Emraan Hashmi: “At the moment I want to focus on acting but I would definitely want to produce soon.”

EMRAAN HASHMI, in an interview with LIPIKA VARMA, on his latest release and its intriguing plot, as well as future projects.

Emraan Hashmi has come a long way from his debut days, finding his footing and forte as an actor and a producer. His latest venture is the much-awaited film Chehre, where he stars opposite Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. He talks us through the film, and its processes, and spills the details on what lies ahead.

You have come a long way in your career, dabbling in both acting and production. What comes next?

As a producer, I’m waiting for the right script. In the meantime, I’m focusing on acting. Producing and wearing a producer’s hat comes with its own challenges. At the moment I want to focus on acting but I would definitely want to produce soon.

People feel that producing a film only concerns the finances. Taking creative calls is much more important for a film

Actors have been known to be troublemakers on set, but never you. What have you learnt from your experience as an actor and a producer?

I was an assistant director before becoming an actor, so I know the hurdles a producer must face. I am aware of how they get into a spot when the actors trouble them. I am very respectful and empathetic towards the producers and give my 100% to my projects. Producing films is an extremely tough job. Beyond the financial aspect, there are so many things unknown when you’re shooting a film. You need to get everything right. People feel that producing a film only concerns the finances. Taking creative calls is much more important for a film unless you are 100% in or else it is not a good thing to get in.

Let’s talk about Chehre. What’s behind the title?

Chehre does simply refer to face. All human beings have different faces in real life. Chehre is given this title because it’s an interesting film and explores this theme of masking. Every character in the film has many faces. We all wear masks and very seldom reveal our vulnerabilities or our real face. We are exposed when we are pushed behind the wall; then, we reveal our faces. We are someone we truly trust. That’s the title: Chehre. It comes from Amitabh Bachchan’s character trying to face us. When I enter the house, he wants to unmask the real face of mine. He is a lawyer, so he tries to unearth whatever I have done and get to the bottom of the matter. In the narration, they forget their identity in this game of masking and unmasking. The question asked is ‘Who are they actually?’

There has been a lot of chatter about the setting of the movie. 

It’s a deserted, reclusive place. A group of lawyers, and a judge, assemble in this house. They start playing a very interesting game. The game they play is a mock trial, a courtroom drama. Amitji’s character grills the guests. He wants to know what it is that a person has done in their life that is unethical and wrong. It’s then that you start seeing some revelations in this house.

How was your experience working with Amitabh Bachchan?

 It was very scary in the beginning, obviously. It was a great script, and I was excited to work with Amit ji alongside a stellar cast. Fear crops up. I hoped to be able to match up and not ruin the script. That’s when my survival mechanism kicked in. I worked my ass off before getting into comparisons. I worked hard, and I hope the audience is able to see that. 

Future endeavours?

It’s a Malayalam horror remake of the super hit film Ezra, although the original title might not be the final title. This film will probably be a September or October release.

I worked hard, and I hope the audience is able to see that.