In the glittering yet ruthless world of Bollywood, actor Emraan Hashmi has stepped into the limelight with the new series ‘Showtime’, taking on a role that immerses viewers into the complex tapestry of India’s film industry – warts and all. The Disney+ Hotstar series, which also features performances by Mahima Makwana and the venerable Naseeruddin Shah, is a tapestry that interweaves the attractive sheen of glamour with the unpalatable dynamics of power and nepotism.
Emraan Hashmi, a long-established figure in the industry, brings to life Raghu Khanna, a mercurial Bollywood producer whose life and decisions are an epitome of industry truths, including the much-debated subject of nepotism. The thought-provoking series, produced by none other than Karan Johar, brilliantly showcases the stark disparity between those born within the industry and aspiring talents standing on its periphery, yearning for a breakthrough.
Deploying his characteristically direct approach, Hashmi addresses the insider advantage he possesses, shaped undeniably by his film family lineage. “When the nepotism debate sparked, voices from both ends, insiders and outsiders alike, were sought after. It’s undeniable – my foray into the industry was facilitated by my familial connections. There’s no room for apology in playing the cards one is dealt,” he states. Despite the softer landing afforded to him, Hashmi makes it clear that he wasn’t ceremoniously ushered to stardom but started with modes foundation through his supporting role in the 2003 film ‘Footpath’, gradually climbing the cine ladder to recognition and fame.
Hashmi’s comprehension of the industry’s dynamics extends to acknowledging the colossal barrier that outsiders face when attempting to set foot in Bollywood’s nexus of opportunity. Lupping back to days before his acting debut, where he accumulated experience as an assistant director, he recalls how the odds are heavily stacked against newcomers with no industry anchors. “Gaining access to a producer’s chamber is a Herculean task for outsiders, let alone getting cast in a movie,” he reflects. Encounters with decision-makers, such as assistant directors or film directors, often remain a distant dream for many.
It was not merely the thematic richness that drew Hashmi to ‘Showtime’, but also the opportunity to portray a character like Raghu Khanna – a ruthless powerhouse who places commercial success and box office applause over critical acclaim. “Raghu is your quintessential producer who idolizes the front-row spectators in movie theaters, thriving on their whistles and applause,” he explains. This character starkly contrasts Hashmi’s personal demeanor, as Raghu is portrayed as an outspoken, volatile figure who puts films above people, a divergence from the actor’s own ethos.
So, how does he reconcile with a role that diverges so sharply from his actual self? “The process begins by finding parallels and then exploring differences between myself and the character,” Hashmi clarifies. His depth of character portrayal over the span of a 25-year career has involved embodying roles that differ from his own persona. A pivotal aspect that resonates with him in ‘Showtime’ is the complicated dynamic his character shares with his father.
In a vast and competitive industry such as Bollywood, where the stars and stories seem bigger than life itself, ‘Showtime’ and Emraan Hashmi’s performance strike a chord that resonates through the core of the cinematic fraternity and its audience. As viewers embark on a journey into the hidden corridors of film-making through the eyes of Raghu Khanna, they also witness a narrative threaded with the raw truths of an industry as unforgiving as it is enchanting.
