Emraan Hashmi talks about his likes, films and controversies

Emraan Hashmi talks about his likes, films and controversies...

He’s one of the few ‘chosen’ actors who always finds himself in controversy, just before the release of his movies.Ask him about it and Emraan Hashmi is quick in defence, “There’s never anything from my side. Maybe because I like the characters I play and always have some surprise element. Whatever I’ve done sets a tone apart. I like roles which are controversial and bring out the slightly crooked side of human nature.” But, he doesn’t really blame the media, saying, “I know exactly who I am and what I do. Sometimes it does hurt a bit when I’m projected as a person that isn’t me. I guess it’s to do with the kind of films I take up. But I have to deal with it and I choose to look through it. I concentrate on the ones written in a positive light. Everyone tries to play their cards safe, but it’s not necessary that you remain safe always. Yet, I believe that truth prevails over everything else, and sooner or later it does come out.”

With the recent controversy about his latest film Once Upon A Time In Mumbai holding similarities of its characters with real life people, Emraan is quite oblivious to it saying that he’s repeatedly clarified that his or anyone else’s character in the movie is not ‘inspired’ by anyone, spelling out what most disclaimers say before the beginning of a movie — “Any resemblance to a person, whether living or dead, is purely co-incidental.”

Neither does he mind playing second fiddle or star in multi-starrers. Ultimately it’s the screen-presence that matters to him. He says, “It’s not about the main lead or second lead; I don’t think that only the length of the character in the movie is important for making an actor successful. I mean, yes, I am not a side actor who only makes special appearances. I need a substantial role to make my presence felt. But, it is the intensity of the character that is equally important, along with many other things. As an actor, I received recognition from Murder in which I was not the protagonist, mind you. And in this film too my role is of equal intensity as that of Ajay’s, though both are quite contrasting. They are like two faces of a coin. I can proudly say today that I am capable of carrying a film successfully all by my own as a lead actor, yet I’m open to work in a multi-starer.”

He’s also unfazed by the fact that the market is usurped by the Khans and Ranbirs and the lot. He says, “I was always working in my own space and would still be doing so. I don’t try to walk on someone else’s path, I’d rather make my own.” And his next step (he’s hoping) is to do a kiddie film. He says, “I know it would be difficult to break that ‘bad boy’ image I’ve carved for myself, but I’d love to do a film for kids. Especially since my son arrived I’ve been quite inclined towards this genre. And I believe with the serious intent and the right people, it should work fine because frankly, I don’t think I can let my son watch the movies I’ve done so far, at least till he’s 18. But I’m sure when I tell him ‘no watching daddy’s films,’ those would be the first he’d lay his hands on!