Actor Emraan Hashmi’s look in his forthcoming film Once Upon A Time In Mumbai has become a hot topic of debate among film buffs. Reason: The actor bears an uncanny resemblance to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in the flick, which has led people to wonder whether he is playing the role of Ibrahim, who figures third on Forbes’ Most Wanted Fugitives list.
Hashmi, however, is quick to dispel rumours of any likeness to the man suspected of having organised the 1993 Mumbai bombings. “Any resemblance with Dawood and is purely coincidental. I’m sporting the 70’s look — huge glasses, slightly long hair, printed shirts, bell bottom trousers and a big moustache. I haven’t emulated anybody’s look,” he said.
But, a source from the production house reveals the character does indeed derive inspiration from Dawood’s life: “Emraan put a picture of him from the film on Facebook and Twitter in which he looks similar to Dawood. Apart from his look, even his body language is similar to the don.” Also, Hashmi’s Twitter posts like, “Mumbai ka Don kaun — Shoaib (his character in the film)” ring a bell.
Hashmi admits he read up on gangsters for research. “I researched on internet and met criminal psychologists to understand the psyche of gangsters. After that, I got to their lifestyle. As actors, we can portray any lifestyle on screen, but the challenge was to think the way my character thinks. I managed to do that by speaking with criminal psychologists,” he says.
{{/usCountry}}Hashmi admits he read up on gangsters for research. “I researched on internet and met criminal psychologists to understand the psyche of gangsters. After that, I got to their lifestyle. As actors, we can portray any lifestyle on screen, but the challenge was to think the way my character thinks. I managed to do that by speaking with criminal psychologists,” he says.
{{/usCountry}}