Says Emraan about the character that now belongs to Akshay Kumar, even as he shoots for a Sufi song When TOI reached Filmistan Studio on Thursday, it resembled a busy Bombay Chawl where Emraan Hashmi was busy moving to a qawwali number for his upcoming film Ghanchakkar. We caught up with the actor in between shots. Excerpts from the conversation: Do you ever feel you may have missed out cashing in on your popularity? (Nods) I think I have not built my brand like my colleagues. I like the fact that my popularity is restricted to films. It has worked for me so far. It's only in the last three years that my career has got a big boost. Can you elaborate? (Looks serious) In the initial phase, I was not even counted in the race of actors. I had successful films, but the industry didn't count me as a saleable star. I was seen as someone who would only do Bhatt camp films. But now things have changed. I have figures to back my claim.

Have you seen the promos of Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Again? I have... (sits up). Did you receive messages telling you that people wanted to see you in this film? (Looks at his phone, smiles) I have loads of messages man. See, I don't have an answer. Didn't you want to take your character Shoaib forward? I am not against anything, but only because you are asking me for my opinion, I am telling you. Like I said, the film did very well and it changed my career. I think they took a very valid call. They wanted to take the character to someone slightly older. I don't sit and think about all this. In your heart, do you feel Shoaib can be replaced? You should never ask an actor this question because he is close to the character. We play it with our heart and soul. For me, somewhere, I could never imagine someone else playing my character. And I would be highly critical of that, the way I am with my films. Coming back to Ghanchakkar, tell us about the song you are shooting --Allah Meherban. It is a catchy number with a sufiana feel to it. It goes very well with the feel of the whole film.

We hardly see you dance in your films. I tried to dance in my earlier films, but it was more like struggling to stay afloat once you are thrown into the water (chuckles). I am more comfortable shaking a leg now than I was ever before. But left to my own devices, I'd rather duck the whole thing. After the success of The Dirty Picture, you are back with Vidya in Ghanchakkar. What kind of chemistry do you share with her? Well, this is a completely different zone though there are shades reminiscent of The Dirty Picture. We are at loggerheads here most of the time. It's like how some marriages become after five years-- you are constantly at each other's throat! Yet, you hang on, as there is no turning back. These two love each other and want to make the relationship work. The film talks about real issues that crop up almost every marriage ( pauses) Wives are very touchy about the food they make and how you react to it. Is that coming from personal experience? Yeah! (laughs) God forbid if she gets a hint that you don't like it, you are f****d. Every married man who wants peace in the relationship, should learn the trick to avoid that one question— 'How is the food?'