Emraan Hashmi Recalls Mahesh Bhatt’s Doubts About Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Role

Director Mahesh Bhatt Initially Feared the Role Would Damage Actors Career

Emraan Hashmi delivered a powerful performance as Shoaib Khan in Milan Luthria’s 2010 film “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai.” The character was loosely based on the real-life gangster Dawood Ibrahim. However, Hashmi recently revealed his uncle, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, had reservations about him taking on the role.

Bhatt believed Shoaib Khan’s lack of redemption could negatively impact audience perception of Hashmi. “If you play this character, your career will be over,” Bhatt reportedly told Hashmi, fearing the character’s “irredeemable” nature would be a turn-off for viewers.

Despite Bhatt’s concerns, “Once Upon a a Time in Mumbaai” was a success. After the film’s release, Bhatt even apologized to director Milan Luthria, admitting he was wrong about the film’s tone and audience reception. Hashmi also shared Bhatt was initially unsure about the film’s climax.

“Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai” starred Ajay Devgn as Sultaan Mirza, a character inspired by Haji Mastan. The film spawned a sequel, “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai Dobara,” released in 2013. Meanwhile, Emraan Hashmi has two upcoming Telugu films, “OG” and “G2.”