Emraan Hashmi, the talented Bollywood actor renowned for his performances in hits such as ‘Murder,’ ‘Jannat,’ ‘Raaz: The Mystery Continues,’ ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai,’ and ‘Murder 2,’ has always been forthright about his views on the film industry. Recently, in an exclusive interview with ANI, Hashmi shed light on several pressing issues within Bollywood, including nepotism, the controversial ‘Boycott Bollywood’ trends, and the impact of social media in shaping public perception about the industry at large.
Speaking on the often-debated topic of nepotism in Bollywood, Hashmi was candid. He explained, “Nepotism is like, by definition, you have this unfair advantage that some people have by the sheer function of their relations or contacts. And this is a bitter truth, not just about our industry. There are many other industries where some people with merit don’t get things based on their merit but because of contacts, they secure a position or a designated job in that profession.”
Hashmi did not hesitate to acknowledge that while nepotism might provide an entry point, longevity in the film industry hinges on the collective approval of the audience. “In our industry, you might get an entry point easily, but ultimately the audience is the deciding factor. They decide whether you will stay in this industry or not,” he emphasized. He also highlighted that there are numerous success stories of individuals who, despite not coming from film families, carved a niche for themselves. “Bollywood has given a chance and success to many talents from small towns.”
Addressing the recent ‘Boycott Bollywood’ trend that swept the industry, Hashmi elucidated its transient nature. “The Bollywood boycott trend is not something we wanted, but it happened, and the industry had to pay the price. Ultimately, it couldn’t stay because a lot of films were successful despite that. So, I think it’s all about making a good film. The press and media play crucial roles. These two industries co-exist. We aren’t as effective without the media, and vice versa. This coexistence will continue,” he mentioned.
Hashmi also delved into the ever-evolving role of social media in the film industry.
. “Social media is a very powerful tool if you want to take your film, your project to millions of people. But at the same time, there are a lot of other unwanted elements. Trolling has become part and parcel. People have their own opinions, and it’s something you have to accept,” he stated. Adding further, he remarked, “This is just a peripheral thing. If you make a good film, even without social media promotions, word of mouth will make the film a success. Focus on making a good film, and the film stands on its own.”
In addition to his thoughts on industry dynamics, Hashmi turned the conversation to his latest project, the streaming series ‘Showtime.’ The series, produced by Dharmatic Entertainment under filmmaker Karan Johar, features Hashmi in the role of Raghu Khanna. “The show stopped at such a cliffhanger where we saw the politics running behind glitz and glamour in our industry—how relationships here are sometimes fleeting and sometimes unfulfilled, how people’s stocks change, how fortunes change on Fridays, all in a very entertaining and captivating manner. In the last three finale episodes, I would say to the audience to expect the unexpected, especially from Raghu Khanna. Raghu is going to surprise you,” he hinted.
Directed by Mihir Desai and Archit Kumar, ‘Showtime’ delves into Raghu Khanna’s journey of redemption and ambition. The series portrays the lives of its characters authentically, revealing their vulnerabilities and internal struggles within the glitzy world of showbiz. An impressive ensemble cast that includes Mouni Roy, Naseeruddin Shah, Mahima Makwana, Rajeev Khandelwal, Shriya Saran, and Vijay Raaz joins Hashmi in this narrative.
As Hashmi concludes, the impact of ‘Showtime’ appears poised to resonate well with audiences. “The final episodes premiere on July 12th on Disney+ Hotstar. The journey has been incredible,” he says with an anticipatory smile.
This intricate look into Bollywood’s workings and the promise of ‘Showtime’ showcases Hashmi’s firm grip on the pulse of the industry, further solidifying his place amongst Bollywood’s elite.
