Telling the story of superheroes

Meaningful cinema

“I am a super character in the film. I have interacted with about 20 such patients who suffer from complete paralysis in the lower half of the body, including both legs which is mostly caused by damage of the spinal cord. They are real life superheroes and I am representing their emotions on screen,” says Hrithik.

Guzaarish, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will be releasing on November 19. Aishwarya plays the romantic lead opposite Hrithik in this period film.

“The patients with whom I interacted during the making of the film have become my friends for life. They taught me that you are more than just your body. There is a reason to all your problems and in solving them. Instead of crying over problems, focus on how to face them,” he says.

Hrithik, whose last film Kites sank at the box office despite huge hype, says he never felt so responsible towards a character he has essayed in movies.

“I am representing the lives of these superheroes on screen. Apart from the fact that Bhansali's script moved me, I felt the responsibility of telling the world the story of such incredible people, my character portrays how to live life despite struggles and problems after meeting with a near-fatal accident during a performance as a magician,” he said.
The actor says he spent several hours with the patients to understand what they go through, what they think and what are their needs.

Recalling his state of mind when he was going through the Guzaarish script, Hrithik says he was nursing a knee problem and doctors told him that the knee will never be okay.
Hrithik shed his debonair good looks to look unwell and fat for the film, which marks Bhansali's return after the debacle of Saawariya in 2007.

The actor says that for once it was fun to let go of control.

“After 15 years of disciplined diet, workout, I decided to live on another extreme. I stopped going to the gym and fed myself batata wadas and samosas, popcorns and other fried stuff for six to seven months,” he tells. Bhansali is also debuting as a music director and choreographer with the film.

“I was shocked to discover that Bhansali is one of the best dancers we have and the most unbelievable music director,” says the actor, who is among the best dancers in the industry.