Emraan Hashmi on Awarapan at 19: 'I've carried Shivam with me everywhere'
Synopsis
Nineteen years after playing Shivam Pandit, Emraan Hashmi says the character never left him — and the 'Awarapan 2' teaser, dropped on the original film's anniversary, suggests audiences haven't let go either. With Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, and a reimagined 'Toh Phir Aao 2.0' in the mix, the sequel is shaping up as one of the more emotionally loaded Bollywood releases of Independence Day 2026.
Key Takeaways
Emraan Hashmi shared an emotional note saying he has carried character Shivam Pandit with him for 19 years since the original 'Awarapan' .
The 'Awarapan 2' teaser was unveiled on 29 June , the 19th anniversary of the 2007 cult classic.
The teaser features 'Toh Phir Aao 2.0' , composed by Mithoon with lyrics by Sayeed Qadri .
The sequel stars Disha Patani , Shabana Azmi , Surendar Vicky , Vijayant Kohli , and Atul Kumar alongside Hashmi. 'Awarapan 2' is directed by Nitin Kakkar , produced by Vishesh Bhatt , and set for worldwide release on 14 August 2026 .
Actor Emraan Hashmi has opened up about the deeply personal bond he shares with his cult classic 'Awarapan', saying the film and its brooding protagonist Shivam Pandit have never truly left him in the 19 years since the original released. His emotional reflection comes as the much-anticipated sequel, 'Awarapan 2', gears up for a worldwide theatrical release on 14 August 2026.
An Emotional Note, 19 Years in the Making
Sharing a striking poster from 'Awarapan 2' on his social media account — featuring his intense look as Shivam — Hashmi penned a heartfelt message to fans. "Awarapan has never been just a film for me — it's been 19 years of carrying Shivam with me, wherever I went," he wrote. "Thank you for rooting for him, for this grand and loving welcome, and for opening your hearts to everyone who's joined the journey since. Watching this family grow with you has been the best part of all of this. #Awarapan2."
The actor described the outpouring of fan love as "extremely overwhelming," adding that the audience's continued connection with Shivam Pandit has been both humbling and motivating.
Teaser Drops on the Film's 19th Anniversary
The post followed the release of the 'Awarapan 2' teaser, which the makers unveiled on 29 June — precisely the 19th anniversary of the original film. The teaser revisits the emotional world of Shivam Pandit, a man weighed down by grief and searching for a reason to keep moving forward — a character arc that clearly continues to resonate with audiences nearly two decades later.
Notably, the teaser features a reimagined version of the franchise's most iconic track, 'Toh Phir Aao 2.0', composed by Mithoon with lyrics by Sayeed Qadri.
Cast, Crew and What to Expect
Beyond Hashmi, 'Awarapan 2' stars Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Surendar Vicky, Vijayant Kohli, and Atul Kumar in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Vishesh Bhatt, directed by Nitin Kakkar, and written by Bilal Siddiqui.
The Legacy of the 2007 Original
The original 'Awarapan', released in 2007, was directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mukesh Bhatt under the Vishesh Films banner. It starred Hashmi alongside Shriya Saran, Mrinalini Sharma, Ashutosh Rana, and Purab Kohli.
Its soundtrack — composed by Pritam with lyrics by Sayeed Quadri — became a cultural touchstone, with tracks such as 'Toh Phir Aao', 'Tera Mera Rishta', 'Maula Maula', 'Juda Hoke Bhi', and 'Mahiya' still widely streamed today. That enduring musical legacy is precisely what makes the 'Toh Phir Aao 2.0' reimagining a high-stakes creative bet for the sequel.
With its release timed to Independence Day weekend 2026, 'Awarapan 2' enters a competitive window — and Hashmi's visible emotional investment suggests this is far more than a nostalgia play.
Point of View
Hashmi's restrained intensity, and a story of grief that found its audience long after theatrical run. The decision to drop the sequel teaser on the original's 19th anniversary, rather than a rounder number, signals a production team that understands emotional precision over marketing formula. The real question is whether 'Awarapan 2' can build a new emotional contract with younger audiences while honouring the one Hashmi clearly still holds with the original fanbase — a balance that nostalgia sequels rarely get right.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Awarapan 2 about?
'Awarapan 2' continues the story of Shivam Pandit, the grief-stricken protagonist from the 2007 original, as he searches for a reason to keep moving forward. The teaser, released on 29 June 2025, revisits the emotional world of the character played by Emraan Hashmi.
When does Awarapan 2 release in theatres?
'Awarapan 2' is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 14 August 2026, coinciding with India's Independence Day weekend.
Who is in the cast of Awarapan 2?
The film stars Emraan Hashmi, Disha Patani, Shabana Azmi, Surendar Vicky, Vijayant Kohli, and Atul Kumar. It is directed by Nitin Kakkar, produced by Vishesh Bhatt, and written by Bilal Siddiqui.
What song features in the Awarapan 2 teaser?
The teaser features 'Toh Phir Aao 2.0', a reimagined version of the iconic track from the original film. The new version is composed by Mithoon with lyrics by Sayeed Qadri.
Who directed and produced the original Awarapan in 2007?
The original 'Awarapan' was directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mukesh Bhatt under the Vishesh Films banner. Its soundtrack, composed by Pritam, featured chartbusters like 'Toh Phir Aao', 'Mahiya', and 'Juda Hoke Bhi'.
