Bollywood’s eclectic actor Emraan Hashmi commemorates another year of artistic contributions to Indian cinema this March 24. Renowned for stepping into diverse roles that have ranged from the controversial to the heroic, Hashmi’s journey has been one of dramatic evolution. Rivaling his once earned moniker of the ‘serial kisser,’ he has emerged as a formidable force in the acting domain, with an impressive ascent into the world of digital streaming.
In pay tribute to his birthday, let us delve into Emraan Hashmi’s treasure trove of cinematic marvels that have left indelible marks on the hearts of audiences and critics alike.
‘Murder,’ an Anurag Basu directorial venture, positioned Hashmi at the forefront of Indian neo-noir cinema, as he embraced a negative character, generating an outpouring of acclaim. Alongside co-stars Mallika Sherawat and Ashmit Patel, he navigated the labyrinth of an erotic thriller that drew creative inspiration from the American movie ‘Unfaithful.’
‘Gangster,’ an early addition to Hashmi’s film catalog, wove the intricate tale of a love-tangled gangster (Shiney Ahuja) with Hashmi in the hot pursuit as the tenacious law enforcer, crafting a high-octane narrative steeped in crime and passion.
Following this, Hashmi starred in ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai,’ a thrilling recount of the notorious lives of Mumbai’s underworld icons Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim. This film added another potent portrayal to his growing list of critical successes.
One cannot speak of Hashmi’s career without singling out ‘The Dirty Picture,’ a cinematic homage to the life of South Indian actress Silk Smitha. Brandishing the catchphrase “entertainment, entertainment, and entertainment,” the film saw Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan deliver powerhouse performances, making it an irresistible proposition for cinephiles.
Among the romance flicks that have enjoyed cult status, ‘Jannat’ stands tall, etching into memory Emraan Hashmi’s portrayal of an aspirational lover with an iconic proposal scene that dreams are made of. Helmed by Mahesh Bhatt, the movie spanned a successful sequel, adhering to the central theme of the original narrative.
Dipping his toes into the horror genre, Emraan Hashmi brought ‘Ek Thi Daayan’ to life. This film embarks on a chilling exploration of Indian folklore, showcasing a magician ensnared in the affections of a witch, harmonizing supernatural elements with the allure of romance.
His latest foray on the silver screen, ‘Tiger 3,’ saw Hashmi unveiling his dark side as the formidable Aatish Rehman. The film resonated with audiences as he matched his wits against Bollywood heavyweights Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, cementing his versatility further.
In the historical drama ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan,’ Hashmi engages with the character of freedom fighter Ram Manohar Lohia. Directed and co-written by Kannan Iyer, alongside Darab Farooqui, the film portrays the gripping tale of an underground radio station pivotal to the Indian freedom movement, with Hashmi and Sara Ali Khan steering the narrative.
On Emraan Hashmi’s birthday, we not only celebrate his past achievements but also anticipate the continued artistry that he will share with the world of cinema. From the steamy beginnings to the pinnacles of dramatic prowess, Emraan Hashmi remains a symbol of passion, evolution, and relentless talent in the dynamic landscape of Bollywood.
(With humble acknowledgments to ANI for their contributions to this celebration of an enduring star.)
