Emraan Hashmi has his way

Emraan Hashmi is flying high and how. The success of solo-hero starrers, Jannat (2008) and Raaz – The Mystery Continues (2009), has ensured Emraan such a standing in the film industry that his demands are met, despite the presence of an established star.

For Ekta Kapoor’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, where he plays the role of the young don Dawood Ibrahim , he has laid down a condition in his contract, that he should be given as lengthy a role and equal publicity as his co-star Ajay Devgan, who plays Haji Mastan in the film. A source close to the production house said, “Emraan’s uncles, Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt, were not in favour of him doing Ekta’s film as they feared that he might end up playing second fiddle to an established actor like Ajay Devgan.

However, Emraan loved the script and was very confident about his role. The film’s story revolves around how Haji Mastan passes the mantle to a young and emerging don Dawood. Nevertheless, in order to ensure that everything that was promised to him will be delivered, he laid down a condition in the contract saying that he should be given equal prominence as Ajay Devgan in terms of footage and publicity.”

Confirming the news about the contract, Emraan Hashmi says, “Well, it’s true. The film is based on the shift of power from Ajay Devgan to me. Obviously, I don’t do films for the love of anyone or to be just another name in the credits. It is the central character besides Ajay’s character in the film.”