It was a challenge to play journalist: Emraan

Emaraan Hashmi is playing a role of a journalist. Emaraan says that I have been involved with media indirectly. Thus, I completely related to the character of Sam Grover. Of course, there was a difference — I interact with entertainment journalists, while Sam is a hardcore crime reporter.

The film shows how Sam’s personal life goes for a toss when he accepts an assignment offered by a media tycoon.  It was a challenge for me to essay this role. Rush produced by Percept Pictures in association with Showman International.

Before beginning shooting, I interacted with journalists and learnt a lot about their profession — the obstacles, difficulties and the hardships they face in real life. I even visited a newsroom in Delhi. The fourth estate intrigues me.

Director Shamin Desai narrated the subject to me, I said yes to it instantly. This is my first film with Emraan and I found him to be a pretty chilled-out co-star. Working with him was a pleasant experience.

Emraan shot a sequence of running 250 metres in one take. Of course, he was breathless by the end of it.

During the Paharganj schedule, the team erected a fake studio near the original one to divert the crowd. But a fan spotted Emraan entering the real set and it was soon mobbed.

During a race rally scene, Aditya Panscholi was supposed to drive the car with Emraan beside him. Aditya drove the car so fast that Emraan got scared out of his wits. But the actor didn’t miss his expression.