Emraan Hashmi is a prominent and talented Bollywood actor who has carved a unique place for himself in the Indian film industry. Best known for his intense performances and romantic roles, Emraan's journey in cinema is filled with fascinating moments and lesser-known facts. Many people admire him for his dashing personality and compelling screen presence, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. In this article, we explore 10 surprising facts about Emraan Hashmi that even his biggest fans might not know.
Born on March 24, 1979, in Mumbai, Emraan Hashmi comes from a family deeply rooted in the Indian entertainment industry. His grandfather, Raza Ali Khan, was a respected classical singer, while his uncle, Mahesh Bhatt, is a celebrated filmmaker and producer. Emraan is also the cousin of starbuzz actress Alia Bhatt. Growing up in such a creative atmosphere influenced his early interest in acting and helped shape his journey into Bollywood stardom.
Emraan Hashmi began his acting career in 2003 with the film Footpath, directed by Vikram Bhatt and produced by Mahesh Bhatt. Although the film didn’t perform well at the box office, it served as a crucial launchpad for his career. Emraan gained major recognition with his breakout role in Murder (2004), followed by hits like Gangster and Jannat. These early roles helped him establish himself as a bankable actor in the romantic thriller genre.
Emraan Hashmi became widely known for his bold roles, earning the controversial yet catchy nickname "serial kisser" of Bollywood. His on-screen chemistry and steamy scenes became a major attraction for fans, especially in the early stages of his career. While this label brought attention and some criticism, it also highlighted his fearless choice of roles and his dedication to portraying realistic and passionate characters on screen.
Apart from acting, Emraan Hashmi made headlines with his deeply emotional and motivational book, The Kiss of Life: How A Superhero and My Son Defeated Cancer, released in 2016. The book details his family's battle when his young son, Ayaan, was diagnosed with cancer. Emraan’s honest storytelling and heartfelt narration resonated with readers, making it a best-seller and showing a different, more personal side of the actor.
Before stepping into the spotlight, Emraan studied graphic design at the University of Mumbai. His background in design has helped him appreciate the visual aspects of filmmaking, including aesthetics, set design, and cinematography. This training gave him a deeper understanding of how visuals play a powerful role in storytelling, which he integrates into his acting process today.
Beyond the film industry, Emraan Hashmi is known for his philanthropic efforts. He actively supports various causes related to child welfare and education. As a goodwill ambassador for Pratham Education Foundation, he works to improve educational opportunities for underprivileged children in India. He also collaborates with NGOs like Save the Children and CRY (Child Rights and You) to promote child rights and healthcare awareness.
Over the years, Emraan Hashmi has received critical acclaim and numerous accolades for his performances. He has won several prestigious awards, including three Filmfare Awards, and has been nominated for many others such as the International Indian Film Academy Awards and Screen Awards. His powerful acting in movies like The Dirty Picture, Shanghai, and Hamari Adhuri Kahani showcased his versatility and talent.
In addition to his acting prowess, Emraan is a trained singer and has experimented with playback singing in a few projects. His soulful rendition of songs like "Piya More" from Baadshaho showcased his musical talent. Fans appreciated his voice, and many praised his ability to bring genuine emotion into his singing, making it another facet of his multi-dimensional personality.
After a brief lull in his career, Emraan made a comeback with intense and dramatic roles that proved his evolution as an actor. Films like Cheat India, which focused on flaws in the Indian education system, and his portrayal of real-life characters in Tigers and Mumbai Saga received positive reviews. These roles showed his ability to take on more serious and socially relevant characters, further proving his depth as an artist.
Despite his fame, Emraan Hashmi prefers to keep his personal life away from the limelight. He is known for being humble and deeply family-oriented. He married his long-time girlfriend Parveen Shahani in 2006, and the couple has a son, Ayaan. Emraan has always spoken about balancing his film career with his responsibilities as a father and husband, making him a relatable figure for many of his fans.
