In a recent podcast, actor Emraan Hashmi opened up about his reputation as Bollywood’s ‘serial kisser.’ This image began to take shape early in his career, especially after his breakthrough role in the 2006 thriller “Murder,” directed by Anurag Basu. In the film, Hashmi played an obsessive lover and had several kissing scenes, which became a defining part of his on-screen persona.
After “Murder,” Hashmi continued to feature in movies with similar scenes, earning him the ‘serial kisser’ label throughout the early 2000s.
Emraan Hashmi on Being Typecast
Speaking on journalist Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel, Hashmi discussed how this typecasting affected him. “For many artists, a specific image sticks with them and doesn’t let go,” Hashmi explained. He drew comparisons to other Bollywood stars, noting that Shah Rukh Khan is often identified with his iconic arms-open pose, Salman Khan with his shirtless scenes, and Anil Kapoor with his famous “Jhakaas” dialogue.
Emraan Hashmi Embraces His Image
Hashmi acknowledged that an actor’s label can serve as an “easy identification.” Reflecting on his own career, he admitted, “I don’t blame the audience. For a large part of my career until 2009, my image as a serial kisser was what producers were selling, and I was selling it myself.”
He explained that his roles in films like “Murder” introduced a “bold quotient” to Hindi cinema that the audience wasn’t used to. His characters often engaged in “unethical activities” and were starkly different from the typically righteous heroes of that era.
Looking Ahead
Despite the typecasting, Hashmi has continued to evolve as an actor. He was recently seen in a cameo role in Sara Ali Khan’s 2024 film “Ae Watan Mere Watan.” He also has two upcoming Telugu films, “OG” and “G2,” showcasing his versatility and determination to break away from his earlier image.
Emraan Hashmi’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the challenges and realities of being typecast in the film industry, while also highlighting his journey towards redefining his career.
