Stories about the movies have an undeniable appeal to them. It was one of the many reasons why Showtime was an easy yes for Emraan Hashmi. “It’s a new perspective; not too many shows about the film industry have been done,” begins the actor, who plays a heavyweight producer. Through his character of Raghu Khanna, creator-writer Sumit Roy’s series delves into Bollywood’s business, glamour, power dynamics, and of course, nepotism. The Karan Johar production explores the outsider-versus-insider debate through its two lead characters.

So, where does the leading man stand on the subject? In his signature forthright manner, Hashmi says, “When the nepotism debate started, these questions were thrown to people from the outside and the inside. My entry point in the industry was relatively easier because I am part of a film family. People can’t expect someone in that position to be apologetic, I am not. This is the hand that was dealt to me. But I didn’t have a grand launch. I started out as a supporting actor in my first film [Footpath, 2003] and worked my way up. But granted, the entry point was easier.”