after Sherawat had labeled their tiff as “childish” in 2021, yet it still took three more years for the pair to reunite openly.
Speaking to News18, Hashmi offered insights into their much-anticipated reunion and reflected on their estranged years. “It was very warm and cordial. I saw her after a very, very long time,” he revealed. “I don’t think we had an encounter like that since I met her a couple of times after the release of ‘Murder.’”
He continued, explaining the reasons behind their prolonged feud. “We were young and stupid at that time. There’s a phase in life when your decision-making power is so limited and you are just so impulsive. Some things were said by her, some by me; they were mean. I think it’s just bygones and we also kept that aside long back. It was very nice seeing her. She was very warm, I too was.”
Emraan Hashmi’s interview was not only limited to discussing his renewed camaraderie with Sherawat but also delved into broader issues plaguing the Bollywood industry. In a conversation with ANI, he shared his thoughts on nepotism, the “Boycott Bollywood” trend, and the role of social media in altering public perception of the film industry.
Emraan, who stars as Raghu Khanna in the streaming series ‘Showtime,’ opened up about the impact of the boycott trend. “The Bollywood boycott trend which has started is not something we wanted but it started and the industry had to pay the price,” he said. “But ultimately it couldn’t stay because a lot of films were successful despite that.
. So, I think ultimately it’s all about making a good film and of course, the press and media have a huge contribution. These two industries co-exist. I don’t think we are as effective without the media and vice versa. The media also needs the film industry. So there is a co-existence, I think, in these two worlds which has been going on for centuries and will continue to do so,” added the actor, known for his roles in ‘The Dirty Picture’ and other successful films.
Addressing the persistent issue of nepotism in Bollywood, Hashmi conceded that while it does exist, it cannot solely dictate an individual’s success. “Ultimately, it is the work of a person that gives him or her success. It is the audience who decides finally and not the contact of a person,” he remarked. His comments resonate strongly in an industry often criticized for prioritizing familial connections over talent.
Returning to the topic of his reconciliation with Sherawat, the long-standing tension reportedly began on the sets of ‘Murder,’ extending into jibes and statements made over the years. Despite the professional differences and personal animosities, the public and professional life of both actors continued to flourish separately.
For Sherawat, ‘Murder’ marked her as a sensational figure in Bollywood, paving the way for other prominent roles. Hashmi, on the other hand, further carved out a niche for himself as an actor known for his bold choices and versatile acting skills.
Their surprise appearance together at the wedding reception not only surprised fans but also garnered significant media attention. The friendly gestures between the two actors—posing amicably for photos and engaging in casual conversation—was a sight that many thought they would never witness.
As the dust settles on possible rumors of collaboration, fans are left hopeful that this newly rekindled friendship might pave the way for a professional reunion on the big screen. However, for now, the act of reconciling seems to have provided both actors with a sense of closure and personal growth.
In a world where relationships, both professional and personal, are often scrutinized under media glare, the reconciliation between Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat serves as a heartwarming reminder that time, indeed, has the power to heal even the deepest of rifts. Fans and industry insiders alike can look forward to what new chapters this peace may write for both actors.
