Hrithik on 25 years in cinema: Never rejected a script I liked

In a freewheeling chat, the actor tells Rajiv Vijayakar about the films that expanded his creative horizons, and reveals that ‘Krrish 4’ is in the making

He is humility, geniality and charisma combined in an incredibly soothing package. Hrithik Roshan, not looking a day over 35, completed 25 years on January 14, since his debut movie as hero ‘Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai’ released. His first films (of five) as a child artiste were ‘Aasha’ and ‘Aap Ke Deewane’ in 1980. He also assisted director-dad Rakesh Roshan from ‘Khel’ (1992) to ‘Koyla’ (1997).

The actor recently did something unthinkable in at least today’s times: throw a celebration bash exclusively for the media on January 7, interacting lovingly and for long with the press.

The actor, whose last two films were ‘Vikram Vedha’ and ‘Fighter’, reveals that today’s generation finds ‘Agneepath’ and ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ as favourites. “But I have liked all the scripts I have done. I would like to do every film I like and not restrict work. I never let go of a script I liked. I also identify with every character I have played. I can understand the struggle of my character in ‘Agneepath’, and the physical disability of my character in ‘Guzaarish’ and would like to inspire all as I did with ‘Super 30’,” he tells Showtime.

In retrospect, he speaks of three roles he identified with the least but requests that I refrain from mentioning them.

So when is ‘Krrish 4’ happening? He says, “Maybe it is time to put on the mask again! Maybe September?” The actor has been shooting for ‘War 2’ and will reportedly do a cameo in ‘Alpha’, the latest films from the YRF Spy Universe.

He mentions two films that expanded his creative horizons: ‘Dhoom:2’ in 2006 and ‘Vikram Vedha’ (2022). “The former gave me the image I needed for a change — as a tough lover. It paved the way for films like ‘Bang Bang!’, ‘War’ and ‘Fighter’. With ‘Vikram Vedha’, I learned to play the maniacal antagonist. That also exposed me to a new side I could project.”

What is the secret of the fact that he is a complete actor, who looks terrific and can emote, dance, sing and fight like a hero? “I think it is because I have understood the mathematics of each character. Let me give you an example: when I was doing ‘War’, my aim was to make Kabir the best-looking guy in the world. I was aware of what I could do with Kabir, so I would tell the cameraperson to raise or lower the camera and also to adjust lighting angles and shadows with precision. Because as Kabir, I had to hypnotise you. If I thought I was very good-looking I would not have done it. My face, eyebrows, ears — everything is like an instrument I have to project.”

Is there anything about Hrithik that has not changed in 25 years? He smiles and says, “I am still shy and nervous. I remember when ‘Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai’ was released, I was so anxious that I did not do a single interview. That part remains
the same!”

His grandfather, the legendary Roshan, and uncle Rajesh Roshan made music, and Hrithik too has sung (well) in a few films. Why then did he veer towards acting? “I love music, but dance is my passion. I think I manifest music through my dance!” he replies.