In showbiz family doesn't come first:Emraan Hashmi

In an interview with TOI, actor Emraan Hashmi speaks about moments of self-doubt and convictions about image

You are on a high post the success of " Once Upon a Time in Mumbai"...

The memory of a past success does play a part in at least drawing the audience to the theatre. Ajay and I were appreciated for our roles in " OUATIM". All said and done, there is a certain slotting for actors. The tags are at times too heavy a burden. Audiences too have a perception. But then, having a success behind you always works to your advantage.

So what do think your slotting is, after "OUATIM"?

As an actor, I have always taken subjects that I believe in. The choices I have made were not considered safe in Bollywood. For example, look at the bold films I have done which earned me the "kisser boy" tag. But after the recent releases I've had, people have woken up to the fact that I'm not an actor who can be slotted. I work with people who want to take risks, because that's how I am.

Is there a deliberate attempt to revamp your image to increase the audience base? Let's face it; many would consider an Emraan Hashmi project risqu.

When I do a new and different film, people who like that genre come in to watch it. But along the way there are hits and flops. You've got to live with your choices without bothering about how many new people will come to see your film. I never saw myself doing a rom-com so it was a pleasant surprise to me when Madhur (Bhandarkar) ask me to be part of his film. As an actor, I try to break away from stereotypes and when I decided to get out of my comfort zone then who better than Madhur to make a romcom with a touch of realism? Yes, I do different films because I want to do them and I know a new set of people will come in to watch it. But there is no deliberate attempt to do that. In fact, in " Murder 2" I have a lot of bold scenes and in Dibakar Banerjee's next I play a man with a pot belly. Having said that, I would like to add that I do films for satisfaction and not money.

But the position that you are in, you can command a higher remuneration.

I can and I do. But that is subjective. I charge according the project I'm doing. As an actor you have to be confident about your commerce. If someone offers me an art-house film which I love, I won't demand a huge fee. In fact, I'll slash my price and do it because it's a different experience. Similarly, if a movie is being made on a grand scale then no one should expect me to lower my remuneration. I believe that my convictions will take me places and money will follow.

Has anything changed about the films you sign, now that you are a family man?

Not just yet. It might happen eventually. But the fact remains you don't make a movie for your family. You make it for your audience. In showbiz, family doesn't come first. You have to keep them separate for your own sanity. So far I have managed to do that pretty well.

Your journey so far, has it been riddled with doubt.

Yes, and I need to work hard on this aspect. Success and failure are part of life and one needs to take them seriously. Success can do a lot to your ego. But without humility, you are finished. A little self doubt is brings you back to earth and enhances your mind and talent as an actor in choosing the kind of films you do.