Actor Emraan Hashmi, known for his candid views on Bollywood, recently shared his thoughts on nepotism, boycott trends, and the role of social media in shaping public perception of the industry. In an interview with news agency ANI, the actor delved into these hot-button topics that have dominated headlines in recent years.

Addressing the ‘Boycott Bollywood’ trend and its impact on the Hindi film industry, Hashmi stated, “The Bollywood boycott trend was not something we wanted, but it started, and the industry had to pay the price. However, it couldn’t last because many films were successful despite it. Ultimately, it’s about making a good film. The press and media play a significant role. These two industries co-exist; we aren’t as effective without the media, and the media needs the film industry. This symbiotic relationship has existed for centuries and will continue.”

Emraan Hashmi Explaining Nepotism

Hashmi also spoke on the contentious issue of nepotism in Bollywood, explaining, “Nepotism, by definition, gives an unfair advantage to some people through their relations or contacts. This bitter truth isn’t unique to our industry; it exists in many other sectors. In our industry, while you might get an easy entry point because of contacts, the audience is the ultimate judge. They decide whether you will stay in the industry or not.”

He further elaborated, “You might get your first film as a director or actor due to connections, but if the audience doesn’t like your work, you can’t sustain a career. Conversely, there are many success stories of individuals from non-film backgrounds. Many people from small towns have found success in Bollywood. It’s a mixed bag.”

Emraan Hashmi’s insights highlight the complexities and dualities within the Bollywood industry, from the influence of media and social trends to the persistent debate on nepotism.

On the professional front, Hashmi is set to appear in several upcoming projects, including Shootout at Byculla, Captain Nawab, and Ground Zero, directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar.