Acting, he admits, happened to him by accident. Even though he had featured in a number of commercials as a kid, there was no burning passion to grow up and become a hero. “I was all set to learn film animation graphics when I landed my first film,“ reminisces Emraan Hashmi, admitting that while he has hated attention, his son revels in it. “I like the focus to be on the character while Ayaan loves being in the spotlight. He will be a different kind of actor.“ The 38-year-old actor goes on to reveal that his seven-year-old son regularly takes part in dance performances and even joined a drama class and was on stage three months ago. “I won't push him but if he wants to act tomorrow, he'll have my support and guidance. For now he's exploring many things, including Capoeira, a marital art form,“ the proud papa smiles.

Meanwhile, Emraan is gearing up for the release of Baadshaho set in the '70s which he describes as the 'glory days of cinema'. “There wasn't so much of media glare then and only one TV channel, Doordarshan, so people were hungry to watch movies in theatres. I'd have loved being an actor then,“ he says. “I grew up on Amitabh Bachchan starrers and have watched Sholay 40-50 times. I'd have loved to be directed by Ramesh Sippy. I love Deewar and Trishul too and Srideviji's films. And then there's Mahesh Bhatt, I was blown away by his Saaransh.“

Among his own films, he loved the dialoguebaazi and larger-than-life characters of Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and The Dirty Picture. “It's important to take the audience on a journey, show them a world that's far removed from theirs, yet fascinating. Many of our youngsters are in the dark about the Emergency and Baadshaho reveals to them a part of our history in the format of an entertaining film,“ he asserts.

So, has he locked lips with leading lady Esha Gupta in this soon-to-release flick? The 'serial kisser' takes you by surprise by saying he hasn't. “I'm not shying away from my image but it amuses me that while I may play a variety of characters, the moment a kiss comes, two hours of work is forgotten,“ he grouses, but is quick to add that as love is an important aspect of our cinema, he's not averse to the occasional lip lock but argues that it doesn't have the shock value it did 13 years ago during Murder.

Today, Emraan is not open to taking the Murder and Raaz franchises forward, pointing out that though they contributed hugely to his success, he's not the same person today and audience's tastes has changed too. “Another franchise would be great, Murder and Raaz can be taken ahead but with a younger cast,“ he shrugs. Buzz is, there was a fall out with director Vikram Bhatt during Raaz Reboot. “Not true. The equation is the same as before, there is no bad blood at all,“ he dismisses.

What was the equation like with Ajay Devgn and Vidyut Jammwal during Baadshaho? “With Vidyut there was just one action sequence I was thrown into. I haven't done such scenes before so it was a bit daunting. With Ajay I shot for almost 50 days, and we'd hang out even after pack-up, play pool, board and card games, chat about things I can't share with you,“ he laughs.

His last few films haven't done too well. Will Baadshaho change his fortunes? “All of us live and die in hope. As an actor my job is to bring everything I have to the table. After that it's for the audience to decide if it's good or bad,“ he says, as he gears up to roll with his first production, Captain Nawab, in October. “It's a war-drama, a unique story inspired by true events and will involve a bit of army training,“ he adds, gung ho about Malvika Raaj, Karan Johar's young Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, who will be launched as his heroine. He's yet to meet her but was impressed with her audition. Admitting that as an actor one is a mere participant but involved in the entire process as a producer, he's excited for the future. “I'd want to direct too someday.“