Over two decades into his Bollywood career, Emraan Hashmi continues to be associated with a tag that first emerged during his early years in the industry. In a recent interview, the actor revisited the much-discussed ‘serial kisser’ label, acknowledging that while it followed him for years, he also benefited from it at a crucial stage of his journey.
Emraan explained that he was quickly slotted into the bad-boy romantic hero image after his breakthrough in Murder in 2004. The film’s bold scenes became a talking point, and the media attention that followed helped shape his on-screen persona. According to the actor, the image worked commercially and was even amplified through marketing strategies at the time. He admitted that he leaned into it fully, understanding its value in building his popularity.
However, Emraan noted that being typecast is not unique to him and is common across industries worldwide. Drawing comparisons with actors in the West, he said performers are often boxed into familiar roles, making it difficult to break out unless they actively push for change.
The shift came when Emraan sensed a change in audience demographics. Realising that every image has a saturation point, he decided it was time to reinvent himself. He began exploring different genres, moving into romantic dramas like Jannat and more serious, character-driven films such as Awarapan and Shanghai, gradually expanding his range.
Despite the transition, Emraan acknowledged that questions about his early films still surface. He believes the persistence of the label reflects a deeply conservative mindset, where strong images linger longer. For him, the only solution has been to keep challenging himself and showcase versatility. According to Emraan, taking creative risks and presenting new facets of performance remains the most effective way to redefine how audiences see an actor.
