Latest news with #OnceUponaTimeinMumbaai
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Akkshay Dogra on Badass Begum: My character's look has shades of Emraan Hashmi from Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai
Akkshay Dogra and Emraan Hashmi Akkshay Dogra , who has been part of shows like 12/24 Karol Bagh, Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?, Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, Waaris, and Dil Hi Toh Hai, will next be seen in the web series Badass Begum. His character, he says, bears a resemblance to Emraan Hashmi 's role in Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai — particularly in terms of the style and attitude. Recalling what drew him to the project, Akkshay says, 'When Badass Begum came to me, two things struck me instantly — the story of a girl taking on the world, and the time period it was set in. From the way the character looks to how he moves, everything had a distinct 90s feel. It reminded me of Emraan Hashmi's character from Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai. The similarities — the sunglasses, the attitude, the overall vibe — felt familiar.' On shaping the look of his character, the actor shares, 'At the time, I already had long hair and a beard. There were suggestions to cut the hair short, but I felt a slightly grown-out style worked better, especially given the 80s and 90s references — moustaches, longer hair at the nape. I had sported a moustache for a previous unreleased role, so I showed that look to Tabrez sir, our director and producer, and he agreed it could work.' Explaining how wardrobe choices affect performance, he adds, 'It makes a difference. That's why we do look tests and costume-based auditions. As an actor, putting on the costume helps shift into the character. The clothes carry a certain energy that affects how you carry yourself. That in turn helps you internalise the role more easily.' While the show is fictional, Akkshay's character is loosely inspired by a real person. 'He was one of the well-known names in the underworld during the 90s. I read up a little to understand the context and background. But eventually, we took creative liberties and shaped the character in our own way. It's not a biopic — the intent is to tell a compelling story set in that world,' he concludes.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Emraan Hashmi says Kashmir has witnessed ‘turmoil' over the years, calls cinema a ‘unifier'
Emraan Hashmi 's new film 'Ground Zero' hits the cinemas today, is not just another war drama. It's a powerful tribute to real-life bravery, and it's the first movie in 38 years to have a red-carpet premiere in Srinagar , Jammu & Kashmir. Held on 18 April 2025, the premiere was attended by jawans, BSF officers, and the cast and crew of the film. The story of 'Ground Zero' follows BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey, who led a crucial 2003 operation to eliminate terrorist Ghazi Baba. With Emraan playing the lead role, the film brings this gripping real-life mission to the big screen. "Kashmir is such a scenic and wonderful place with great people." In an interview with News18 just days before the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, Emraan said that the Valley has witnessed 'turmoil' over the years and shared his thoughts about how meaningful the Srinagar premiere was especially given the history of conflict in the Valley. 'It (Kashmir) is such a scenic and wonderful place with great people. It was dogged by the insurgency that was prevalent there in the late 90s and the early 2000s, which has been shown in our film also," he said. The 'Jannat' actor spoke about how movies can be more than just entertainment. 'Cinema is a unifier,' he said, hoping that the Srinagar screening sends out a message of hope and peace. He said, 'In a cinema hall, it's a communal viewing by people from different walks of life. When they go and enjoy a film, their experience sparks the same emotions. When the lights dim, you realise what a fantastic unifier it is.' Real hero's reaction: 'It took them back to 2001.' One of the most touching moments around the film came from the man it is based on. BSF officer Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey watched the film not once, but twice. His response? Deep appreciation. 'He has seen the film twice. I saw it with him in Delhi in November last year. He loved it. He was there with his family. They came out and said that it way exceeded their expectations and it took them back to 2001,' said Emraan. The 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai' actor explained that Dubey had been unsure at first. 'I wouldn't say that he had reservations before but he wanted to know how it will play out. Sometimes, we end up making films jingoistic and over-the-top. I think that's the fear he had.' Despite its powerful story 'Ground Zero' has had a quiet start at the box office. As per Pinkvilla, the film sold just around 4,000 tickets in top national chains through advance bookings. This means it'll need strong word of mouth and solid weekend numbers to pick up momentum. Emraan Hashmi OPENS UP; Gets Real On Kashmir, 'Ground Zero' & The Return Of Awarapan | EXCLUSIVE Best Hindi Movies | Best Tamil Movies | Best Telugu Movies | Best english Movies | Best Malayalam Movies |
