“I have been lucky with my overseas audience”

Talented and confident, he has carved an enviable niche for himself with his unusual looks and unique style of acting in romantic blockbusters like Murder and Gangster. But now Emraan Hashmi is all set to delight his audiences further in Mahesh Bhatt’s stylish musical thriller, Awarapan. Audiences will get to see the actor with a whole new look and part, never seen before.  Emraan speaks on his biggest release, out on June 29…

Firstly, how does it feel to be married?

(Smiles) I’m getting used to it gradually! It’s a different life from being a bachelor but no regrets so far!

 
From being chubby and boyish to lean and mean, what do you have to say about your brand new look in the forthcoming Awarapan?

I love it! It’s an interesting change from the lover boy look I have been portraying till now.  I had to spend a lot of time in the gym doing cardios to tone up my body, and learned  kickboxing to make it flexible.The moustache, the stubble and the ear-ring  were essential  for my character Shivam who is an emotional assistant to a gangster.
How is Awarapan different from other love stories?

Awarapan is a love story with a distinct thriller element to it. It’s not your usual boy-meets-girl romance. It revolves around a character who juxtaposes his past and present love. Its climax has been shot in Lahore.

Describe your role in Awarapan?

I have played hard-hitting and intense roles before but not an author-backed character like Shivam.  He is a macho and rugged  man who leaves his country to get away from a tragic past and lands up in Hong Kong  to work for a don. His tragic past however refuses to leave him, and in a way, defines and shapes his personality. Mohit Suri (the director) has mounted my character really well.
 

You have a special bond with Mohit Suri…

He’s my cousin. We’ve grown up together. It’s my third film with him after Zeher and Kalyug. We understand each other really well.  

The music of Awarapan is a rage. Tell us about it

(Smiles) I’ve become synonymous with hit music and Awarapan is continuing that tradition! Some weeks back there were Mausam and Woh Ajnabee from The Train, now there’s Tera Mera Rishta and To Phir Aao from Awarapan! My favourite is To Phir Aao, the signature track of the film. It’s the first Bollywood soundtrack with such a strong Pakistani influence in it.

We hear that you have discarded your serial kisser image in Awarapan?

Awarapan is different from any film I have done before, even when it comes to the romantic scenes. That’s all I will say at this stage.