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First Look: Emraan Hashmi As Mohammed Azharuddin In 'Azhar'

Whoa! Emraan Hashmi Is A Dead Ringer For Mohammed Azharuddin
Twitter

Casting decisions in Bollywood aren't always this spot-on. They're usually influenced by market constraints and availability of well-known actors, which explains how a Manipuri woman boxer may come to be played by a north Indian star who looks nothing like her.

However, here is a rare decision that hits the nail largely on the head. On Tuesday, the first look of the upcoming biopic 'Azhar' — on the life and times of former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin — was published by Bombay Times. Their managing editor, Priya Gupta, also tweeted out the image.

First look of Emraan Hashmi playing Mohd Azharuddin....in the film 'Azhar' @emraanhashmipic.twitter.com/4dbha6Guwr

— Priya Gupta (@priyaguptatimes) May 21, 2015

In this, not only does Hashmi seem to resemble the stylish right-handed batsman — whose illustrious career was marred by proven allegations of match-fixing — but also appears to have gotten his body language right. Cricket-lovers will recall Azharuddin's somewhat slouchy stance and his direct, unfettered gaze as he used his wrists to play some of the best 'flicks' ever seen in the game.

Well, if we must nitpick, perhaps his jersey could've been looser?

Update: the teaser for 'Azhar' has been released.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.