I am cool with my serial-kisser image: Emraan - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

I am cool with my serial-kisser image: Emraan

IANS | BySreya Basu, Kolkata
May 20, 2008 02:41 PM IST

Bollywood star Emraan Hashmi says that every actor kisses on and off-screen but only he gets projected as a serial kisser by the media.

Actor Emraan Hashmi says his latest release Jannat, where he plays a bookie, couldn't have been timed better to coincide with the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.

HT Image
HT Image

"It was not deliberate, but it's good that the film was released during the IPL ... And I believe there is no harm in showing the black aspect of cricket," Emraan told IANS in an interview here.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Excerpts from the interview:

Let's start with your latest release Jannat.
Jannat is a love story with the background of cricket and the dark alleys of the game. The subject is contemporary where heaven is all about money, luxury and crime.

Are you comfortable playing a hero with negative attributes?
Generally in Hindi films we take it for granted that a hero should be all white, while the villain is portrayed as a black character. In this film I play a grey character that people can relate to. After all none of us is all white or black, but grey.

The first half of the film portrays Arjun (my character in "Jannat") as a reckless youth obsessed with moneymaking and in the process gets into cricket betting and the match-fixing racket. But in the latter half, audiences will know about the circumstances that led him to this racket and they will feel sorry for him.

How did you prepare for your character?
I met a few cricket bookies in Mumbai to get a better understanding of their life and lifestyle. Besides, I read all about the cricket betting controversies that took place in the last 30 years.

Is Jannat deliberately released during the IPL?
It wasn't deliberate but it's good that the film was released during the IPL. Cricket betting is something that you can never put on check. And I believe there is no harm in showing the black aspect of cricket.

Are you watching the IPL?
No. Actually, personally I am not interested in cricket. But after you see the film you can hardly question my limited cricket gyan (knowledge).

Bengali singer Rupam Islam has sung in this film.
Rupam is a fabulous singer and his song Jannat jahan has added a new flavour to the film.

Why is that you always work with the Bhatts?
First they are my family and so I feel at home working for them. Secondly, the Bhatts make films that are socially appealing and different at the same time.

You said you would never kiss on-screen. But

Jannat

has two kissing scenes. So you are back to your serial kisser image?

Every actor kisses on and off-screen. But only Emraan Hashmi gets projected as a serial kisser by the media. Whether it is a joke or something serious, I am cool with it.

You have again paired opposite a new face. This time it's Sonal Chauhan. Are you comfortable acting with newcomers?

Yes. My directors are always hunting for fresh faces for me - Kangana Ranaut in

Gangster

, Geeta Basra in

The

Train

and this time it's Sonal Chauhan. I am perfectly cool working with newcomers ... But Sonal has been into modelling, so she is already aware of camera positions, lights and a little bit of acting.

The songs of all your films are hits. What is the secret behind it?
Credit goes to my music directors, singers and lyricists. But at the same time, I'm also very particular about my songs.

What are the films in the pipeline?
Right now there is only one film - Raaz 2. Its a horror film directed by Mohit Suri and Kangana Ranaut is the leading lady.

Name the films that are your favourite.
Jannat and Awaarapan will always remain close to my heart.

Explore the art deco structures of Mumbai through a heritage walk with HT! Participate now.

Get more updates from Bollywood, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On