Hrithik Roshan
Born on January 10, 1974 to then film star Rakesh Roshan (now producer/director) and wife Pinky, Hrithik (aka Duggu) grew up in the world of cinema, not truly understanding the hardships that one must endure to achieve success in the industry.
As a child, Hrithik's idol was none other than Papa Roshan, and he knew even then that one-day, he'd follow in dad's footsteps and pursue a career in acting as well. Being the grandchild of Producer J. Om Prakash, Duggu debuted in films as a child when he played a role in his Nana-ji's movieBhagwan Dada. Later, he also danced for a song sequence in his grandfather's Aasha (starring Jeetendra).
Hrithik attended Sydneham College (with longtime friend Uday Chopra) and earned his Bachelor's Degree in B'Comm. While Mama and Papa Roshan wanted Hrithik to continue his post-graduate education abroad, Duggu had other plans in mind.
Determined to prove himself as an actor, Duggu enrolled himself in Kishor Namit Kapoor's acting classes without informing his parents until months later. He wanted to reach his potential before showcasing his talent to his family, and then the world. Wanting to learn everything about cinematography and acting, he worked with his father during the production of Koyla and Karan-Arjun. Later, he even helped his father during the scripting stages of Kaho NaaPyaar Hai, not knowing that his papa had chosen him for the lead role.
When Rakesh Roshan told his son that he'd be doing the film, after the initial shock of the news subsided, Duggu asked his father for six months to prepare for the role. Hrithik got his wish, Rakesh-ji got a superstar actor, and in January of 2000, the world got a brand new idol.
After the release of Kaho NaaPyaar Hai, Hrithik's name instantly got penciled in on the top directors' list of "actors to sign for upcoming film". The big shots of the film industry began to approach him with scripts left and right. Hrithik became and instant success and while the world around him put him on a plateau, this boy-next-door was trying to figure out what all the hype was about. Even at the prime of his success, Duggu kept his feet firmly glued to the ground.
When Rakesh Roshan told his son that he'd be doing the film, after the initial shock of the news subsided, Duggu asked his father for six months to prepare for the role. Hrithik got his wish, Rakesh-ji got a superstar actor, and in January of 2000, the world got a brand new idol.
After the release of Kaho NaaPyaar Hai, Hrithik's name instantly got penciled in on the top directors' list of "actors to sign for upcoming film". The big shots of the film industry began to approach him with scripts left and right. Hrithik became and instant success and while the world around him put him on a plateau, this boy-next-door was trying to figure out what all the hype was about. Even at the prime of his success, Duggu kept his feet firmly glued to the ground.
Hrithik's family and friends, including then longtime girlfriend Sussanne Khan, were extremely proud of this shy boy that they watched turn into an amazing actor. Never had they dreamed that his first performance would earn Hrithik a Filmfare not only for best newcomer, but best actor as well.
It wasn't until after the success of KNPH, once he was financially stable, that Duggu decided to marry his one true love. On December 20th, 2000, Hrithik managed to get a few days off from the camera in order to wed Sussanne at her father's Golden Palm's Resort and Spa in Bangalore. Many hearts around the world were broken that day, but marriage only seemed to help increase Hrithik's appeal.
As a newcomer, he signed films with all the big banners, and although not all of his films were successful, Hrithik has grown as an actor in each one. After KNPH, critics raved about his performance in both Fiza and Mission Kashmir. With each of his first films, the audience's demand for excellence increased, and with that, Hrithik's need to meet the expectations of his fans. Unfortunately, a few of Hrithik's next films flopped due to poor story line and bad scripting. Even so, Duggu gave 200% to every role he did, and all of his performances, regardless of the movie's overall success at the box office, were liked among critics and fans alike. These flops only gave Hrithik a reason to work harder, to prove himself again.
It wasn't until after the success of KNPH, once he was financially stable, that Duggu decided to marry his one true love. On December 20th, 2000, Hrithik managed to get a few days off from the camera in order to wed Sussanne at her father's Golden Palm's Resort and Spa in Bangalore. Many hearts around the world were broken that day, but marriage only seemed to help increase Hrithik's appeal.
As a newcomer, he signed films with all the big banners, and although not all of his films were successful, Hrithik has grown as an actor in each one. After KNPH, critics raved about his performance in both Fiza and Mission Kashmir. With each of his first films, the audience's demand for excellence increased, and with that, Hrithik's need to meet the expectations of his fans. Unfortunately, a few of Hrithik's next films flopped due to poor story line and bad scripting. Even so, Duggu gave 200% to every role he did, and all of his performances, regardless of the movie's overall success at the box office, were liked among critics and fans alike. These flops only gave Hrithik a reason to work harder, to prove himself again.
With his most recent film Lakshya, Duggu has only continued to excel at his talent. Though Farhan Akhtar's second film didn't bring in the box office collections that his directorial debut did, Hrithik's performance had the critics talking once again.
In 2006, the world watched and waited as Hrithik prepared to deliver the sequel to 2003 success Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish and also a sequel to 2004's blockbuster Dhoom, Dhoom 2. And prove himself he did, as the hardworking actor continues to do time and again. Rising higher and higher like a phoenix with every character he gives life to. Surpassing expectations every time. With Krrish the father and son team again crossed boundaries to go where no Hindi film has gone before, giving India its first celluloid superhero. Children and adults alike immediately fell in love with the caped, masked hero performed with panache by Hrithik, arguably the only actor in the entire industry who could carry off such a role on his mighty shoulders so very convincingly. Hrithik also reiterated his talent for double roles by playing the characters of both the young Krrish and his aging father Rohit with remarkable ease. The movie went on to become one of the year's biggest blockbusters.
And if he rescued the world from miscreants in Krrish, in Dhoom 2 he proved his versatility by playing the silver screen's most dashing and enthralling thief. As Mr A, Hrithik oozed confidence and style, thrilling women and men, young and old alike with his stylishly planned heists, mesmerising charisma and a body sculpted to sexy perfection! The entire movie-watching world buzzed with the unanimous opinion - that Dhoom 2 was fantastic because Hrithik Roshan was fantastic. Hrithik's effect on movie goers was like a intoxicating drug, making us go back again and again to enjoy the rush one more time! In spite of a late release in the year, Dhoom 2 too became the year's biggest hit. With Krrish and Dhoom 2 smashing box office records all over, Hrithik once again earned himself critical and popular acclaim and awards from all corners of the globe. Today he has re-affirmed his place as one of the highest earning actors in the industry. He is without doubt one of the most deserving.
From one drastically different role to another, Hrithik's latest project will see him in the role of an emperor when a piece of history is brought to life in Ashutosh Gowariker's period drama Jodha Akbar. We await the film in complete confidence that Hrithik will give as much authenticity to his first historical character as he has to so many roles in his short career.
Facts on Hrithik
Name: Hrithik Roshan
Date & Place of Birth: 10th January,Mumbai
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Height: 6'0
Weight: 74 kg
Distinguishing mark: Lots of them! One of them being my double thumb
Current Job: Acting
Previous Job: Assistant Director
When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is run on a treadmill for half an hour on an empty stomach.
I am doing this job because: That's what I do best!
Earliest childhood memory: My dad trying to teach me how to ride a bicycle.
First record you bought: Julie!
For my breakfast I usually have four egg whites and one egg yolk, a toast and a glass of Myoplex.
My lunch comprises Dal and some Sabzi. I enjoy eating vegetarian food sent from home. Sometimes there is pasta.
Once in a week I freak out on all sorts of fried food- French Fries, Potato chips and biryanis. Also pizza's and Mc Donald's burgers.
I snack on protein bars and health food like soya chaklis and stuff like that.
Last CD you bought: Koi Mil Gaya! I was in Ladakh when the music released so I went and bought it from the market there.
First poster you put up on your wall: Rocky!
Worst item of clothing you ever bought: I don't buy my own clothes. It's eother mom,Suzanne or Rocky S. So of I don't like anything I return it right back!
Most embarrassing thing you have done recently: Sometime back I entered Maurya Sheraton in Delhi and there was this bunch of girls. As soon as they saw me they screamed and yelled. And all I did was bow politely and say, "Thank you!" As soon as I turned I realized how silly that must have sounded!
Wackiest dream you've had: We were shooting in Ladakh for Farhan's Laksh and one night I dreamt that all of us,the cast, Sharad, Zutshi, Sushant are robbing a bank! Zutshi gets killed and I get shot.Amidst all this , I am giving sermons that yeh achi baat nahi hai; we should not loot the bank! I thought it was really weird, but maybe the effect of shooting war scenes during the day led to the bank robbery!
Have you ever broken law? Oh yes a couple of times! In fact my driver broke six signals everyday when I was late to school! I have always got caught whenever I broke the signal.
Funny incident you've had with the traffic police: I had tinted glasses om my car and a cop stopped my driver and he was very angry. I popped my head out and said it was for security. To begin with, he did not recognize me and kept arguing while the other cop with him kept nudging him, whispering my name. when he realized who I was, he said, `Kya saab aapne bataya kyon nahin'. I smiled, ` Main kya bataoon aap toh mujhe dekh rahe hein!'
Laughteris: The way to get through tough times in life.
Tears to me are: A sign of good times ahead.
Describe yourself in one word: That's a tough one! I really can’t do that, it's very hard to describe myself. Infact I am still getting to know myself!
I am a good boy because: I give people the benefit of doubt, I don't go on hearsay and I believe in the inherent goodness of every human being.
Who do you admire? My father and my mom's dad Mr. J. Om Prakash, my Nanaji.
What word comes to your mind when you think of:
The color Red: Passion
Music: Motivation
Bad hair day:all the days of my life till I got this new hair cut for Lakshya. Finally I am proud of my haircut.
Mom: Security.
Pizzas and Pastries: Yummm.....
Rate your sex appeal: 2 1/4
Rate your talent: 2 3/4
Rate yourself as a person: 3 1/2
Above ratings are out of 5
His Favorites
I enjoy eating Vegetarian food. In non-vegetarian I avoid steaks. I'd rather eat chicken and fish.
With my lunch I like to have half a glass of Coca-Cola.
I enjoy eating Broccoli.
I love but usually avoid Cheese
Fruits I like are Apples, Banana's, Chikoos and Grapes. I love mangoes but I refrain from eating too many.
Last time I ate Chaat was six years ago.
My favorite beverage is Water. I drink lots of water throughout the day. I also like the taste of apple juice.
My favorite Mocktail: Apple Juice
My favorite Cocktail: Anything with Bailey's Irish Ice Cream.
My Favorite Cuisine: Indian. I enjoy all kinds of Indian food including idlis and dosas.
My grandmom (Ira Roshan) cooked: Excellent macher jhol. My mom is an excellent cook too.
I have eaten the best biryanis, kebabs and barbecue chicken: At my wife Sussanne's parent's house.
In the winter: I relish hot dogs and frankfurters- I freak out on them when I am abroad.
Deserts I like: Apple Pie with vanilla ice-cream, brownies with ice cream, ice cream with chocolate sauce.
My weaknesses: Chocolates- Bounty, Ferrero Rocher, Kit Kat.
My favorite restaurant in Mumbai: Fiorella at the Leela, Little Italy and Trattoria at the president. Actually nowadays I hardly go out for dinner, in my school days I frequented Woodlands.
My favorite restaurants abroad: Royal Dragon in London.
If I am ravenous in the middle of the night: I much a protine bar, its always there in my room. No junk food for me.
A plate of garam garam bhajiyas: Putting off
Passion: Films
Favourite film: Hindi: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Sholay
English: Pretty Woman, When Harry met Sally.
Actor: Amitabh Bachchan and Raj Kapoor.
International: Richard Gere, Al Pacino, Steve Martin, Jerry Lewis.
Actress: Madhubala, Madhuri Dixit, Kajol.
International: Julia Roberts, Helen Hunt.
Favourite Colour: Black
Favourite Country: India
Closest person: Myself
Cologne: Issay Miyake
Games: Doom, Trivial Pursuit and Balderdash
His Firsts...
Crush... "Was on a girl called Dimple, two years my senior in school. She was in the fifth standard. I had a pretty bad crush, but I never let her know. I'd just adore her from a distance!"
Girlfriend (now wife):"Suzanne. I fell in love with her for various reasons."
Adult Movie: "Not fair! You're getting all my secrets out! It was at a friend's place. It was his birthday and one of our friends brought this blue film over. But in the first five minutes we were so embarrassed and disgusted, that we put it off. Besides, his parents were in the next room, so we were really scared!"
Kiss: "Too personal to talk about."
Hindi movie: "Must have been my dad's... I don't remember. I first acted in a film called Aap Ke Deewane, which was dad's movie. I had a bit part in a song, got paid three hundred bucks, and bought balloons with it! As a kid, I loved balloons!"
Time he wore long pants: "It certainly wasn't a great occasion! My mom must have just put them on for me, yaar."
Date: "I was in the 10th standard, I think. This girl wanted to meet me, so all my friends tagged along to Essel World. I had my first date there, going on various rides!"
Drove a Car:"Also while in the 10th. I'd literally hide and drive! I would sit at the wheel, while my driver placed his legs on the accelerator and brake. I began with learning to manoeuvre the car, while the driver would shift the gears and things."
Du Says...
Q) What are the three things you never leave home without?
-- Nothing in particular, except for a small sum of money in my wallet.
Q) Favorite part of a woman's body?
-- Huge, black... expressive eyes !
Q) Are you a romantic?
-- I guess, I am !
Q) What do you look for in a woman?
-- Intelligence and loyalty.
Q) What's the favorite thing you do when no one is around?
-- Chill out !
Q) What's the last thing you do before you go to bed?
-- Unwind !!
Q) What's the first thing you do when you wake up?
-- I gather my wits in order to keep myself charged during the day.
Q) How does one impress you?
-- Simplicity, in all aspects, impresses me! Artificiality puts me off.
Q) How does one earn your trust?
-- A successful person is one who trusts people around him. I inherit this quality from my father.
Q) What's wrong with modern-day relationships?
-- On the contrary, I feel the younger is level-headed and practical in their relationships. They believe in giving each other breathing space, and that's why most relationships succeed today
Drive
Q. Can you pick the point in your life when you decided to be an actor?
A. “I can’t remember a point. The only point I remember, I think… if there had to be a point, it must have been 10th January 1974. Because after that, I don’t remember ever a point when it dawned on me that oh s***! Let’s try this. As far back as I can remember I always knew that I had to do this, one way or the other.”
Q. Okay, so you always knew that you wanted to be an actor, but did you ever imagine that you would ever be this super successful superstar?
A. “You are mad or what? I don’t think anybody could ever imagine this.”
Q. But did you ever dream of it?
A. “Dream of it? No, I don’t think I remember dreaming of being a superstar. I had this amazing passion for acting, this I knew. I had to do something in front of the camera. I love the idea of getting into another person and being another person and saying these lines and you know, being larger than life. All this had to do with the screen. The after-effects or the consequences of being a successful actor were never in my mind. I never thought that I should have a horde of cars or fans. I was always in love with the idea of being an actor. I never dreamt of these things. In fact, by the time I got close enough for taking the final plunge into it, I was so scared that I just wanted to get by. I hoped that I could earn my bread and butter with this because I had given so much of my life into it that it was too late to do something else. So eventually I was thinking ‘O s***t! What if this doesn’t work?’ So eventually, I was very scared. And, it was the fear only that gave me the drive to be good at what I was doing because I realised that if I am not good now I am dead, I mean I have not learnt anything else.”
Q. There were no two options?
A. “Yes, there were no two options. It was a hundred percent plunge, straight from the heart.”
Q. Did you imagine doing anything else if you wouldn’t have made it as an actor? Or let me put it this way: subconsciously you had decided to be an actor but consciously were you trying other things as well?
A. “Yes, yes, subconsciously I was sure, but consciously I was telling myself if this does not work out then I didn’t want a dead end. I would have done something in films only. I would have either directed a film or produced a film or done special effects. I would have specialised in some area of filmmaking. In fact, I had applied for a film course in UCLA and NYU. I actually wanted to go and learn special effects, especially miniature work and all that. I got the applications. I got the replies. But it is just then that I realised that if I do this and I come back, the fire that I had it in me at that time would subside. And when I come back and if I know that I have something to fall back upon I know that my plunge will never be hundred percent. I would jump but I would not be that motivated. To give your best it has to be a do or die situation.”
Q. Which characters have excited you of the ones that you have done and are there any particular roles that you would like to do in future?
A. “Amongst the roles that I have done one has been that of Raj, the character that I played in the second half of ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’. And the other one was Amaan in ‘Fiza’. Both were very satisfying characters because they were not like me at all. And playing a character that is not you is taxing as well as satisfying. I enjoyed doing both of them.”
Q. Of the films that you have watched, which film left a mark on you and why?
A. “Most of Raj Kapoor’s films. Actually two people who have influenced me are Raj Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan. Mr. Bachchan for the kind of persona that he had and the kind of films that he did.”
Q. What about Raj Kapoor?
A. “The goodness that he portrayed in all his films. The honesty the goodness, it always was so appealing. ‘Anaari’ is one of the most touching films that I have seen.”
Q. Were you a big film buff as a child?
A. “Not really. I haven’t seen so many of theses old Hindi films that are considered classics. Imagine I still haven’t seen ‘Sangam’. In fact, I have hardly seen films. It’s weird, because now there is a major backlog and I want to see these films and I have no time.”
Q. What kind of films do you watch now?
A. “I see a lot of these current films and English films.”
Q. Your favourite films?
A. “‘Pretty Woman’, ‘Life is Beautiful’ and ‘When Harry met Sally’”.
Q. What kind of music do you like?
A. “All kind of music. It depends on the mood.”
Q. Something that you can listen to anytime?
A. “Old Hindi film music. I think it is classy and timeless”.
Q. Coming back to acting in films, were there any special preparations that you did to get into films?
A. “Everything. First I got my photo session done without telling my dad. I knew Dabboo from school, I got it done from him. I waited for the pictures for I wanted to see for myself if had it in me what it takes. If I had the potential. But when I saw the pictures I was quite satisfied with them. I blew them up and showed them to my father and asked him that if you like these then I need seventeen thousand rupees to pay Daboo Ratnani. He gave me the money. Then I enrolled into Kishore Namit Kapoor acting classes again without informing dad. Once I started enjoying myself there I went to dad almost after three weeks and told him that I had enrolled in these classes and it is going to cost so much and whatever. And then I did everything that I knew would directly or indirectly help me in my work. That meant doing something for my voice. I picked up singing because I knew everyone says that the voice has to be good and what better way to train voice then music. I also went to these speech classes to improve my diction. There was this music teacher of mine who taught me music because he actually thought that he would get a break. I did things like horse riding and meditation and action classes and all the other usual stuff. I actually used to live with a video camera all the time. I used to carry it along with me whenever I used to go to say my grandfather’s farm in Panvel. My friends thought it was fun but I knew what I was doing. I wanted to observe how I walk, how I talk so as to improve and rectify some faults that were there.”
Q. You did a short course in Bombay in film acting. Do you think a course like that can teach you the art of acting or acting is an inborn talent?
A. “See, nobody can teach you acting but they can train actors. You have to already be an actor and going to these classes can help you develop your skills better. It also helps you to find out your potential. It can help you find out how far you can go with certain emotions. This is especially true of improvisation. Improvisations are the best things for an actor. It is so much fun to have the freedom to take the scene anywhere. And we have done that and it was so much fun. If you are with a good actor and if you are imaginative you can freak out. I never knew that I could cry before I did this improvisation with Mr. Feroz khan the theatre director. We had gone for these Anupam Kher acting classes and Feroz Khan had come to take this special class. All of us were there including Abhishek(Bacchan), Uday (Chopra) , Sikandar for this class on the last day. Feroze Khan was taking a class on improvisation so he set the atmosphere and gave us the whole story about what had happened before that moment and all that we had in front of us was a body and we had to imagine the body to be of a character who was a part of our lives. This body was supposed to be hacked into pieces and there was a ‘chadar’ on it. There were around eight of us and each one had to go one by one and go and stand or sit next to that body and just be there for as long as it takes for you to emote what you need to emote and then you come back and sit and watch the other one. All of them went before me and I was the last one but I was very relaxed because the whole atmosphere was so real. Feroze Khan had done such an amazing job of putting us there in that situation that I just went over my memories that are very close to me. And I went to the body and absolute magic happened. I have never experienced that kind of vent and exhilaration after a piece of act. I stood there first, and I was there for the next fifteen minutes. I was howling and I was so much into it that everybody thought that I was going to do the impossible thing of lifting the cover of the face and I was going to do it but I was so much into it that I could not do it. My hands were shaking and I was going mad, and Feroze Khan had to actually come into the scene as one my relatives to console me so as to get me out of that stage slow and steady. It was so true because had they started clapping or something it would have completely disoriented me because I was so much into it. It was awesome. After the act I got the best compliment of my life when Feroze said I wish I had a video camera to show the world what we have all experienced today because I have never seen anything like this. The hangover of the act stayed with me for almost two days. I had done the act with such conviction that for days I got up with this feeling of emptiness and I would think what is it about.”
Q. Once you made up your mind to be an actor did you approach any other directors?
A. “After I got my first portfolio done I made a list of the people that I wanted to work with and I want to go and approach them to tell them that I am here starting my life so if you have anything please let me know. At that time ‘Koyla’ was ready for release. For some reason he stopped me and I did not question him for I thought that he knows best maybe I am not enough prepared. So I waited and he picked up a script that got aborted. Maybe he had me at the back of his mind but I knew that he will not make a film especially for me. That’s when he thought of the story for ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’ and the writers told him that he needed a new face for that. They started working on the script and I was also involved but I did not know that I was the hero of the film. In fact I was sitting over there and I was imagining Shah Rukh or Salman and after every two scenes I was telling dad that it was not working. These people have done all these things in their first films they will look immature. He would look at me and say relax. Finally he told me, ‘son you are doing the film’. I could not believe; I was dazed. I walked out of the room and into my room and I knew that he would follow me and he did and he asked me if I was prepared to do the film. I said give me five months which he gave me and that’s how it happened.”
Q. How was it working with your Dad? Did your relation with him change due to the experience?
A Oh yes! I took a lot of time to prepare and be comfortable with him. In the beginning there was so much respect and awe that I was not comfortable enough to converse with him as a friend. If he would enter the room my sitting posture would automatically change. If he would enter my bedroom I would feel uncomfortable. Now that to me was a barrier because I had to act in front of him. I had to be myself like I was with my friends. So those five months I not only prepared myself as an n actor but a new relationship developed between my father and me. But for this I had to make a conscious effort and so did he. Though even now it is not like I would go and slap on his back and say Hi dad! But it is great now.
Q. On a personal note, you got married just when you had tasted success. Don’t you think it was a bit too early?
A. Actually if you look at it, none of the big stars got married late. Most of the people like Shah Rukh and Aamir were married even before they made it as stars. In fact, most of the stars were married at the peak of their stardom.
Q. But how do you explain this phenomenon?
A. Maybe it is right that behind every successful man there is a successful woman. Actually you can’t generalise. For me it was different. First of all you never know when cupid strikes. It struck me when I was 21 for the first time and the last time. In my heart and head I was married to her this was just a formality for us so that we could live under the same roof.
Q. Has it also got to do with the stress of work?
A. Of course, there is always the need to spend more and more time with her. The one you love you want to be more and more with the person. Before marriage we used to meet in the gym for almost a whole year, as there was no time. She used to come and watch me work out. That was our fixed date every night. When I would be tired she used to give me a hug and then I used to go back home and sleep. Even now we meet in the gym but it feels great to take her home.
Q. How do all kind of rumour and gossip affect you?
A. It does not give me any stress as long as it does not hurt people who are close to me. In the Nepal controversy I had done no wrong so there was no reason for me to feel guilty. It would not have affected me one bit had nobody got hurt in it. But the fact that six people died in the episode makes me feel very bad. This is a fact that I will have to live with for the rest of my life. Similarly in the case of my wife I would be very hurt if she is hurt. Especially with Suzanne I have a perfect understanding there is no way anything like this can have an impact on her. I am lucky and thankful to god. It is very difficult to be the other side of the star in the dark. What makes it easier maybe is the fact that on my part I am very honest with her. I think it is the best thing to do. I know there will be temptations but there is no choice. Her and my bond is like my father and mother. It is there and is there to stay. Nothing affects her love for me and my love for her. The key is not to suppress our feelings and then first of all our relationship of friendship. In the relationship between a man and women for a relationship to last it is important to have friendship. Lust is important but it does not last. Suzanne and me are the best of friends. I guess I am the luckiest person on the Earth.”
Dedication
By Fuad Omar.
Hrithik Roshanis only two years old. The man who every Asian recognises, has at one time or the other mimicked and has been a part of his craze at some point since Jan 2000 is still one of the most media savvy people around. The press hound him and write as much about him as they can, and even sell magazines by just plastering his face on the cover, and in a short span of time he arrived on the scene, caused hysteria and became a target of the expected Does he live up to the hype?’ articles. So what makes Hrithik tick and is he really Bollywood’s golden boy?
WhenKaho Na Pyaar Hai released, no one could ignore the hunky demi-god whose posters were everywhere in a tight tee shirt and dark glasses, flexing his bicep-bulging arm around another newcomer,Amisha Patel.There was much industry scepticism, could a newcomer really make it in an age of established heroes, and if not - what would happen when the current crop of actors decided to take it easy for a while? A lot of hopes were pinned on the pair since their launch vehicle was from a respected hit-filmmaker and they looked fresh.Rakesh Roshaneven stated at the time, “I hope the audience accepts them because the industry needs new blood,” which he said not only as a father, but as a filmmaker. The pre-release campaign began with lilting tunes highlighted in the promos, set to a backdrop of scenes showcasing what was to be a visual treat: Rakesh Roshan had gone out of his way to make sure he had a polished product that was aesthetically pleasing and the care in lighting, camera angles
and even colour co-ordination is there for all to see.
The film drew hoards and what was dubbed as ‘overnight success’ meant the film and its stars were a craze not only in their hometown, but across the world. As Hrithik himself told me, all it took was the moment the audience accepted him to change his life, and that was one moment he would never forget:
“I entered the theatre with everybody and some people recognised me and said ‘hey you’re the actor in the film!’ and I was like ‘yeah’ and they were like ‘all the best’ and I just said ‘thank you’. I entered with them and sat with them. And when the film got over there was a stampede, I was mobbed. They had to call the police force, there was a crowd of thousands outside the theatre and the next show got cancelled and delayed. They could not get me out of the theatre and they had to call guards and pull me out because there were people everywhere.”
Every time he tells this story his eyes glaze with that soft light that shines in the film and he recounts it as though he was in third person at the scene, in disbelief at what was happening.
“And I couldn’t get out of the place, they had to call people there and put me in a different car and just whisked me away. I was with my friends and I kept asking them ‘What’s this? What’s happening? Is this normal? Does this happen with everybody? What’s this?’ and we were all stunned and they didn’t know what to tell me, they just said ‘Yeah this is good, just enjoy yourself!’ and I didn’t know what to make of it. It was like instant fame. Three hours. That’s all it took to change my life. Just three hours.”
He still can’t believe it and still thanks God for that moment which is one few are blessed with.
Hrithik and Amisha became stars and immediately the suitcases of neatly-packed training they had endured and given everything to over the past few years were ceremoniously ignored by anyone who wrote about them. “OVERNIGHT SENSATION!” screamed newspapers as though this man had just walked into a film, been shot well and was handed a label that said star.Hrithik was not amused.
Getting used to the media invasion that follows the stars is never easy. If you’re shy, you can’t be anymore. You’ll sometimes have to meet a stranger and let them ask you questions you’re totally unprepared for and if you fumble or can’t deliver a near-perfect quote in the first instance it will be held against you. Try it. Another extremely popular Indian film journalist and myself often play the game where we interview each other and endure being on the receiving end of a good grilling and it’s never easy coming up with quotable answers. There’s a saying that the sweet isn’t as sweet without tasting the sour and Hrithik was made to go through what would probably be the most difficult period of his life. His film was a phenomenal hit which was great, overnight he became the biggest thing his country had seen but that also meant he no longer had a private life nor could he go out anywhere without being mobbed: his freedom was exchanged for fame.Things took an ugly turn when his father was shot and that too because his hard work paid off and his film was a success, by people who have still to this day have not been caught. Hrithik kept a bedside vigil and even contemplated giving up actingaltogether because the price and stakes are too high when family is involved, but he found the strength to get through and not let the bad guys win. His personal tragedy stole the limelight from him, not allowing him to fully process the success of his film and what this meant, and soon he found himself cringing when every magazine cover would put him on the cover for no rhyme or reason and TV shows where he appeared asked the viewer ‘Can you handle it?’ if they showed you Hrithik Roshan every ad break.
Hype surrounded whatever the megastar would do and he was called everything from the next Amitabh Bachchan to being reported as giving Shah Rukh sleepless nights but he took everything in his stride. He told me on the sets of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham:
“I knew it was just not the truth. Luckily for me I had the intelligence to know that what was going on was irresponsible and dishonest, because they (the press) were putting me up to levels of experienced persons in the business when I had just started with my first film, and even in that I wasn’t that good.”
His next release was Khalid Mohammed’s Fiza which meant the actor would be shot by none other than the technically brilliant Santosh Sivan and share screen time with greats such as Karisma Kapoor and Jaya Bachchan.Despite a widespread and very clear division of the audience - the film proved what Hrithik’s detractors feared: he was not a one hit wonder and could not only act, but act very well. His sensitive yet volatile performance as Aman, the son who can no longer distinguish between right and wrong and seeks his own brand of justice won him accolades over, despite many taking out personal vendettas against Khalid’s film due to his years of film criticism. The film saw Hrithik delivering a mature performance that no one expected, and to an extent this worked against him with the younger audience. The children who went to see Fiza didn’t understand or want to see their favourite actor angry or crying, they only wanted to see him laugh, dance and be the ‘hero’. The film achieved mediocre success but echoed its points through and through, reaffirming its stars' mastery of their art in the process.Mission Kashmir was released among a lot of hype that brought it into a clash with Aditya Chopra’s Mohabbatein and many sections of the press saw this as the chance to live out their Shah Rukh vs Hrithik fantasies as the two films released on the same day. Mission Kashmir is powerful, got a good response and is Vinod Chopra’s most financially rewarding film to date, yet any talk of the film would be in the same breath as a comparison with the success of Mohabbatein and so once more Hrithik’s growth as an actor was suppressed as the box office returns of the two films dominated the dailies. Many say Hrithik should have stuck to the 'hero roles' for a while, but to pass up the opportunity to work with filmmakers with a vision and that too in a role that is challenging is a sacrifice and a chance that doesn’t come round twice.
In 2001 Hrithik had just two releases, one was theforgettable Subhash Ghai film Yaadein which for whatever reasons had bad editing, a wafer thin screenplay and banked more on its stars than its content, and thenKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Yaadein’s failure at the box office was not a setback for Hrithik although many took it as the end of his career, because as an artiste he performed as he was asked to and even stole certain scenes. K3G is the next phenomenon in Hrithik’s life and whereas many have tried to criticise his decision to be in such a huge canvas and take on such a role - the film and his contribution to it worked. Without taking from Karan Johar’s magnum opus, but focussing on the actor I’m writing about, Hrithik’s 'You Are My Soniya' is to this day one of the most downloaded dance songs since its release. The choreography gave the audience another chance to see the magic he can work when in Farah Khan’s capable hands and his performance was underrated as he moved the audience to tears when he entered his brother’s house in London for the first time and also gave his all to his character without taking too much from the film - so the balance was shifted. What he was asked to do he did with great success and achieving another milestone in his career. He held screen time with stalwarts of Indian cinema and contributed to some of the most moving scenes seen on celluloid and is proud of the result.
Hrithik’s new films are just around the corner.Aap Mujhe Achchey Lagne Lagereleased recently and saw him paired opposite Amisha once more and Na Tum Jaano Na Humis gaining quite a following and promises to give Esha the break she deserves. Hrithik is currently in London shooting for Kunal Kohli’s Mujhse Dosti Karoge and is gearing up for his first world tour which fans complain is long overdue and sees him hit the UK in June (again, details correct at time of press). His work in Sooraj Barjatya’s film Main Premi ki Deewani Hoon is apparently mindblowing and he has no inkling of tiring soon. A book ‘inspired’ by him entitled Bollywood Boy releases this year and he is already being touted as a legend. So is Hrithik on his way out? No way. When I first met him I told him I may one day write a book on him but I felt it was too early at this stage because his growth would be steady and one that would see many more milestones. I’ve constantly smiled at allegations of him being a legend already because I know his journey has only just completed its first phase and there’s so much more in store for him. So what makes Hrithik tick? - His drive, his dedication, his family and his wife.
Meeting Suzanne is definitely one of the memorable experiences I’ve had. The minute she talks to you her sweetness shines through. When she arrived on the sets of K3G as the scene when Hrithik is telling Jugal he is leaving to meet his two girlfriends, she loved being there. Watch Hrithik and you know he still can’t take his eyes off her. Even while watching the rushes of some scenes or getting his outfit ready his eye is always on Suzanne to make sure she’s ok and it’s honestly one of the sweetest things to see. He is completely in love with her and she with him and it shows. Hrithik Roshan is not only a sensation of Indian cinema that has just completed one phase of his career but he is also someone many have yet to get under the skin of. There’s so much more to the man than what’s written about him. His love for his father shone through when he spoke of him in awe and catch him in between shots singing songs or posing for photos with fans and that’s what’s not written about. Is Hrithik Roshan Bollywood’s golden boy? I don’t know, but I know one thing: he’s here for a very long time.
Hrithik's Quotes
" Three years ago too, I'd won two trophies-for Best Newcomer and Best Actor-for Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. But this year's awards made me even happier. I've created history of sorts with them. I don't think anyone has won two awards each for the same performance in two separate years. "
" When the cover of a magazine claimed me 'Finished' the edition completely sold out and the same magazine used my face on its cover in the next two issues."
" I went into the theatre as a nobody, walked in with the crowd and couldn't walk out. I was mobbed; there was a stampede in the theatre. They had to call the security, the cops. It was crazy. I didn't know what had hit me."
" Please don't make my face the biggest one in the banner if I'm not playing the central character. I think its wrong to fool the audience by saying Hrithik Roshan is the hero, come and watch the film. That's cheating."
" I was raised to the level of the best and the most famous without anybody being responsible enough to judge whether it was deserved or not!"
" It was the media which overexposed me and now it's the media which is saying I'm overexposed! It's quite a laugh. How can you stop people from writing about you?"
" At that time, the big news for the media was the underdog beat the superstar! And now it makes for great news that the underdog they thought was a god, is not a god after all. He is nothing, just a mere mortal and the superstar is still a superstar. "
" I think its important to have the looks to some extent but its what's inside you which people get to see and that's what makes someone popular or unpopular. So I think it's not the looks in my case but it's my work as an artist, which has earned me the respect of the people at large."
" It's a great feeling when you know so many people love you in so many ways. At times I feel uncomfortable, particularly when I forget that's it me they want the attention from but on the other hand it's nice to be recognized by so many people around the world for your work."
" It's the survival of the fittest and I have a very strong survival instinct. A true hero is one who rises after every fall and well I've always wanted to be a hero so I'll keep trying."
" I believe God exists because He gives me signs. You can call it a coincidence but I consider them signs. I am not superstitious but I keep looking for signs. And at those times when I have asked for a sign with all my heart, I have usually got it. That could because of the child inside me. It's fun to believe in these, so why stop?"
" Life was tough for me. When I was a kid, nobody played with me because they thought I looked ugly with my extra thumb. It pained me. So once I thought of getting it surgically removed. ... But I didn't. Slowly, I realized that the exterior is not the criterion for love and success. "
" If it's in my destiny to be a one-film wonder I can't do anything about it. But no man or magazine can make or break a person's career."
" I've always been thankful to all my critics for giving me something to fight for and for keeping me motivated. I hold no grudges."
" I enjoy the fact that nothing is for certain (in the film industry). That if you deserve it you will get it. If you work 200 hundred percent and still haven't got it, maybe it required 300 per cent! You just didn't give enough. That's my motto that I kept with me since I joined the industry. "
PRESENTING: Just Duggu, Not Hrithik
Exclusive
Exclusive
Source: Cafe Celeb
His interviews, his films, his roles, his likes, dislikes, his heroines, his acting, his shows…oh yes, you think you know everything about him. But for the first time, his family and friends have got together to tell you perhaps; nobody knows about Duggu – that’s Hrithik Roshan for you. Exclusive insights into the heartthrobs life! Also an exclusive by Suzanne Roshan, for the first time, writing a personal piece on the man she loves so much.Especially for CAFÉ CELEB!
There was this young, light-eyed boy I remember on the sets of Koyla, walking up to tell Shah Rukh Khan, ‘Sir, your shot is ready.’
That was Hrithik Roshan – ‘The Assistant.’
Next, I met Rakesh Roshan to interview him on the controversy when Kareena was out of Kaho Naa..Pyaar Hai, and he told me that the unit was ready to leave for the cruise for that song, Pyaar Ki Kashti Mein, but there was no heroine. That afternoon I had seen the photographs of this new girl Amisha Patel, she looked promising, and I told Rakesh he could check her out. Same evening, Amisha had signed Kaho Naa..Pyaar Hai!
Just before the release of the film, I had taken a cub reporter with me to interview Hrithik and after we had finished, I told him that he was such a shy boy, how will he manage when he becomes a superstar? He smiled even more shyly and said, ‘Let’s see!’
Soon after, I took a long break from journalism and saw him on TV when he was doing his world shows. He was screaming and telling the crowds emotionally how much he loved them for giving him those moments, for making him what he is today. Hrithik was charged, and sheer confidence personified. I felt so proud of him and wished him even greater success. That’s the kind of emotion he draws out of those who meet him, even once. I have yet to meet anyone who has anything negative to say about this man and this actor.
When he heard about CAFÉ CELEB, he called from Ladakh to congratulate and say, “I’m really glad to hear this and wish you all the very best. I’m sure your magazine will do very well.”
And now, he is CAFÉ CELEB’S FIRST COVER BOY!
The heartthrob of millions, a flaming star and yet so humble and respectful.
Let’s not keep you away from the most interesting anecdotes about the light-eyed boy, to whom thousands would love to say, ‘Sir, your shot is ready!’
Dad: (Rakesh Roshan)
We never expected him to be such a phenomenal success. I was telling him to go abroad for further studies because he was academically very good. He did his B.Com from Sydneham. Then one day he said ‘Papa. If I have to ultimately join films then why go there?’ I had a good talk with him that night, I told him, ‘You have seen your father struggle; it was always kabhi khushi kabhi ghum for me in my career. But he was adamant and wanted to stay back and join me as my assistant. He wanted to learn everything before facing the camera.
I told him just acting is not enough to become an actor. There is a lot of hard work. I was a hero, then second lead, then villain, producer and then director. Now after 35 years I have reached somewhere. But I worked very hard for it. He promised he would work hard too. I was quite strict and he knew that if he did anything wrong I wouldn’t spare him. He had seen me struggling and he knows what it’s like, that’s why he is so down to earth. But I did try to advise him against it saying, ‘Look it’s a struggle.’
Actually, Hrithik has always been a hard working boy. At the age when boys usually went to discos, he was working out, taking care of his diction and learning camera angles. Yes, he was a shy boy, but shyness doesn’t mean you can’t act. Once the director says, ‘Start sound!’ the actor, if he is good, will be transported to another world till he hears ‘Cut!’. That is the magical moment when a particular character comes forth and the real person ceases to exist. Everybody thought I would be nervous before the release of Kaho Naa..Pyaar Hai, but for me it was another film with a new actor. So I went along with the story. A father would never introduce his son the way I did. If you remember the first shot, Hrithik gets up slowly from the bed; other heroes would probably come on a mobike or save a damsel in distress, or jump from a buliding. Hrithik became a star because of the two characters he played in his first film. It wasn’t difficult to direct him in the love scenes, just because I am also his father…ki yeh mera beta hai. I may tell him at home, ‘Don’t smoke in front of me,’ but on the sets, he is playing a character so if he is required to smoke or get drunk, he will.
I have never been the preaching kind of father but I always behaved in such a pattern so that my children would learn the values of life from me. Even on the sets we are very comfortable with each other and we know by each other’s look if the scene went well or we need a retake. He is a fantastic actor and I am not saying this because he is my son. I have directed the boy and I know what he has in him. In other fields also you can achieve a lot and get recognition, but they don’t recognize you.
As a child he was very stubborn. Kuch chahiye toh bas chahiye. He was a very poor eater and it was the most difficult task to make him eat. Once I had made mashed potatoes for him and he was again creating a fuss, I got so angry that instead of scolding him I just dumped the potato dish on his head and walked out. He was about six. He started crying. He used to cry very easily, but only with us. He’s always been a home loving kid; he could sit for hours in his room playing with the dinky cars. He was good in his studies; he’d never study at home. He would pay attention in the class, come home and just finish his homework. He never had a tuition teacher ever in his life.
When Hrithik was born I was busy making my own career, so I could hardly spend time with him, but I’d often take him to my shootings. Pinky was just 21 when she became a mother. He was quite naughty at times. Once Pinky and I came home late and we saw this huge crowd below our building. We looked up and saw Hrithik throwing empty beer bottles from the 13th floor and gleefully looking at the crowd that had collected below! That’s the first time I slapped him and he started crying. Later I felt bad.
He is a very sensitive boy; we as a family share a lot. If I have to take a decision, I will collect the entire family and discuss the pros and cons and then come to a decision. Hrithik is also like that. He will never take a step without consulting me. That does not mean that I have a hold over him, but he has seen each member of the family do that with each other. He always believed that he is a good actor and an actor never phases out. He can have bad times but he has to bounce back.
I didn’t know about Suzanne for a long time; it was Pinky who told me that Hrithik was going out with her. I called him and told him, ‘She is a very close friend’s daughter and it’s okay if you are going to be committed to her and will stand by that commitment, otherwise don’t go ahead. I don’t want you seeing a girl for two years and then leave her.’ He kept quiet at that moment but he stuck to his commitment. Suzanne is a very sweet and petite girl; nobody would ever want to hurt her.
After KNPH, one day I went to his room and he just put his head on my shoulder and broke down, crying as never before. I asked him, ‘Duggu what happened?’ and he said, ‘Papa, I can’t handle it anymore! I’m not myself, it’s not me! Everybody wants me and I don’t have any time left for myself.’ He was very stressed out because suddenly this young boy had become a phenomenal success. I told him, ‘You would have been crying even more had the film not done well, so take it happily.’
I had not expected the film to be such a huge success either, so I had told the distributors not to have the morning 6am and 9 am shows, which they did for earlier movies. After all, Karan Arjun and Koyla had Shah Rukh Khan and here was a new boy. So I told them to start with the noon show, and in any case, I thought, nobody would go for a morning show in that January cold.
On the first day of release, I somehow went to bed early. I was feeling tired. As a filmmaker I had done my job, now it was the father’s emotions at the forefront. And I prayed that if not for my sake, at least for my son’s sake the film should do well. The next morning at 8 am , my CP distributor woke me up and he was congratulating me that the 6am show had gone house full. In my sleep I shouted at him because I had told them not to have the morning shows. Then I called up the other distributors and they had all had the early morning shows and they all ran house full! There was one inside the theatre giving me a running commentary on how the audience was reacting to my son. That was the first time I broke down and gathered the family and told them that people had accepted Hrithik Roshan! Tears were running down everybody’s faces. It is difficult to describe that emotion in words.
I wanted to have a party. Hrithik was more mature about it than me and said, ‘Papa let’s not be too confident, let’s not get too excited, let’s wait for a week and then we will celebrate.’ But by then, I had been shot and lay in the hospital. After that I had to undergo a bypass surgery. So we could not enjoy my son’s success. Hrithik would come to the hospital and tell me, ‘Papa, there is a crowd outside waiting to see me,’ and sometimes he’d take me to the window. That happiness revived me again. He is still the same boy that he was, before the release of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai.
At the time of the release of Koi..Mil Gaya also I told my distributors not to have the morning shows because it was an unusual film, public might not have accepted Hrithik in such a role. But again I got the wake up call at 8 am from the distributors congratulating me that the shows were going house full. This time I did not scold them! And I was very happy for my son because his recent films had not been doing well. I wanted this one to work for well for him. Because, Duggu deserves it!
Mom: (Pinky Roshan)
I was pregnant with Duggu, although at that time there was nothing like sonography to find whether it was a boy or a girl, neither was I particular about knowing that. I just wanted a healthy child.
Every Thursday I used to go to the Church. On the day he was born, at around 4:30pm I started getting labour pains. I wanted to go to the Church before going to the hospital but it was shut, so I went all the way to town to the Dargah near Liberty cinema, with my labour pains mind you. After visiting the Dargah I got admitted to Elizabeth Nursing Home and Hrithik was born.
We had not made any clothes etc, for the newborn, because my mother always believed that one should not prepare too much for the newborn. So she went to Rustomji to pick up few things for him. I was very tired and the only thing I remember was my dad telling me, ‘Pinky, you have no idea how this boy is going to make you proud one day. He is a very special child.’ His words still echo in my ears, because the turned out to be so true.
Sunaina was always near the cradle, all protective about the little baby that had come into the family. The nurses had packed him like a bundle, as they usually do. It was only on the fourth day that my dad and I were alone in the room and we realized that Hrithik had two thumbs. Dr. Merchant, a very senior doctor came to see him and discussed the surgery. He told us to let the child grow, ‘who knows, if we chop one thumb and that’s the one that will have the strength to hol d the pen; so we should wait till he is a bit grown up.’ I had heard that a child with two thumbs is rare and considered very lucky.
I don’t remember the first word he uttered, I didn’t keep any record. I was very young. These days I have seen mothers so particular about maintaining records. The other day, I saw that a mother had actually kept a pair of little baby shoes in a glass case and written on it, ‘My child’s first shoes.’ Hrithik was quite a naughty kid. I remember, he would often get lost. Once I came home and the servants said he had not returned from school, so I was worried. We searched everywhere and I was in tears and told Rakesh to call the police. Then I saw a dinky car rolling out from under the bed. It was Duggu under the bed with his cars, dreaming and in his own world, oblivious to the chaos in the house! He’s always been a dreamer. I used to take their tiffin to school. Sunaina would come quickly, eat and rush off but Duggu would be walking down slowly towards me with his pencil in the air, engrossed in his own dreams. That was always him!
I never thought he would become an actor. I remember, he had made this how reel of his and he came to my room to show it to me, taking the promise that I would not tell his father. We both watched it together and I saw, for the first time, my son enacting scenes – dramatic, emotional, as a married man who is not getting along with his wife. There was one scene he did from Shri 420, the one between Raj Kapoor and Mrs. D’sa. I got so absorbed in watching it, forgetting that it was my son, waiting for my reaction. I was totally entranced. I told him, ‘Duggu, I have to show this to your papa,’ but he said no, he was not ready as yet. But that night (getting emotional) I told Rakesh, ‘I have to show you something’. I had stolen the VHS from Duggu’s cupboard. I bolted the room from inside; I didn’t want him to know. And I played it for Rakesh. He too got intently involved and all the while that he was watching it, I was only glancing at him sideways to see his expressions. I wanted to know what he thought of my son. I was not waiting for a father’s reaction; I was waiting for the director in him to speak. Words don’t come easily to my husband. After the tape was over, he stood up and said, ‘He’s good.’ ‘Not mind-blowing?’ I asked and he said, ‘I told you he is good.’ But I was on cloud nine! Then Duggu got his portfolio done by Daboo Ratnani and I kept telling him, ‘Duggu, you can make it,’ but he would be like, ‘Mom, I am not ready as yet!’ Uday and he were supposed to go together for higher studies abroad and both had even done well in their SAT tests, but look at both of them, they are such fine actors today.
Hrithik, at times says such beautiful lines that I learn a lot from him. I tell him to write down those lines because he speaks so well. More than an actor, I want people to know that he is a lovely human being and this is not just a mother speaking. He is a noble soul, never wanting to hurt anyone.
Between Sunaina and Hrithik, I had two miscarriages and did not think I would have another baby, but this child was in my destiny. Now I am waiting for him and Suzanne to have a baby. When I tell them, they say, ‘Abhi time hai, we are ourselves babies, let us grow up first.’ I am waiting to see that look on my son’s face when he becomes a father. Even now I can imagine his smile, his eyes gleaming with joy. He has this particular expression when he is very happy so I keep telling them ‘jaldi karo’, I want to see that expression on his face.
When he was seeing Suzanne, he came and told me that he knew this girl, so I asked him to bring her home. Then he hesitated and said, ‘But there is a problem, she is half Muslim, half Parsi.’ I immediately understood. So I said, ‘You mean she is my friend Zarine’s daughter?’ He nodded his head and I told him, ‘Duggu, don’t let it affect my friendship with Zarine. If you are serious go ahead, marry her but don’t let me down. Respect the relationship, don’t ghumao phirao her like boys usually do. He asked if I was okay with the girl and I told him I was more than okay. I would be very happy to have Suzanne as my daughter-in-law and believe me, I couldn’t have asked for a better one. She is such a lovely person. I may say something to her sometimes, which could perhaps hurt her but she gives me so much love.
I remember her first karwa chauth. Here she was newly wed and on the other hand, my own daughter had come home after a divorce. I was really upset but I give credit to Sunaina for being so mature and handling her mother’s emotions. She adores Suzanne and often tells me not to say this or that, in case Suzanne feels bad. I am lucky to have both these girls!
No matter how busy he is, Duggu comes to my room for a while at night and sits with me in the balcony to chat. He says, ‘Mom, I am busy, I know, but we have to make an effort now to steal these moments. We have to create these moments of happiness for ourselves.’ And it’s Duggu who creates these moments of happiness for us! He is a special child!
MOM-IN-LAW
My son-in-law is too kind and too soft to be in our industry. He is a perfectionist. He s very caring, supportive and he likes to be there for you whenever you need him.
Suzanne and he were quite friendly for few years, but he had given a word to his father-in-law that he would get married to her within a year, because we come from a very strict family background, so during the height of his popularity he kept his word. There were many people who were surprised that he is getting married at such a stage only because he had made a promise to her father. But that’s Hrithik, a man of his words. They were married and by the grace of God they are very happy, touchwood I would say.
Hrithik and Suzanne met at the traffic signal exactly as it is shown in his first movie. Surprisingly his father didn’t know about this when he made the film. So both of them were going somewhere in their respective cars and they happened to look at each other and there was a spark I guess that started it all. After becoming a star, nothing has changed. That is the beauty of it. He cannot believe himself that’s the whole problem. We kept on knocking into his head that he is very good and this and that. But he was like ‘really, you think so?’ very casually and coolly. Like after his first film they went for honeymoon and they got the best VVIP treatment, everything was great and grand. A huge limousine came to receive them and the sweetest thing they did was, they looked at each other and said, ‘My God, is this all for us?’ and he cannot get over the success he got. Both of them are natural people.
He is very emotional but I have never seen him crying and I don’t want to ever. He deserves only happiness!
CHILDHOOD BUDDY: UDAY CHOPRA.
Source: Cafe Celeb
Hrithik and I have been friends since the 4th standard. I was always in Bombay Scottish and he joined around that time. We really got friendly during the summer holidays – when he came to stay with his Nanaji, who is our next door neighbor. We used to go cycling every morning at about 5 am. I would be sleeping and since the gate would be locked and the watchman too would be sleeping, Duggu would climb over the gate, come to my room, wake me up and take me cycling all over Juhu.
He was a dancer even at that age; he would dance at all these film parties in his crazy outfits. It was only when he came into adulthood that he became sort of shy and aloof. He is an introvert. We both are pretty much similar, always upto something. Hrithik and I became better friends when we joined Sydneham College, so we would drive together. In school you are in different divisions so you are not that close to that person, but in college we really became very close buddies. During summer vacations, we would get close, but when school started we would again go back to own friends, our division, then suddenly lose touch. Everything we did we did it together including college, computer class, we joined the same karate class.
In college he liked one girl, she was very pretty. He was too shy to go up to her and tell her anything. It was via this one, via that one, everybody knew that he has a crush on this girl but our friend didn’t do anything about it. At that time Hrithik was a nobody; he was just one guy in college. And now she must have realized that oh he has made it so big.
Hrithik is a good-looking boy, there were a lot of girls who had crushes on him. He is a basically shy guy and reserved kind of a boy. He never went out and he was not into that whole scene of partying, he would quietly enjoy. I knew lot of girls liked him when he came to college, they all would look at him, a tall fair good-looking guy. But he didn’t have that kind of a built like he has today, phir bhi girls found him very attractive.
In school we used to fight a lot, on stupid childish things which I don’t even remember. We have said things like, ‘I hate you,’ ‘burn in Hell,’ and walked off in a huff, all those childish things.
Now we are always talking about our films, about how to get our action. When Duggu and I are together, people would have that question mark on their faces because they don’t have a clue as to what we are talking about. We understand each other so well, that in our conversation we just take it for granted and midway start talking about things as if they have been understood by each other, so the third person sitting in the room will wonder what are we talking about. I remember when he first told me about Suzanne. I remember the words he used. I had not seen her and was going to a party where she was going to be. He described her to me so that I would recognize her. He said, ‘she looks like an angel, she has lovely straight hair, beautiful smile and she would be wearing this and you cannot miss her, when you see her you will know it’s her.’ When I arrived at the party and saw her I told the others, ‘oh, she must be Suzanne,’ and everybody looked at me and said yes that is Suzanne. I didn’t meet her at that time; I met her later with Hrithik. But she is what he said, an absolute Angel!
I have seen Duggu low many times. He feels low often and mostly to do with his work, like things not gone right.
When we went to Hawaii we learnt diving and that came of use to him when he was doing the underwater scenes in KNPH because we learnt the breathing techniques
Whenever we have gone for holidays we have never spent extra, we traveled economy, stayed in cheaper hotels and ate cheaper meals. It’s been quite sometime since we went for a holiday together. Suzanne has been telling me, ‘get a girlfriend so four of us can go for a holiday.’
They are such lovely people, so maybe I will listen to her!
FRIENDS FOREVER:
Gang of 7 or 8 guys with similar interests, they’ve hung around together since 1985. BMX rides, Hrithik’s stunts, entertaining people on the road, partying, hiking, picnicking were all part of their growing years.
Suraj and Sippy and Kunu are Hrithik’s close friends. Kunu was in Delhi, but we met the other two of the ‘crazy lot,’ as they call themselves!
Sippy: Suzanne was a common friend of ours for years. She was in Jamnabhai and we all lived in Juhu, so we used to meet then as friends. Now, she is our Bhabhi, though we never call her that. We call her Suzzi or Angel!
Suraj: We’ve done some crazy things in college. Once we had been to Hrithik’s farm and we all got completely drunk and we actually slept on the roof of his house, which was sloping. We would go walking through the rivers, mountains with music systems on our shoulders and hockey sticks in our hands, just wailing like wild men. He is a big-hearted guy. If he likes some music he will record the stuff for everybody. He always loved dancing.
Sippy: Basically he is a clean guy. In fact we have been slightly notorious but he was not, like we had our share of girlfriends, socializing and partying but he never had any frivolous relationships and girlfriends.
Suraj: You know, he has this big problem of having jhoota. He would not eat something from somebody else’s plate. So we all used to make fun of him. He was very slow at eating. So when we used to have Coke we would finish it at once and if we wanted more we would try and sip from his glass. We would take a straw make it jhoota from inside and put it back in his glass. So he would leave his glass because he did not want to have the jhoota. (Laughs)
Sippy: He will get to the bottom of everything. If you tell him the earth is round he will like to get into details like how is it and why it is round. He will get you all the facts. He will have too many questions to ask. He will never get overfriendly with anybody but amongst us he is quite an extrovert, mastikhor and talkative.
Suraj: He is very caring. He was a star son and there were always beggars outside his place. So you would always have Hrithik distributing things to beggars. People who were handicapped, he bought them those cycles with three wheels. He used to make the beggars understand that they must do something in their lives, so he bought them shoe-polish kit and all those things.
Sippy: There was a beggar and now he has his own shop. Hrithik initially gave him 2000 Rupees to start off. Can you imagine that?
Suraj: He takes his responsibilities very seriously and he knows how to maintain his relationships.
Sippy: Every person has his or her share of bad time. At 20 he was suffering from a severe back problem. He was told by the doctors to forget about acting and he was completely distraught. Imagine, sitting at a clinic and the doctor telling you that you are finished but he fought that too. We have seen Hrithik stammering and you will not believe how he figured out all those things. Later, I sent two people to Hrithik to get over their stammering and he gave those lessons to them.
Suraj: He is a very positive soul, very inspiring. Like even if we look at him now, he works very hard on his role, on his dubbing. We feel so happy to see his success.
Sippy: After the release of KNPH we went to Taj. As we reached there Suzanne and I were thrown into different directions and Duggu was mobbed by what was initially crowd of 300 and eventually it was 600. He was in the middle, asking for help and we both were at opposite sides, wondering what to do. People started calling their girlfriends and telling them guess who is in front of me, and girls are howling and crying. Imagine a boyfriend giving the phone to Hrithik and girls telling him I love you and crazy things like that. It was his first encounter with such euphoria.
Suraj: He has got so much of patience that we admire how he handles everything. He takes his success or career or whatever you call it very smoothly.
Sippy: To us, he is always Duggu or Hrithik. He is never a star. We will whack him at times. I think at some point, he comes to reality only with us.
Suraj: Even when we watch his film we are very honest with our opinion. He asks us frame by frame about how he has performed and we add our suggestions and he actually works on those subjects.
Sippy: He loves food and he loves ice cream. Hrithik when he is in the mood can eat more than any of us. He can have 20 burgers at a time and you will wonder where it’s all going. He has got a fantastic appetite.
Suraj: He doesn’t drink much. Never been a drinker or a smoker. He likes to work out. He has a personal gym in his house and every evening he will SMS us, mind you everyday like…guys I am working out, want to join?
Sippy: I hope his acting career goes as long as he wants but he is a fantastic filmmaler. For one of his parents’ anniversaries he worked for three days and made a film on all those years of his childhood and till date. You should see the emotion that went into it with just pictures and sound and that was his gift to his parents. He used to learn singing. I used to wonder why and then I went to meet him one day and he was dubbing. I realized that because of his singing lessons he knows all the surs and ragas, so he catches the tone of his dialogue. There is that difference between those ragas that you and I can’t tell but he will tell you.
Suraj: So you see the difference between him and many others? Duggu is a fighter to the core!
“HRITHIK IS MY LOSS”
Source: Cafe Celeb
Many girls and heroines would have moanfully said that when Hrithik married Suzanne Khan. But a casual remark by a friend in Juhu got us to track down a girl who loved 10-year-old Hrithik when she was just an 8-year-old. Today Simran (true identity withheld and she was willing to give only her childhood picture, in a fancy bridal dress!) is happily married with two lovely kids. She did not want to talk about her childhood crush but we coaxed her into it, because it would be interesting to know what a girl feels when she realizes that the little boy she had a crush on, is a raging superstar today!
“I used to stay in the same building; he was very handsome even at that age. I used to run to my window every time he took out his bicycle. My brother would get very irritated and say, ‘Why are you bothered about that Firangi?’ Hrithik really looked like a foreigner even then. I was absolutely crazy about him but he never noticed me. I would deliberately try to find out his school timings and his playtime, so that I could be near the gate at that time. Bahut koshish ki to get an introduction to him. I could not tell my brother; and other girls in the building were equally crazy about him. Even at the age, say 9-10, he was the hero of our building. I loved him when he was in school and I loved him even more when he was in college, but Hrithik Roshan never noticed me! I was a fairly attractive girl but whenever he entered or left the building, he would be more engrossed in his bike, his football or his cricket bat. Girls, I think, were not in the agenda of his youth,” she laughed. “I had an arranged marriage and on my honeymoon we saw the film Kaho Naa..Pyaar Hai. I was reminded of that scene from Kabhie Kabhie where Shashi Kapoor asks Rakhee to read Amitabh’s poetry on the wedding night! Here I was with my husband, watching my childhood infatuation.”
“When Hrithik got married to Suzanne (I followed him through the magazines), I was quite happy in the sense that she seems like a lovely person and if the boy who never looked at girls has actually married one, then she must indeed be exceptionally nice! That’s when I told my husband that I had a crush on this boy for so many years and he asked me, ‘So what do you feel today?’ And I teased him, ‘Hrithik is my loss.’ He is so sweet, he hugged me and said, ‘No, I think you are Hrithik’s loss,’ and took me on a second honeymoon!”
I am very happy that such a wonderful guy and the heartthrob of my childhood has become the heartthrob of millions of girls today. He deserves to be loved by everybody. I would like to tell Suzanne not to ever believe any rumors about him and to make a huge success of her marriage. She has really got a very nice guy. He’s very special!
Stars on Hrithik:
2008Rituparno Ghosh :"I haven't seen the Tamil film for which Vikram has won the Best Actor award [Pithamagan]. But it is impossible to believe he was better than Hrithik in Koi…Mil Gaya. A performance like that comes once in a blue moon. Why didn't they give the special jury award to Hrithik instead of Manoj Bajpai for Pinjar?"
Jan 2008- Darsheel Safare: “I love Hrithik Roshan. He’s the best actor, the best dancer and he has the best body in the world,” gushes Darsheel.
May 2008- Madhuri Dixit: "I would love to act with him. Actually I would love to dance with him! I remember Hrithik from the days when he was assisting on Koyla and would often wonder aloud if he would ever make it as a star. It's good to see him successful."
May 2008- Nakuul Mehta: "I want to be as good an actor as Hrithik, but I am not trying to copy him. There are other newcomers who look much more like Hrithik. If I have blue eyes, it’s not my fault. I don’t make a conscious decision that my mannerisms should be like his. I have my own personality, which is very visible in the film."
May 2008- Imran Khan: “I study everything he does, even his ads, he knows what sells, he’s sincere to his craft, he has a connect with the audience, and talent — that Hrithik has 110 per cent, what a winning combo!”
Jan 2007- Shekhar Kapur: I saw 'Dhoom 2' and was swayed by the technical finesse that Hindi films have come up with. They are almost on par with international standards. The only thing I find lacking in them is, the lack of good and original subjects. And mark my words, India has an international star in Hrithik Roshan.
Fab 2007- Rakhi Sawant: I loved Dhoom:2 and the kiss between Ash and Hritik was just sensational. I don’t know why it’s being made into such a big deal. I am a huge Hrithik fan and have performed with him on numerous shows. He and Sussanne are the sweetest people anyone can ever meet. I would love to do even a small role in his film."
Apr 2007- Farhan Akthar: If I think of the movies that I've made as a filmmaker, or even if they weren't my films, I couldn't imagine someone else being in it. I can't imagine Karan Shergill not being Hritik Roshan.
Apr 2007- Boman Irani: "I am so happy that Abhishek has come of age and so has Riteish and John, Hrithik has matured into a fabulous actor.
Apr 2007- Priyanka Chopra: On screen, his charisma is super-hot. Off screen, he’s my buddy, someone just too sweet to be hot!
Apr 2007- Katrina Kaif: "I think he is one of the most romantic heroes in the industry today. To be wooed by him on screen would be fun!"
Apr 2007- Neil Mukesh : I wouldn't call myself as a look-alike. Many people think that. For me personally, it's a very big thing. If you are comparing me with one of the best looking men in the world then I will grab it as a huge compliment. Hrithik works very hard, he is superb in all his performances, he is the best dancer in our industry, and it's going to take me many years to even come to the level of grace and sharpness that Hrithik possesses.
May 2007- Aamir Khan: "Hrithik (Roshan) is a good actor and a popular star."
May 2007- Madhuri Dixit: Abt the current movies, she is fulsome praise for hrithik roshan's performance in Dhoom2. She says " He was wonderful in the film. His body language, the theraav were amazing" !!!
May 2007- Anurag Basu: "Hrithik is the Biggest Star today in the industry"
Sep 2007- Neil Mukesh: "He's been very supportive. I know him since Mr Kher's workshop and when I was assisting on Mujhse Dosti Karogi. We also did a show in Holland where he performed so I've observed his working style a lot. You can say that we have a working rapport. He always knew that I wanted to get into acting and told me that if I need any kind of help I just need to call him once."
Dec 2007- Sushmita Sen: Hrithik and Ranbir bring in that innate sense of freshness that reminds one of great cinema
2007 Kangana Ranout: "In a world filled with dishonourable intentions, Hrithik is such a thorough gentleman. He knows how to make a lady feel very special. He spoke to me as if I was the best actress in the world. I think his wife Sussanne is very lucky. Where can I find a husband like that?”
2007 Shiamak Davar : "I love Hrithik,He is phenomenal. People say I make him look good, but the truth is he's the one who makes me look good!"
May 2006- Priyanka Chopra: "But before that there's 'Krrish' in June. And I'm really excited about it. Duggu (Hrithik Roshan) is awesome in the film. And if I may say so, I make quite an attractive pair with him. You mark my words, 'Krrish' is going to rock."
Dec 2006- Sunil Shetty: Krrish : The best action film in recent times. Hrithik's really god's child. The boy is extremely dedicated. He gives his best to every scene and makes them breathtaking. The shot where he flies is marvellous. So are all his other stunts. Hrithik has done even the emotional scenes so well. He is truly a superhero. For me, after Krrish, he is the Indian James Bond.
Dec 2006- Amrita Rao:Hrithik Roshan- perfection personified. He has great facial features, coveted height, sexy physique. He's India's finest actor today. And, to top of it all, he genuinely humble.
2006J Om Prakash :“And yet Bhagwan Dada was a landmark film for me. Hrithik had a small role as a kid in that film and I was good enough a judge of talent to realize that he was super-star material 15 years before Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai. Today when I watch Hrithik enact that one scene as both father and son in Krrish, I realize with great joy that my assessment was right, and that no actor of his generation can touch him!
2006Saibal Chatterjee: In a brief span of half a decade, the actor has seen all the ups and downs of stardom, but he has faced the vicissitudes without ever losing his grip on his career and craft. He has held his ground with the tenacity of a man who knows that he has worked diligently for whatever he has achieved."
2006 Anna Singh : "I share perfect creative synergy with him. Usually, when I give 100 per cent of my energy, my stars have only 60 per cent to offer. But Hrithik gives 110 per cent. There’s a great marriage of thought. He is an angelic boy who has got it all right.”
2006 Satya (gym instructor): 'He's so down to earth, at times he has to be reminded that he is
Hrithik. He always has nice things to say about people, he's a superb humen being.'
May 2003- Priyanka Chopra: "Oh, he's a fantastic dancer... Hrithik's dancing is clean and methodical and coupled with those very vulnerable expressive eyes, it's very appealing. Sexy man!"
May 2003- Lara Dutta: "Hrithik is one of the best looking men in the industry and a good chunk of sex appeal lies in his feet. Any girl would be turned on by the way he dances."
June 2003- Khalid Mohammed: While working on Fiza, he always came prepared, says filmmaker and critic Khalid Mohammed. "He understood the finer nuances of the role and added much to the character. He is one of the best among the present generation of actors."
Aug 2003- Abhishek Bachchan: "I disagree completely (that if an actor is good at traits like dancing or action, he is restricted to that image.) I believe that skills like dancing and action are part of acting. There are many critics who write off actors saying 'He is just a good dancer', or, 'he is great at action'. "But I believe you have to be a good performer to be able to do these things too. Like many say Hrithik Roshan is just a fabulous dancer. You have to work with him to believe what a great performer he is. The kind of dedication and hard work he puts in all his scenes is simply amazing. He is an all-rounder. You cannot be good in just one arena.
That will never take you through your entire career."
Aug 2003- Ashutosh Gowariker: Lagaan director Ashutosh Gowariker says, Hrithik's performance in Koi Mil Gaya will go down in history as a reference point for a long time to come. Ashutosh spoke to Hrithik for nearly 45 minutes and discussed every nuance of his performance. He told Hrithik that his performance tugged at his heartstrings
Oct 2003- Salman Khan: "Have you seen the caliber of these kids who're coming up? Have people seen how Hrithik Roshan dances? Even if I rehearsed for five years I wouldn't be able to match it. Watch him in Koi Mil Gaya-it's his time now. He's going to kick ass."
Dec 2003- John Abraham - John Abraham when asked how he felt about Aetbaar being first offered to Hrithik who turned it down: "Hrithik is a classmate of mine from school and I did speak to him about it, but he said that it was not so. But it is ok by me coz he is a superstar. By the grace of God, today I am in a position where even I cannot do justice to all the projects that come my way. So someone else does them, but that does not mean anything. Anyways it is not uncomplimentary to be doing a role that might have been offered to Hrithik Roshan. I would take it as a compliment, he is a superstar." …Irrespective of hits and flops, I think Duggu is in the blood of every child. I have a long way to go yet."
Dec 2003- Aditi Gowitrikar: "(When I was asked to do the ad with Hrithik) I was in complete shock, basically. I packed my suitcase in the night and in the morning when my alarm rang- as my flight was at 5'o clock- I thought it was a dream. I thought all this was, like not true. Only when I got up and saw my suitcase did I believe that, "okay, I am doing this ad with Hrithik" "I think Hrithik, as a professional and as a person, is one of the very very few people I can count on my fingers who is successful and yet hasn't forgotten his roots are. He is still on mother earth. He has no airs about him. He is very humble. Yet, he is aware that he is a successful actor. So that makes him unique." "The tap dance was very much real. He himself did it; he practiced very hard for it. I would have probably taken 100 times more time to do something that perfect." "My family and friends were very happy. I have done a lot of ads before the coke ad, but the kind of response I got for this was like nothing I had got before. The number one reason was Hrithik Roshan, of course."
27 Nov, 2002- Lata Mangeshkar: Lataji was asked who of the current lot of actors is her favourite: "I believe Hrithik Roshan eats, lives and breathes his work. Who sirf apne kaam ke baarey mein sochta hai. There are so many good
artistes who haven't had a successive run of hits. Does that make them any less as artistes? To hound him for his failures is not right. I've become a big fan of Hrithik. But when he meets me with so much affection and respect
in public, I'm unable to express my appreciation for him."
23 Nov, 2002- Preity Zinta: " Hrithik Roshan knows where his career stands today and he has a talent and potential enough to make amends though he doesn't bring his plan of action on the sets along with him."
2001- Amitabh Bachchan: 'He is already a big megastar. Hrithik Roshan is an exemplary artist who has many credible facets to his personality, both as an actor, and as a human being. I can only rate him at the highest number.
10 June, 2001- Sunil Shetty:(When handing out an award for Best Newcomer to Hrithik) "We also have to congratulate all those other boys because they have competition like this (Hrithik) so you can't blame them for not winning
t his award. So I think we need to give all the other boys a big hand (as well) because here's a 20 on 10 and I think the nearest one can get is a 10 on 10. But how do you compete with something like this."
16 July, 2001- Neha: "I consider myself plain lucky," she says. "While all the young girls in the industry were fighting tooth-'n'-nail for a film with Hrithik Roshan, Khalid Mohamed cast me opposite him. Aaja mahiya became a rage. God is kind."
21 Sept, 2001- Sanjay Dutt: "When Mission Kashmir started rolling, Hrithik wasn't a national craze. He was a scared boy who constantly kept asking me questions. Hrithik's like a younger brother, he's come up so fast."
Dec 2000- Shabana Azmi:My mother absolutely adores Hrithik Roshan and, at the same time, little kids are hysterical about him. There's no age group that's been left untouched by Hrithik mania. Kuch to baat hogi ladke mein (there's bound to be something special about the boy).
