Snehashish roy
Actor Emraan Hashmi has dismissed reports claiming that he will portray legendary actor and comedian Mehmood in an upcoming biopic on music composer Rahul Dev Burman, popularly known as R.D. Burman. Calling the reports untrue, Hashmi clarified that he has neither been approached for the role nor signed the project.
Speculation about Hashmi’s casting began circulating on social media after reports claimed that the actor had been roped in to play Mehmood in a film based on the life of R.D. Burman. The reported project is said to be directed by Neeraj Pandey and backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment.
Taking to X on August 10, Hashmi wrote: “Just to clarify, the reports about me playing Mehmood saab in a biopic are untrue. I haven’t been approached for the film, nor am I doing it.” His statement effectively put an end to the casting rumours surrounding his name.
The clarification comes amid growing interest in the reported R.D. Burman biopic. While details about the project remain limited, filmmaker Neeraj Pandey is reportedly attached to direct the film, with Excel Entertainment backing the ambitious project. The film is expected to explore the life and musical legacy of one of India’s most influential composers.
Another major name linked to the project is Akshay Kumar. According to reports cited by NDTV, Kumar is attached to portray legendary actor Rajesh Khanna, who was also R.D. Burman’s father-in-law. The reported casting has added further interest to the project, although several details about the film and its cast are yet to be officially confirmed.
The confusion surrounding Hashmi’s alleged casting appears to have emerged from reports about Mehmood’s connection with R.D. Burman. Mehmood was an important figure in the composer’s professional and personal journey, and their association could form a significant part of the proposed biopic.
Meanwhile, Hashmi is preparing for the release of Awarapan 2, the much-awaited sequel to his 2007 film Awarapan. The film is scheduled to arrive in theatres on August 14 and sees Hashmi return as Shivam Pandit nearly two decades after the original became a cult favourite.
Directed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 also stars Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Suvinder Vicky and Puran Gabbi. The trailer promises a darker and more action-oriented story, with Hashmi’s character returning to settle old scores while confronting his past.
For now, the actor’s position on the R.D. Burman project is clear. Despite reports linking him to the role of Mehmood, Emraan Hashmi says he has not been approached and is not part of the film. Any future casting announcement will therefore have to come directly from the filmmakers or the actor himself.