Mohit Suri says Emraan Hashmi has never interfered in the music process: 'No one can lip-sync better than him'

Director Mohit Suri has long treated music not as an accessory, but as the emotional spine of his storytelling. In a recent interview, he revealed that he never begins shooting until all songs are locked saying, “I will not shoot a single day until I have all my songs ready.

That’s just something I need, especially on a film like Saiyaara.”He described music as “screenplay”, not garnish, a philosophy that shaped hits like Zeher, Kalyug, Aashiqui 2, and Ek Villain. Working with composers like Jeet Gannguli, Mithoon, and Pritam, Suri built a sonic identity that resonated deeply with audiences.

Emraan Hashmi: The face of Mohit’s musical legacy

Suri’s creative partnership with Emraan Hashmi spans over half of his 14 films. Their bond goes beyond professional they are cousins, and Suri credits Hashmi with helping him find his cinematic rhythm, “Emraan has never interfered in the music process. His only request is to get the song a day before so he can lip-sync it perfectly. No one can lip-sync better than him.” Said by Mohit Suri, in The Music PodcastHe added that Hashmi’s trust allowed him to experiment with new voices.

For instance, KK was initially chosen for ‘Aashiqui 2,’ but Suri felt his mature tone suited Emraan better. Launching Arijit Singh instead gave the film a fresh emotional texture, Mohit Suri in the Bollywood Bubble Interview, “KK’s voice was so good for Emraan. But when I was launching a new guy like Aditya, I needed a newer voice.”

Awarapan 2 and Emraan’s comeback potential

While Suri isn’t directing ‘Awarapan 2,’ he believes the sequel could reignite Hashmi’s career as said by — Mohit Suri in Times of India Interview, “He’s just one hit away.

I think Awarapan should do that for him.”,The original ‘Awarapan’ of the year 2007 was a deeply personal project for both, exploring themes of redemption and sacrifice. Though it underperformed at the box office, it gained cult status through television and streaming. The sequel, now helmed by Nitin Kakkar, is slated for release in 2026.Music is not just a part of Mohit Suri's film; it is its core. His film muse is Emraan Hashmi, and their combined influence can still be heard on some of Bollywood's most famous soundtracks. Movies like "Hasi Ban Gaye," "Maahi," or "Tum Hi Ho," they have turned many songs into beautiful memories.