Emraan Hashmi was recognized for playing most of romantic roles but one of his most daring choices came in 2006 when he took on the film Aksar. The movie, directed by Ananth Mahadevan, became a sensation, largely due to its intriguing plot and the popular track ‘Jhalak Dikhla Ja’. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Mahadevan opened up about Hashmi’s willingness to take on an unconventional role in Aksar – one that saw his character, Ricky, die before the film’s climax, something many actors would have avoid to sign.
Before signing this film, Emraan Hashmi was already a popular name with films like Murder and Aashiq Banaya Aapne. However, when Mahadevan offered him the role in Aksar, where the actor’s character was notably different. Ricky, a character who is entangled in a complex relationship with the wife of Dino Morea’s character, Raj, plays a central yet short-lived part in the story. Knowing that Ricky’s story would end in a 3/4th of the movie and final plot would twist to Dino’s character, Hashmi didn’t hesitate but daringly took it. Mahadevan recalls, “I told Emraan, ‘You’ll die in the last quarter of the film and Dino takes the final turn.’ To my surprise, he replied, ‘I am doing it!’”
In the interview, Mahadevan praised Hashmi’s commitment to the role, calling him “brave” for agreeing to a part that others might see as a “loser’s role”. According to Mahadevan, “If you ask any actor today, they’ll say, ‘This is a loser’s role; I won’t do it’. But Emraan did it without question, guts tha bande mein!”
Aksar then emerged as an unexpected hit with its suspenseful storyline and Himesh Reshammiya’s music made waves nationwide. The film’s music, particularly Jhalak Dikhla Ja became a huge hit, playing across homes and cars alike. Mahadevan fondly remembers the time of working with Reshammiya, crediting his music for enhancing the film’s emotional pull.
Despite the film’s success, Mahadevan recalled the initial hesitation and criticism he received from some reviewers for moving from warmer, family-friendly films to an erotic thriller. He shared that critics questioned his decision, asking why he had chosen such a dramatic shift in genre. However, after the film’s release, those same critics called back, expressing their appreciation for the movie’s unique approach to suspense and intrigue.
Reflecting on the journey, Mahadevan praised Hashmi’s dedication, noting that his “sincerity” and “hard work” made Ricky’s role memorable. Mahadevan’s admiration for Hashmi’s choices highlights how the actor’s willingness to take risks helped create a successful film that stood out in its time.
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