Emraan Hashmi talks about nepotism in Bollywood

Actor Emraan Hashmi, known for his hit films like ‘Murder’, ‘Jannat’, ‘Raaz: The Mystery Continues’, ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’, and ‘Murder 2’, has always been vocal about the dynamics within Bollywood.

In a recent interview, Emraan discussed topics such as nepotism, the ‘Boycott Bollywood’ trend, and the influence of social media on the film industry.

Emraan, who stars as Raghu Khanna in the streaming series ‘Showtime’, opened up about the ‘Boycott Bollywood’ movement and its effects on the industry. He remarked, “The Bollywood boycott trend was not something we wanted, but it started and the industry had to bear the consequences. However, many films succeeded despite this. Ultimately, it’s about making a good film. The press and media play a significant role, and both industries co-exist. We need each other.”

Addressing nepotism in Bollywood, Emraan acknowledged its presence but emphasized that success ultimately depends on individual talent and audience approval. “Nepotism gives some an unfair advantage due to their contacts. This is true in many industries, not just ours. However, in Bollywood, while you might get an entry point, it’s the audience that decides your longevity. Many successful actors and filmmakers come from non-film backgrounds, proving that talent can prevail.”

Emraan also spoke about the role of social media in shaping public perception. “Social media is a powerful tool to reach millions, but it comes with unwanted elements like trolling. It’s important to focus on making a good film. Even without social media promotion, word of mouth can make a film successful.”

The actor also discussed the upcoming final three episodes of ‘Showtime,’ premiering on July 12th. The series, produced by Dharmatic Entertainment and led by Karan Johar, initially launched with its first four episodes in March. Emraan shared insights about his character’s evolution, teasing unexpected developments for Raghu Khanna.

Directed by Mihir Desai and Archit Kumar, ‘Showtime’ explores Raghu Khanna’s journey towards redemption and ambition, delving into the intricacies of relationships and fortunes within the industry. The series features an ensemble cast including Mouni Roy, Naseeruddin Shah, Mahima Makwana, Rajeev Khandelwal, Shriya Saran, and Vijay Raaz. ‘Showtime’ will be available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar starting July 12.