Instant Stardom Surge
The cameo appearance by Emraan Hashmi in 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' became an instant sensation, leading to a considerable surge in his popularity. Fans
were captivated by his on-screen chemistry with Raghav Juyal, which quickly became a viral sensation across social media platforms. The public's enthusiasm for his performance was so remarkable that they affectionately nicknamed him 'Emraan Paglu.' The role's impact highlighted the power of a well-executed part, regardless of screen time. Hashmi's ability to create a lasting impression with a smaller role underscored his acting skill and versatility, proving that even a brief appearance could significantly boost an actor's fame.
Impact Over Length
Hashmi emphasized that it is not the role's length that determines its significance but its ultimate impact. During an interview, he noted the role's effect, demonstrating his knack for portraying varied characters. Hashmi expressed happiness over the positive reception and recognition, stating that the character's performance, regardless of screen time, is what truly resonates. He was surprised by the massive response to his cameo, which involved just a couple of days of filming. The actor admitted that he did not anticipate such a tremendous reaction, which proves the importance of quality performances, where the effect of a scene counts more than the number of scenes.
Fanbase Evolution
Hashmi addressed how his fanbase has changed since the show, noting that the show has attracted a more diverse audience. He mentioned that in the past, he encountered considerable criticism, especially from male viewers. He attributed this to the types of roles he used to portray, and the perception that he was in a privileged position. However, with time, he's observed a positive shift in audience perception, as more men have started appreciating his work. Hashmi's ability to adapt and connect with various demographics underlines his widespread appeal, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Avoiding Typecasting
During the discussion, Hashmi highlighted the common pitfall actors face of getting typecast. He talked about how actors may get trapped in a specific image, especially one that brings in financial gains. Hashmi sees this approach as safe, but he prefers diverse roles, emphasizing artistic freedom. He noted that even while playing similar characters, he tries to bring unique elements to them. He added that the tastes of audiences evolve over time, and actors cannot remain static, as it would limit their careers. Hashmi's commitment to variation enables him to keep his audience engaged, demonstrating his dedication to quality and longevity in the acting industry.
OTT's Influence
Hashmi discussed how the evolution of film and streaming services has changed audience tastes, thanks to the wide variety of content. He thinks this makes it exciting for actors, but also challenges content creators. Having spent over 25 years in the industry, and having appeared in roughly 50 films, Hashmi noted that choosing the right script becomes more difficult. He believes that accepting routine roles is not a wise choice unless they bring true innovation and quality. He appreciates the wider variety of roles available now, especially with the introduction of OTT platforms. Hashmi thinks that streaming services give actors the chance to develop their roles over multiple episodes, allowing them to fully present their characters to the audience.
About 'Taskaree'
The actor's upcoming project, 'Taskaree,' directed by Neeraj Pandey, is available on Netflix. The cast includes Sharad Kelkar, Zoya Afroz, Nandish Singh Sandhu, and Anurag Sinha. The collaboration between Hashmi and Pandey is poised to provide a gripping story, given their past works, while the diverse cast promises a range of performances. As streaming continues to evolve, the ability to release such content on platforms like Netflix underscores the changing industry dynamics. This project, along with his other works, showcases Hashmi's ability to take on diverse roles and thrive in the ever-changing world of cinema and streaming services.
