There was a time when mentioning Emraan Hashmi instantly brought to mind one phrase – “serial kisser.” However, analysis of his career indicates that this label has only been a small portion of his overall body of work.
While his early years were relatively quiet compared to others who gained fame quickly due to the relationships they may have had before becoming successful actors through family connections within the industry, Emraan got his feet wet as an assistant director. The breakout film came later with his role in the blockbuster film Murder, which created a whole new identity for him as an actor by establishing him as our first non-traditional leading man.
Subsequently, the next few films he starred in followed suit, and all of them had an element of character development that created a unique combination of a romantic story with suspenseful elements. The “Serial Kisser” label established a large following, in large part because when women look at Emraan, they see the brooding eyes, the suave demeanor, and the “Bad Boy” image; therefore, his smile is not just attractive, but also mesmerizing. And behind all the headlines, there was a performer steadily honing his craft.
For me personally, Jannat wasn’t just another film – it was THE film. As a teenager, Jannat defined what high standards in love meant to me. The music, the passion, and the heartbreak were all bigger than life. Emraan played a flawed lover who had you rooting for him no matter what, and that was the beauty of his performance: His ability to convey flawed characters as real and relatable.
But just when it seemed like he was comfortably boxed into a certain image, Emraan did something rare: he evolved.
When Emraan married Parveen Shahani, he made a conscious decision to break away from the ‘same-old-boring-story formula that helped him become famous. He has discussed on many occasions in interviews that he intentionally toned down the level of intimacy in several of his films out of respect for the direction his life has taken and for the comfort level of his wife. This was not something that happened overnight; it was a slow re-evaluation of choices. After some time, Emraan began starring in films such as Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and The Dirty Picture, where he proved that his screen presence went far beyond physicality – it had depth, nuance, and remarkable restraint.
Then came the most defining chapter of his life – not on screen, but off it.
When his son, Ayaan Hashmi, was diagnosed with cancer, Emraan’s world shifted completely. It was a battle no parent is ever prepared for. For a long time, everything else, movies, fame, took a backseat; he was simply a father, battling beside his child every single day of the diagnosis. It altered him in ways that were more than just personal; it altered the way he approaches art. His depth of feeling grew, his perspective changed, and the strength of Emraan was evident from the time he was diagnosed and has continued until today.
The family ultimately prevailed over Ayaan’s illness, and to this day, that is an inspiring aspect of Emraan’s memoir and journey.
As Emraan’s career evolved, he continued to surprise and amaze us. From his layered performance in Shanghai to the raw emotion he portrayed in Hamari Adhuri Kahani, he has continually pushed the limits of himself and the expectations the audience had for him.
And now that we see Emraan in Ba***ds of Bollywood, it feels like a full circle moment. For example, when Raghav Juyal calls Emraan the “OG,” it does not feel like an inside joke; rather, it feels deserved as he is one of a kind. Few actors have had a rollercoaster ride like Emraan, going from being typecast and underestimated to quietly creating multiple award-winning performances that continue to demand respect.
Today, on his birthday, it feels only right to say this: Emraan Hashmi was never just the “serial kisser.” He was always more – more talent, more depth, more heart.
