Emraan Hashmi, nearly 25 years into his film career, says he’s enjoying his work more than ever, embracing the versatility that today’s cinematic landscape offers. Seamlessly moving between theatrical releases and OTT series, he believes the current era favors actors willing to explore range. “I’m honestly enjoying this phase a lot—probably more than a typical commercial space,” he says. “As an actor, it’s very important for me to present versatility to the audience, and this is the best time for that.”

The success of his latest Netflix series, Taskaree, which recently trended at number one, has brought him quiet satisfaction. “So far, so good. I’m really glad people are connecting with it,” he shares. Watching the series with his family has been equally special. “We’ve seen five episodes together, and of course, they’re enjoying it. It’s heartening to see it trending.”

Reflecting on his long career, Emraan acknowledges the significant changes the industry has undergone. “OTT platforms and theatrical cinema are experimenting a lot more now. For an actor, this creative freedom is a gift,” he says. He notes that the variety of roles he’s getting today would have been a dream a decade ago. “I’m playing different characters, and honestly, it feels like the best time to be an actor.”

Interestingly, acting was never his original plan. “I wanted to work in VFX and eventually become a director,” he reveals, calling his journey a blend of intent and fate. “Life is a mix of free will and destiny. Hard work and perseverance take you places, but luck matters too.” Emraan admits he wasn’t a polished performer at the start but credits resilience and a desire to learn as key factors in his growth.

Looking back, he calls his career a “happy accident.” “From my very first film, I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” he says. The initial phase, however, was overwhelming. “My life changed in two months. I wasn’t mentally prepared. Suddenly, I was on set in front of a hundred people.” That initial shock gave way to a balanced approach. “I still get anxious before every release, but that’s healthy. Overconfidence can destroy you.”

For Emraan, fame and success have never dictated his choices. “I don’t take success or failure too seriously. I enjoy the highs and feel the lows, but I don’t stay stuck in either. Longevity matters more,” he says. Criticism has never shaken him either. “I genuinely don’t care what people say. My confidence comes from my family and upbringing. I don’t seek validation from outsiders.”

Whether in a solo film, an ensemble, or a cameo, Emraan competes only with himself. “Filmmaking is collaborative. You don’t compete with co-actors—you compete with yourself,” he says. Even brief appearances excite him if they leave an impact. Reflecting on his earlier image and the infamous ‘serial kisser’ tag, he treats it lightly. “That vintage version connected with audiences, which is why it blew up. Revisiting it, even briefly, was interesting.”

Breaking away from that tag has been an organic evolution. “It’s a mix of talent, hard work, destiny, luck, and directors who trusted me with different characters,” he says. For Emraan, the motivation remains simple: “I want to keep doing impactful, meaningful work. That’s always been the goal.”