Emraan Hashmi birthday special: Looking into the actor's best performances from ‘Gangster' to ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani'

Bollywood's charming actor Emraan Hashmi celebrates his 47th birthday today. Rising to fame in the early 2000s, he carved a distinct identity by breaking away from conventional hero norms. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has evolved from the ‘serial kisser’ tag to a versatile performer. Known for his intense screen presence, the actor continues to earn praise for portraying complex and memorable characters. Here's a look at his top performances.

Anurag Basu’s ‘Gangster’ marked a defining shift in Emraan Hashmi’s career. Playing an undercover cop opposite Kangana Ranaut and Shiney Ahuja, he brought emotional complexity and restraint to the role. The film’s chartbuster soundtrack and intense storyline resonated with viewers, making it a memorable watch that continues to trend. By playing Akash, a nuanced undercover detective in this box office success, the actor gained critical appreciation for his acting ability beyond just musical hits.

Mohit Suri’s ‘Awarapan’ showcased Emraan Hashmi in one of his most emotionally powerful roles as Shivam, a brooding hitman seeking redemption. Co-starring Shriya Saran and Mrinalini Sharma, the film grew into a cult favourite over time. Its soulful music and tragic storytelling have kept it alive among audiences. By portraying the conflicted hitman Shivam, Hashmi delivered a career-best, emotionally charged performance, earning critical acclaim and cult status

Directed by Milan Luthria, ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai’ featured Emraan Hashmi as Shoaib Khan, a gangster driven by ambition and authority. Acting alongside Ajay Devgn, Kangana Ranaut, and Prachi Desai, he delivered a performance filled with intensity and charm. The film was a box office success and continues to be widely loved by audiences. The movie was a pivotal commercial success for Emraan Hashmi, casting him as the ambitious gangster Shoaib Khan. The neo-noir film, which explored the rise of underworld figures, solidified his reputation for delivering intense performances.

In Milan Luthria’s ‘The Dirty Picture’, Emraan Hashmi portrayed filmmaker Abraham, a layered character in a story led by Vidya Balan. Sharing screen space with Naseeruddin Shah and Tusshar Kapoor, he delivered a subtle yet impactful performance. The film was both a critical and commercial blockbuster and remains popular for its bold storytelling. The film was a major commercial hit, grossing over Rs 117 crore, thus elevating Hashmi's status to a box-office-reliable actor

Mohit Suri’s ‘Murder 2’ saw Emraan Hashmi play Arjun Bhagwat, an ex-cop drawn into a chilling investigation involving a serial killer. Co-starring Jacqueline Fernandez and Prashant Narayanan, the film blended psychological tension with commercial appeal. It was a strong box office performer and continues to attract viewers for its gripping narrative. Emran Hashmi received praise for delivering a "knockout punch" in a complicated, serious role as an ex-cop, moving beyond just the romantic/erotic reputation of his earlier films.

In Dibakar Banerjee’s political thriller ‘Shanghai’, Emraan Hashmi surprised audiences with his portrayal of Joginder Parmar, a morally conflicted videographer entangled in a corruption scandal. Sharing screen space with Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin, he abandoned his typical persona for a raw, de-glam look. The film received strong critical acclaim and is still appreciated for its gripping narrative.

Directed by Kannan Iyer and backed by Ekta Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj, ‘Ek Thi Daayan’ featured Emraan Hashmi as magician Bobo alongside Konkona Sen Sharma, Huma Qureshi, and Kalki Koechlin. The psychological horror thriller received positive reviews for its eerie storytelling and performances. Audiences appreciated its unique narrative, and today it remains a popular watch.

Helmed by Mohit Suri, ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ saw Emraan Hashmi play Aarav opposite Vidya Balan and Rajkummar Rao. Inspired by a real-life story, the film struck a chord with audiences for its emotional depth and soulful music. Though reviews were mixed, it performed moderately well and continues to find viewers. The film is a romantic drama praised for its emotional depth and music,

Maneesh Sharma’s ‘Tiger 3’ marked a major turning point for Emraan Hashmi, where he played antagonist Aatish opposite Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. Part of the YRF Spy Universe, the film was mounted on a grand scale and emerged as a big commercial success globally. Hashmi’s performance was widely praised. His role as the antagonist Aatish Rehman in the movie marked a significant shift in his career, allowing him to break away from his romantic-thriller image to play a cerebral, 'badass' villain.