Disha Patani on Awarapan 2: 'An honour to be part of this team'
Synopsis
Nearly two decades after the original Awarapan quietly built a cult following, its sequel is now in cinemas — and both its stars are making their emotional investment very public. Disha Patani's Instagram tribute and Emraan Hashmi's 'rarest-of-rare phenomenon' note together frame Awarapan 2 as more than a sequel: it's a second-chance story, on and off screen.
Key Takeaways
Disha Patani shared an Instagram post expressing gratitude for her experience on Awarapan 2 , calling it 'truly an honour.' She plays Zara Singh , a trained cello player from a gangster family, opposite Emraan Hashmi as Shivam Pandit .
Awarapan 2 was released theatrically on 14 August 2026 .
Emraan Hashmi described the sequel as a 'rarest-of-rare phenomenon,' noting the original 2007 film failed to find its audience on release.
Both stars have shared personal tributes publicly, reflecting a word-of-mouth-driven promotional push post-release.
Actress Disha Patani has shared a heartfelt tribute to her experience filming Awarapan 2, calling it 'truly an honour' and expressing gratitude for the love the project has received since its theatrical release on 14 August 2026. The post, shared on Instagram, offered fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at her journey with the action-drama sequel.
What Disha Shared
Taking to Instagram, Disha posted a photo carousel featuring glimpses of her character alongside candid moments from the sets — including frames with co-star Emraan Hashmi and other members of the crew. In her caption, she wrote: 'Grateful to connect with such amazing beautiful souls in this journey of telling a story that we all will cherish forever. Truly an honour to be part of this team and grateful for all the love that's been received by the film blessed #awarapan2.'
Her Role in the Film
In Awarapan 2, Disha plays Zara Singh, the film's female lead — a trained cello player with roots in a gangster family. The character marks a departure from her earlier action-heavy roles and has drawn attention for its emotional depth. Emraan Hashmi reprised his role as Shivam Pandit, the character that defined the original 2007 cult film.
Emraan Hashmi on the Franchise's Return
Separately, Emraan Hashmi described the sequel's release as a 'rarest-of-rare phenomenon' and an 'unprecedented feat,' noting that the original film 'didn't find its audience two decades ago.' In a note shared publicly, he wrote: 'There are films you work on, and then there are films you are genuinely proud to be a part of. Awarapan 2 belongs to the latter… A film that didn't find its audience two decades ago returning with a sequel, determined to rewrite history at the box office.'
He further described the film as 'an emotionally charged action musical, mounted on a stunning visual scale and powered by incredibly diverse, timeless music,' adding that it is 'best experienced with an audience in cinemas.'
Context and Reception
The original Awarapan, released in 2007, was directed by Mohit Suri and is now regarded as a cult favourite despite a slow start at the box office. The sequel's release on Independence Day 2026 placed it in a competitive theatrical window. Both lead actors' public posts signal a concerted effort to build audience connection beyond the marketing campaign — a strategy increasingly common for mid-budget Bollywood films relying on word-of-mouth momentum.
With the film now in cinemas and its stars actively engaging fans, the coming weeks will reveal whether Awarapan 2 can deliver the box-office redemption arc its makers are hoping for.
Point of View
But the more telling signal is Emraan Hashmi's framing of Awarapan 2 as a redemption story — for the franchise and, implicitly, for himself. The original film's cult status was earned in hindsight, not at the box office. Betting on a sequel to a commercial underperformer is a genuine risk, and the stars' unusually personal public engagement suggests the makers know that critical goodwill alone won't fill seats. Whether Awarapan 2 can convert nostalgia into numbers is the real story here — and it's one that the next few weeks of box-office data will answer.
NationPress
2 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Disha Patani post about Awarapan 2?
Disha Patani shared an Instagram carousel featuring behind-the-scenes photos and a caption expressing gratitude for her castmates and the love the film has received. She called it 'truly an honour to be part of this team.'
Who does Disha Patani play in Awarapan 2?
Disha Patani plays Zara Singh, the female lead — a trained cello player who comes from a gangster family. Emraan Hashmi reprises his role as Shivam Pandit from the original 2007 film.
When was Awarapan 2 released?
Awarapan 2 was released theatrically on 14 August 2026, coinciding with India's Independence Day — a high-profile Bollywood release window.
What did Emraan Hashmi say about the Awarapan franchise?
Emraan Hashmi called the sequel a 'rarest-of-rare phenomenon,' noting that the original Awarapan did not connect with audiences when it released nearly two decades ago. He expressed pride in being part of a project getting a second chance at the box office.
What is the original Awarapan film?
The original Awarapan was released in 2007 and starred Emraan Hashmi. Despite a slow theatrical start, it developed a strong cult following over the years, which paved the way for the 2026 sequel.
