With ‘Awarapan 2’ trending after the release of its teaser, Emraan Hashmi has once again found himself in the spotlight. The renewed attention has also brought back discussions around his long-standing screen image and the roles that shaped his career in Bollywood.Over the years, Emraan has often reflected on how his early choices influenced public perception. His on-screen identity, especially during the 2000s, became closely linked with intense and morally complex characters that set him apart from conventional Bollywood heroes. During the promotions of his 2025 film ‘Ground Zero’, the actor spoke about his journey and how his filmography shaped his stardom.
Emraan Hashmi on early days in career
In an earlier interview with DNA India, Emraan revisited his early years in the industry. He explained how his transition from his debut phase led him toward roles that were darker, layered, and unconventional compared to mainstream hero characters. He said, “That (grey-shade roles) is something that sets it apart from 2003, with my debut film Footpath. I think, I don’t know if I would have worked if I went down playing the traditional roles, playing righteous characters. I don’t think I look that part, nor that I wanted to it myself. So I became a part of the experience from the audience who sees this new grey hero, who does the wrong thing, but you still root for him. And of course, there is a redemption arc as well.”
Emraan Hashmi on ‘Hero’ death rumors
The actor also spoke about how audience perception and industry humour became part of his identity during his peak years. He recalled how his on-screen fate often became a running joke among filmmakers. He added, “There was a running joke about me, that in every movie I die, it would become a hit. So they (filmmakers) tried to shove up my death sequence somewhere in the film.” Emraan, who rose to fame with films like Gangster, Murder, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, and Jannat, noted that his unconventional image helped him stand out in a highly competitive industry. Over time, he became widely recognised for playing characters that were flawed but emotionally engaging.
About ‘Awarapan 2’
With ‘Awarapan 2’, the actor is set to reprise his role as Shivam Pandit nearly 19 years after the original film’s release. The teaser has already sparked strong curiosity among fans and revived interest in the franchise. The teaser opens with Emraan riding through a desert landscape on a motorcycle. It then moves into a reflective tone, featuring the line: “Kuch logo ki kahaniya unki marzi se khatam nahi hoti, unki kahani, dusro ke liye likhi jaati hai.“It also revisits emotional threads linked to Aaliyah Hamid, the character played by Shriya Saran in the original film, adding nostalgia to the visuals. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 is expected to continue Shivam Pandit’s journey.
