I really never felt the pressure, says Emraan Hashmi

Actor Emraan Hashmi’s recently released flick Humari Adhuri Kahani (HAK) was his make-or-break film. The movie was labelled ‘regressive’- a term the serial kisser says need to be the frame of reference. HAK made an average opening at the box office, but Emraan is undaunted.

He said, “I really never felt the pressure. I understand everyone needs to make money and there are expectations, but HAK is one film that went beyond all that. It was a wholesome cinematic experience for me. Box Office earnings are, of course, always a bonus. It was a bit tense for my producers until the first Monday, but I guess it turned out all right”.

“I respect every department in filmmaking — including critics who review the film. Critiquing a film is a person’s opinion. Just because he/she is a fan of slapstick comedy doesn’t mean I enjoy the genre as well. What is good for her/him, may be a headache for me so a review isn’t necessarily a benchmark to gauge a film. As far as people calling it a regressive story of a woman is concerned, we need to know that being progressive does not just mean wearing jeans and t-shirts. There are still pockets in our country where all this still happens. So many husbands and boyfriends still dictate a woman’s life. We had to show the woman to be like that to justify the choices she makes. Everyone feels the need to be loved as it’s a universal feeling. I don’t take these things too seriously. Besides, no one can insult me without my permission”, he added.