Emraan Hashmi doesn’t have many blockbuster movies in his filmography, but the actor holds a cult fan base for his exceptional performances. Hashmi delivered one of his most memorable performances in ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’. The film, directed by Milan Luthria, featured him playing Shoaib Khan. His portrayal of the ambitious underworld figure stood out.However, the decision to take the role was not easy. His uncle, Mahesh Bhatt, had serious reservations. He felt the character could damage Emraan’s image. The concern was how audiences would perceive him after such a role.
“Career Will Be Over” warning for Emraan Hashmi
In 2024, Emraan spoke about this phase in an interview with The Lallantop. He revealed the warning he received before signing the film.
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He recalled Mahesh Bhatt saying, “If you play this character, your career will be over.” Emraan further added, “He warned me, ‘While some characters with grey shades are able to redeem themselves, this character will change people’s perception of you overnight.’” The warning reflected a genuine fear. At the time, anti-hero roles were still a risky choice. Actors often avoided playing morally complex characters.
‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’ success changes perception
Despite the concerns, Emraan went ahead with the film. The risk paid off. ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’ released in 2010 and became a major success. Emraan later shared that Mahesh Bhatt acknowledged his misjudgment. He said, “When the film released and became a massive success, he called Milan and said, ‘I am sorry. I was wrong.’ He admitted that the film, contrary to his initial thoughts, was entertaining rather than dark.” The film changed perceptions about Emraan’s capabilities. It proved he could handle layered roles beyond his usual image.The film also benefited from a powerful supporting cast. Ajay Devgn played a key role. Kangana Ranaut, Prachi Desai, and Randeep Hooda added depth to the narrative. The film is now seen as a modern classic in the gangster genre.
Emraan’s recent villain role in ‘OG’
On the work front, Emraan recently appeared in OG. The film stars Pawan Kalyan in the lead. Emraan played a negative role, marking his Telugu debut. The film received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from ETimes. The review praised his performance, stating, ” Emraan Hashmi makes a strong impact as the menacing Omi, though his character could have used more depth. It still works as a promising debut in this space.Japanese actor Kazuki Kitamura’s brief but memorable cameo hints at bigger things ahead, keeping fans curious for the sequel. Sriya Reddy delivers a solid performance, while Priyanka Arul Mohan’s Kanmani feels underwritten. Prakash Raj, as Satya Dada, brings authority and intensity, especially in his dynamic with OG. Arjun Das too leaves an impression.”
