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Emraan Hashmi

Emraan Hashmi Promotions of 'Shanghai' (2)
Emraan Hashmi Promotions of 'Shanghai' (2) Image: Wikimedia Commons. Bollywood Hungama / CC BY 3.0

Overview

Syed Emraan Anwar Hashmi (born 24 March 1979) is an Indian film actor who works predominantly in Hindi cinema. Initially recognised for performing bold scenes in romantic thrillers during the mid-2000s, he subsequently broadened his range with unconventional roles across genres including crime drama, biographical drama, supernatural horror and political thriller. He has received four Filmfare Award nominations over the course of his career.

Key facts

Full name Syed Emraan Anwar Hashmi
Born 24 March 1979
Nationality Indian
Occupation Film actor
Primary industry Hindi cinema
Notable awards Four Filmfare Award nominations
Spouse Parveen Shahani
Children One son

Background

Before turning to acting, Hashmi worked as an assistant director on the 2002 horror film Raaz. This early experience in production preceded his transition to lead roles in Hindi cinema.

Career

Early breakthrough (2004–2007)

Hashmi established himself as one of the leading actors in Hindi cinema by 2004, working primarily within the thriller genre. His successful films during this period included Murder (2004), Zeher (2005), Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005), Kalyug (2005), Aksar (2006) and Gangster (2006). After a series of films that underperformed commercially, he starred in the action drama Awarapan (2007), which received critical appreciation.

Expanding range (2008–2013)

The year 2008 proved a turning point with his role as a conman in the crime drama Jannat. He went on to play a range of unconventional characters in the horror film Raaz: The Mystery Continues (2009), the biographical drama The Dirty Picture (2011), the psychological thriller Murder 2 (2011), the romantic comedy Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (2011), the crime thriller Jannat 2 (2012) and the supernatural thrillers Raaz 3 (2012) and Ek Thi Daayan (2013). His performances in the underworld drama Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010) and the political thriller Shanghai (2012) earned him two Filmfare Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.

Mid-2010s and hiatus

Following another series of commercial setbacks, Hashmi played the titular role in the biographical sports drama Azhar (2016) and portrayed an evil spirit in the horror thriller Raaz Reboot (2016). He received praise for the drama Hamari Adhuri Kahani (2015) and for Baadshaho (2017). He subsequently took a hiatus from acting.

Return and Telugu debut (2023)

Hashmi returned to the screen with the commercially successful action thriller Tiger 3 (2023), which earned him his third Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also appeared in the Telugu film They Call Him OG, marking his debut in Telugu cinema.

Other work

Beyond acting, Hashmi has authored an autobiographical book that deals with his son's illness. He is also a prominent celebrity endorser for various brands and products.

Personal life

Hashmi is married to Parveen Shahani, with whom he has a son.

Significance

Described as one of the more unconventional actors in Indian cinema, Hashmi's career has charted a transition from a niche identity in romantic thrillers to a broader portfolio of character-driven roles across crime, biographical, supernatural and political genres in Hindi films, with a recent extension into Telugu cinema.

References

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