Hrithik Roshan on his 20-year acting career, looking for more than ‘blowing up cars and fistfights’ in action films and earning a solid year at the box office
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 26, 2019)

By his own admission, it’s been a while since he had such a successful year. “I have worked hard for it,” says Hrithik Roshan, who caps off 2019 with two screen turns—Math wiz Anand Kumar in Super 30 and rogue agent Kabir in War. Excerpts from an interaction:

What was it like juggling Kabir and Anand Kumar in the same year?
I didn’t have to juggle at all, because I like to immerse myself in the character till one film is over. It was great to be a part of films that make me feel the best as I am a restless person and get bored easily. For me, it has always been a pattern of jumping from one extreme to the other. The fact that I can do a Kabir right after Anand Kumar ignites me.

Does the success of Super 30 give you the confidence to be more unconventional in your choice of roles?
The decision to do a film has little to do with the success of films in that zone but more to do with how I feel about the character. I only agree to do things I can’t say no to.

Many believe that you should be doing more action films than you have so far.
I am dependent on the kind of scripts and directors who approach me. After Kaabil, I was looking to do an action film. In fact, I met the entire industry and encouraged a lot of people to write an actioner for me. I waited for a year for something impactful in that space, but it was Super 30 that struck a chord. That decided my fate for the next one year. People think I am deciding these things, but they aren’t really in my control.

What do you look for in the script of an action film?
I look for intelligence; the general approach is important. The story cannot be just about bravado but also about a flawed character. There has to be a contrast because usually, action films are all about the hero being pitted against the villain and that’s not enough. I don’t mind doing an ensemble or a two-hero film, but it needs to be intelligently written. Blowing up cars and fist-fights aren’t action for me. It should emanate from the protagonist’s attitude.

What’s happening with Krrish 4?
The film is underway but it’s best that I speak at the right time; once I begin work on the film.

Can we expect an update on the film next year?
Fingers crossed.

What do you think has made Krrish a successful franchise?
It wasn’t a pretentious superhero film; the logics were right. The genesis of superhero films in India requires a prequel and then to be taken forward into the template. In my head, Krrish became a superhero in Krrish 3. Koi Mil Gaya was a backstory with Rohit; Krrish was a personal story though, by the end, you feel that the character could be a superhero but in Krrish 3, he became one. The three films have established a solid foundation for the franchise. Any such series needs that because we are building the character from scratch.

It has been over two years since you announced a film. When can we expect one?
As soon as I find a script that I can’t say no to (smiles). I have never restricted myself to any genre, though the advice I get is to do more action films now. It’s not in my hands; it’s really about the script.

Super 30 came a year-and-a-half after Kaabil, your last release. Are you looking to shorten that gap?
The number of films is irrelevant because if I get three exciting films in a year, I will do all of them but if I get one in two years, there will be just one release. I will never not do a film that I love.

You have spoken about Hollywood offers in the past. Anything happening on that front?
Not really, but I am open to working there. I haven’t found anything, either in Bollywood or Hollywood.

Would you explore a feel-good film in the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara space again?
I’d love to. I hope someone will write something like that for me.

We don’t see you often at Bollywood parties anymore…
I love spending time with my kids (sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan). Not that I don’t like being at parties, I enjoy being with friends, too. Perhaps I have been busy with films. It’s time to catch up with friends at their parties now.

Buzz is, you will be producing films, too, now...
Yes, my production house is actively looking for good content and my team and I have been reading a lot of scripts. I may not act in these films or maybe I’ll do a small part, but the idea is to produce content-driven films, triumph-of-life stories or something that can leave an impact on the audience.

This was your 20th year in the industry. Did you expect your journey to lead to stardom?
It’s a gift that I am nothing but grateful for. I have realised that stardom is a huge responsibility that requires a lot of skill to bear, otherwise it becomes a burden. I feel I have gotten better at handling it with every year but it’s not easy. I think of myself as someone who is shy. I am here to act, so there is a bit of awkwardness while putting the star jacket on. I am getting used to it.

Any regrets?
I don’t regret anything because everything happens for the best and has got me to the point where I am today. I worked in two films from different genres in the 20th year of my career, both of which are big successes. What more could I ask for?

Hrithik Roshan wants to continue exploring uncharted territory after a terrific 2019
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 26, 2019)

At the beginning of 2019, no one would have thought how big an impact Hrithik Roshan was going to make with his films. First came Super 30, which saw him strip all the sexiness that one associated with his Greek God image. His portrayal of a mathematician from Bihar, who trains underprivileged IIT aspirants, won hearts and the box office alike. And then, he flexed his muscles to deliver a monster hit with the action film War, which has emerged as the highest grosser of the year. Clearly, 2019 couldn’t have ended on a better note for the 45-year-old. Excerpts:

Super 30 must have been an emotionally tough journey. Before it released, did you have any clue about what fate it will meet?
The journey of Super 30 wasn’t particularly easy because of some tough but important calls that we had to take. As for its fate, of course I had major doubts whether it would work at all, yet I had no choice but to do it because I felt so much emotion and love for this film. Every day on set, I was living life at its best. I was stimulated, passionate and woke up with infallible conviction in my heart about the day’s work. Step by step, it started becoming something so inspirational and moving. And then, the magic that a film like Super 30 created at the box office was heartening to witness.

And you were back in your macho avatar in War. What did its success mean to you?
The success of War, Super 30 or any other movie teaches you only one thing — following your heart and working hard is the best way to work. It reaffirmed my faith in my instincts. Professionally, it has been a celebratory year. We had a small celebration with the team of War after it crossed ₹300 crore. And for Super 30, I had a lovely dinner with Anand (Kumar, the mathematician on whose life the film is based) sir and my family.

Is the box office a deciding factor for you when you sign a film?
Well, by now, I know which characters and traits work at the box office, so I could easily open shop and keep selling them one by one. Or I could keep exploring extremes and unchartered territory as I’ve been doing. As an actor, with my last three films, I’ve found a certain composure now in front of the camera. So, in fact, it would be a great time to explore even more with newer worlds and characters to see how I’d approach them.

Even after the success you’ve achieved, is there something that still intimidates Hrithik the star?
Self-doubt, fear, and uncertainties go hand-in-hand with growth and happiness. These are just signs of living an inspired, stimulated life.

Has your stardom ever come in the way of you portraying any character?
No, because I’ve never let stardom overpower the actor in me. It’s too fickle for it to be taken seriously.

You’ve been voted as the sexiest Asian male of the decade in a UK poll. How do these ‘sexy’ tags given to you repeatedly make you feel?
It’s embarrassingly flattering. However, I see such tags and titles as a compliment and am thankful for them. It’s also encouraging as it makes me feel like I must have done at least something right!

There is speculation about War being turned into a franchise…
Well, it does have the scope, but you should ask this question to Adi (Aditya Chopra, producer) and Sid (Siddharth Anand, director). They are the best people to answer this.

What is the update on the Satte Pe Satta remake and Krrish 4?
I think we should wait for official announcements and stop speculating.

Hrithik Roshan was keen that the Patna-based math wiz break bread with his parents, Rakesh and Pinky Roshan, uncle Rajesh and the extended family
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 16, 2019)

Thanksgiving Day came a fortnight early for Hrithik Roshan as he invited Super 30 founder and the muse for his runaway hit by the same name, Anand Kumar, to his Juhu home on Thursday. Since he holds the biopic close to his heart, the superstar was keen that the Patna-based math wiz break bread with his parents, Rakesh and Pinky Roshan, uncle Rajesh and the extended family.

"Hrithik would keep telling me that his folks were keen to meet me. But he got busy with his next film [War], and I, with my classes back home. As a result, the dinner plan did not materialise for long," says Kumar. However, with Thanksgiving Day around the corner, the actor thought it was the perfect occasion to catch up with the man who helped him bounce back in the game.

"It felt like I was with my family. I was touched when Rakesh ji served food to me," says Kumar, who was accompanied by brother Pranav for the meal. His most treasured compliment came from the actor's mother Pinky. "She told me that she had seen the film nine times in the theatre."

Hrithik Roshan talks about the importance of educators
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 5, 2019)

As a kid, Hrithik Roshan was fond of Science but it’s his turn as a mathematics teacher in Super 30 that has got him both acclaim and box-office success. On Teacher’s Day today, the actor tells us how his perspective towards educators has changed post the film, and his favourite teacher.

Which subjects did you like in school?
As a kid, I was not academically inclined, but I have always been a curious learner. So, to an extent, I enjoyed studying Science. In fact, I still do. I like getting into the depth of things and if a subject interests me, I enjoy doing research on it through books, videos and articles.

Who was your favourite teacher?
I don’t remember having a favourite teacher in school, but my speech therapist Dr Oza (he helped the actor overcome his stammering), comes to my mind. He was the first person who understood my weaknesses and helped me work on it.

How important are teachers in moulding a person?
I’ve said this before — teachers are the true nation-builders. They are the ones who are responsible in shaping the future of society with the thoughts they seed in kids’ minds, the lessons they teach them at such an early stage. That is where change actually begins.

After playing a guru, has it made any difference in your perspective of a teacher?
Absolutely! While portraying Anand Kumar and working on Super 30, I understood more and more about the importance of a teacher. A good guru has the power to transform lives for the better. The value they add to a person’s life is unimaginable. And the testimony to this is hundreds of years old. Even kings would bow down to their teachers.

You penned a note for teachers on social media. Did you try to reach out to any of your teachers?
I haven’t particularly been in touch with any of my teachers from school or university as there was no one-on-one equation with them. However, over the years, there have been people who have taught me a lot in life and I still am in constant touch with them.

Math wiz and Super 30 muse Anand Kumar on how Hrithik Roshan-starrer has changed his life
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; July 31, 2019)

While educationist Anand Kumar has long been in the spotlight for his Super 30 programme, little had he imagined that the Bollywood film — inspired by his life — would be a turning point for him. Only days after the Hrithik Roshan starrer raced past the Rs 100-crore mark, Kumar was invited to speak at an orientation programme at IIT Bombay. "In 1994, I was the only student selected from Bihar by the National Board Of Higher Mathematics to pursue a short course at IIT Bombay. I had spent one-and-a-half months at the institute. I have fond memories of the campus and the Powai Lake. It was an honour to go back as a speaker."

Ever since the film hit screens, there has been renewed interest in Kumar and his endeavours. The Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi governments have approached him to teach math in government schools as well as conduct teachers' training programmes. His promotional tours with Roshan have ensured that his fame is no longer restricted to educational circles.

"I am stopped for selfies at the airport. It feels good to be recognized. They [fans] tell me how the film motivated them and made them believe in the value of hard work." Even though he admits to enjoying fame, Kumar is clear about his goals. "I will not lose myself in the world of glamour. In September, I will be back in the classroom teaching my students."

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; July 22, 2019)

Hrithik Roshan is currently basking in the success of his latest release Super 30, which has him essaying a character inspired by mathematical genius Anand Kumar. Not only has he won rave reviews for his performance as the Bihari teacher, but the film also has done a business of approximately Rs 75 crore at the box office. Even as the movie is running in theatres, the teaser of his next, War, an action-entertainer, is out and the light-eyed actor’s beefed-up look has gone viral. Here, he tells us about the tough calls he had to take when Super 30’s director got embroiled in a controversy, the change in the release date, and how the outcome has brought him satisfaction and joy.

Is the success of Super 30 different for you than your other films?
The success of Super 30 somehow takes me back to the time when Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai had released. The emotions are similar to what I had felt back then.

Having said that, the success of any film will always be sweet and bring satisfaction and joy. The film went through quite a turmoil with controversy over the director, and later the release date. Did you get disheartened at any point?
There were some really tough calls that I had to take with regards to this film. Whether it was to put the film on hold when the #MeToo conversation came up for law to take its course or the decision to pre-pone the release date of the film. But I am glad that I took these calls. It is because of them that we are in a better place today. So, I would just say that all’s well that ends well.

How do you look back at the experience of shooting for the film?
Super 30 has been one of my most challenging films so far as the requirement here was to capture the soul of Anand Kumar. Before meeting him, I had a vision in my head of how he would be and I was hesitant to meet him at first because I did not want my idea of him to break. But, when I actually met him, I felt he only added beautiful colours to my vision. I had a great time shooting for the film with such talented people, especially, the 30 kids. They surprised and inspired me every day on set.

After this, you will be seen in the action-entertainer, War, in a beefed-up avatar. How much time does it take for you to change yourself physically for the character you play?
Fortunately or unfortunately for Super 30, I was allowed to cheat with my diet a little and the foodie in me loved every bit of it. Being able to have samosas, ice creams and everything that I was deprived of for years, guilt-free, was the best thing. But then came this whole phase where I pushed myself beyond my limits to get back into shape for the beefed-up character that I had to play for my other film. It took months of hard work and sacrifice to achieve that. It was definitely not easy, but I got to learn a little more about how much I can push myself.

Your look in War vs Super 30 has gone viral and sparked off several memes. Your reaction?
Some of the memes are actually very creative and funny. So, I enjoy them too.

Can you share your experience of working with Tiger Shroff?
I have had a blast shooting for this film with Tiger. Anything that I say about him will be less. My words won’t do justice to the kind of talent he possesses.

There are reports about you doing the Satte Pe Satta remake. This will be the second time you will step into Amitabh Bachchan’s shoes.
I am a huge fan of Mr Bachchan so whenever I will get a chance to step into his shoes, I’d be super excited. As for Satte Pe Satta remake, those are only reports as of now. When I sign my next film, I will tell the world about it. Until then, everything you hear is only a rumour.

What kind of film will you do next?
Right now, I am grateful and enjoying the sweet success of my film, Super 30 and gearing up for my second release of the year, War. But I will let you know about my next film soon.

Commemorating Guru Purnima with Super 30 muse, Hrithik Roshan on time spent with Anand Kumar in Patna
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; July 17, 2019)

With his latest offering, Super 30, winning praise from critics and cine-goers, Hrithik Roshan set off for Patna to spend time with the man who formed the crux of the drama. Aptly zeroing in on Guru Purnima to mark the day with Anand Kumar, Roshan felicitated the mathematician, and interacted with members of his fan clubs, in the city.

The actor tells mid-day, "The journey of [making] Super 30 has been special with Anand sir's presence throughout. The time I have spent with him will be cherished. Visiting Patna on the occasion of Guru Purnima holds a new meaning. The first person I saw was Anand sir, who came to receive me. His blessings mean a lot."

A source close to the actor reveals that he had been hoping to pay a visit to Kumar's hometown as the film earned appreciation. "Anand offered Hrithik home-cooked food, and also congratulated him for the response to the film. Hrithik spent the entire day with him and also encouraged the local teachers. Hrithik even taught Anand the famous hook step of Ek Pal Ka Jeena."

Roshan's Super 30 has been winning accolades from cinephiles and has crossed the Rs 50-crore mark at the box-office within three days of its release.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; July 16, 2019)

Hrithik Roshan is riding high on the success of Super 30, which has not only earned him rave reviews but is also doing well at the box office. The film, which released on Friday, has already garnered Rs 50 crores over the weekend and continues to go strong. On the occasion of Guru Purnima, the superstar will be visiting Patna, which also happens to be the hometown of Anand Kumar, on whose life Super 30 is based and whom Hrithik portrayed in the film.

A source close to the Kaabil star, says, “Guru Purnima is a big day for teachers as all the students meet their teachers. Hrithik expressed his wish to meet the students on the auspicious day, as it will be celebrated at Anand’s house. He will meet all the students of the mathematical genius, and spend the day having lunch with him, his family and pupils. The actor lived that life while shooting the film and wants to relive those memories. Visiting Patna is also his way of paying a tribute to the teachers.”

Hrithik confirms and shares, “We are going to Patna on a very special day — Guru Purnima. I am extremely excited and looking forward to the visit.” He leaves for the Bihar capital in the morning.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; July 9, 2019)

Whether it’s the weight of the school bag, the pressure of high scores or the mere relevance of certain subjects in schools and colleges — education has always been a topic of intense discussion in our country. When Hrithik Roshan decided to topline a film based on the life of Anand Kumar, one of modern India’s most-talked about teachers, it made headlines for various reasons. When we met the actor, who plays Anand in Super 30, and his co-star Mrunal Thakur, they spoke about the controversies around the film and what makes it special. Excerpts...

Super 30’s journey officially began in August 2017, and it’s taken nearly two years to release. What are your sentiments, given that the film is all set to hit theatres this week?
Hrithik: Don’t scare us…(laughs!) Right now, the focus is only on getting the film released. The moment I watch the first copy of the film, I’m done, and I cut off from it. That’s the end of the journey for me. Till then, I am on tenterhooks. When I watch the first copy, I also know how a film is likely to do, and I have not been wrong so far. It’s unbelievable how some instincts work.
Mrunal: When I look back, I feel that it’s been an incredible journey. I got to work with Hrithik Roshan, learn the basics of Kathak and speak Bihari Hindi. I acquainted myself with a state I didn’t know much about. So, it was a fulfilling experience.

In an interview with BT, Anand Kumar had said that people mocked him when they found that you were expected to play him in the film. Did he discuss with you?
Hrithik: It was by instinct that I knew I could play him. Emotionally, the character is pretty much like me. When I was reading the script, it felt like I was reading about myself. So, I wonder if the appearance matters so much. I am not driven or manipulated by the superficial differences between how Anand sir and I look. There’s barely any difference between him and me as human beings. That provoked me to strike a conversation with people who look very different from me. Like the boatman I met while shooting for the film. I told my kids (Hrehaan and Hridhaan) about the experience of interacting with people who look different and yet seem very similar to you in the way they experience life. It hit me so hard, I looked at all the characters I’ve played. It was me who played Rohit in Koi Mil Gaya and the cool dude in Dhoom 2. It’s just a change in thought process and the clothes (overall appearance) that convinced you that I am that guy. Internally, I am not. That’s how I have employed the devices available to an actor.

Probably, your look in Super 30 came under the scanner because your past characters were fictitious, whereas this has a real reference...
Hrithik: People said the same thing when I played a superhero (Krrish). I remember hearing things like, ‘Hindi film ka actor and superhero and a cape... hahaha.’ When I worked in Agneepath, I heard things like, ‘How can you match up, it’s a classic and how can the makers recreate it?’ It’s not about matching up to someone, it’s my instincts guiding me to do something with the passion within me. If something inside of me says that I must leap at this and I don’t listen, I am not fulfilling my first duty unto myself.

Mrunal, moving on to you. You, too, play a real-life character — Anand’s wife Supriya. How did you interpret the role?
Mrunal: Supriya ji is the force behind Anand sir. I mean, the moment he won a medal, she was the first one to see it. Anand sir’s couriers were delivered at her address because his address was non-existent on the map of India. Anand sir is a romantic person; it’s just that some people are expressive and some are not. I didn’t get a chance to meet Supriya ji, but Vikas Bahl, our director, had asked me to imagine her and add my own colours to the character. He told me that relationships can either make you or break you. In Anand sir’s case, it became his biggest strength. I was very happy to play Supriyaji because she impacted his life in a big and positive way.

Usually, when a biopic centres on a man, the woman has very little screen time to justify herself. Did that thought bother you?
Mrunal: I admire performers who don’t work for their screen time, and choose a film because the character inspires them. At the end of the day, what matters is the subject and whether it has the potential to get people talking. I wanted to be a part of Super 30 even without reading the script. There’s no point in doing a lengthy role in a film that makes no impact, or playing a character that doesn’t help drive the point home.

You both have had a long and difficult journey with the film. Criticism poured in from the time the cast was revealed. In the thick of trying to freeze a release date, director Vikas Bahl was named in the #MeToo controversy, which he’s now been cleared of. Was there ever a time when you questioned your decision to be a part of this film?
Hrithik: No, on a lighter note, most of my films, for some reason or the other, have always ended up taking time. I am used to this drill of waiting. I have no idea why that happens to me. So, it didn’t really occur to me that there was any difference in those experiences and this. On a serious note, I never questioned the film or my decision to work in it. As for Vikas, I don’t see what the ups and downs have to do with my instinct to work on this film.
Mrunal: I think every film, individual and relationship, goes through its share of ups and downs. Yes, in Vikas’ case, things were more out there for people to see. I remember, even my first film Love Sonia took a long time to release because of the lack of money to promote it. There is always a right time for everything and the wait is always worth it.

What’s been your greatest takeaway from this film?
Hrithik: What inspired me the most was this line in the film that my character says, ‘Hamari raah mein log bada bada gadda khod diye, lekin yehi woh sabse badi galti kar diye. Humko chhalang maarna sikha diye’. It’s the gaddas in our life that teach us how to turn our weaknesses into strengths. Without these hurdles, you’d never learn or even feel the need to take that leap. Your hardships make you stronger, teach you to use your resources well and when the time comes, you are more than ready for the stride.

Did you really need this film to happen for you to realise this, especially when you have been through so much in your life and have overcome so many hurdles on your own?
Hrithik: It’s the other way around. Since I have been through so much, I could take to the script so easily. With this film, I want to tell my kids and all the kids out there that nothing should stop you from dreaming, and dreaming big. Don’t ever think that it’s not okay to dream because it seems impossible. Leave it to your teachers, guardians and elders to carve the way for you. Parents are the first teachers we open our eyes to. They have to take the onus to get their kids to where they want to be. As a nation, it’s important that we teach our kids to dream and to strive to become self-dependent. We need to work on the idea of cultivating a nation of individuals, who are self-reliant and independent enough to contribute to the growth of the country.

As a parent, what are your dreams for your children?
Hrithik: I just want them to learn how to be who they are in the moment that they are living in. I want my kids to say, ‘I already am someone, kya banana chahte ho mujhe? I am Hrehaan and I am Hridhaan.’ If we continue to drill the thought in a child’s head that he needs to become something, he will only aim to become something, which he may or may not really be. So, teach them to accept themselves for who they are and flaunt it. Why should there be pressure to become someone or something? As a parent, I aim to ensure that my kids’ values come from the choices they make and not from the money, clothes and cars that they have or the success they might see in their lives. Their sense of self-worth should come from their character, not amenities.
Mrunal: I have a younger brother, who is in his teens. I agree with Hrithik, we always teach our younger ones to be successful. We don’t tell them that it’s okay to fall and it is okay to not always win a race. If we want young India to be bright, we first have to stop pressurising them to stand first in the line, everywhere.

Hrithik Roshan organises a special screening for Anand Kumar's new batch that cracked IIT exams, along the cast
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; July 9, 2019)

With the film's children evidently being the stars of the offering, the makers of Super 30 found it apt to bring them together for a special screening of the Hrithik Roshan starrer. Producer Madhu Mantena confirms to mid-day that the team will invite the less-privileged kids from the slums of Bihar -- who were cast as a student in the film -- for a screening on Thursday.

Mantena tells mid-day, "The kids have been an integral part of our journey in making the film. They have left an impact on us, one that will last a lifetime. As a token of appreciation, we have decided to arrange a special screening of the film for all of them. We will fly them down to Mumbai for it." Talking about roping in the children for the film, a source says, "The kid featuring in the movie are not actors but those who belong to poor [families]. They are from the interiors of Bihar and were roped in following a casting workshop."

Accompanying them will be those 18 students of mathematician Anand Kumar's institute who cleared the IIT examination, as per reports released last month. It is heard that Roshan was so eager to meet the fresh lot of students that he decided to invite them for the Thursday event.

"Hrithik had wanted to meet the current batch of students graduating from Super 30. They are also waiting to meet him. Now, they will get a chance to interact and watch the movie together," adds the source.

Mrunal Thakur on playing Hrithik Roshan’s leading lady in Anand Kumar biopic, how she got out of the fan-girl mode to work with him, and the ‘effortless, fun’ on-set experience with John Abraham
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 2, 2019)

Mrunal Thakur rose to fame as the chirpy Bulbul in the daily soap Kumkum Bhag ya. Soon after, she debuted in films with the titular role in Love Sonia. “I was this happy-go-lucky girl in the show. Then, I signed Love Sonia, an artistic film about sex-trafficking. No one expected to see me in such an intense role,” the actress admits, quick to add that change is the only constant for her.

Now, Mrunal plays Hrithik Roshan’s love interest in the upcoming Super 30. “When I was auditioning for the role of Supriya, I didn’t know Hrithik was in the film. Four months later, I got to know it was him and the first thing that came to my mind was 'Ik Pal Ka Jeena',” she smiles, referring to the hit song from her co-star’s 2000 debut, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. Ask her what it was like to be serenaded by the actor and she quips, “Nothing better than romancing the Greek God himself. I was a little under-confident initially, but Hrithik helped me with the scenes, which elevated my performance.”

For the film, which is set in Bihar and focuses on the life of math whiz Anand Kumar who has helped scores of underprivileged students crack the entrance exam of India’s premiere engineering institutes, the IITs, Mrunal attended workshops with Hrithik to get the dialect right. “We started by watching Bihari songs and films. I also watched Gangaajal, and a few other films featuring Manoj Bajpayee and Ravi Kishan as part of my prep,” the actress shares.

A self-confessed Hrithik fan, she promises that her co-star has a never-seen-before avatar in the film and his transformation took her by surprise too. “The first time I saw him in character was at Varanasi’s Ganga ghat where we had to shoot an intense scene. For a moment, I forgot it was Hrithik and called him Anand ji. He is so good looking that we forget that he is also a great performer,” Mrunal points out.

Looking back at her own life as a student, the actress reveals that she changed 12 schools because her dad was a banker. “But I can now say that I have friends all over India. I used to hate math and love biology so if you ask me about mathematical equations, I have to look at Hrithik because he has studied the subject during the film. Thankfully, I didn’t have to shoot for the portions involving math as I play Hrithik’s love interest. Anand ji will be upset to know that I am afraid of the subject,” she says with mock alarm.

After the #MeToo movement exploded in India last year, Vikas Bahl was removed as the director of the film. Soon after, Hrithik had tweeted in support of the movement, adding that he had requested the “producers of Super 30 to take stock of the apparent facts and take a harsh stand if need be”. But after an internal inquiry conducted by Reliance Entertainment, Vikas was cleared of all charges and his name was incorporated in the film’s credits. Ask Mrunal for her take on the matter, and she has a rather diplomatic response, “The producers were taking the call on it while I was just doing the job I was asked to do.”

Next up for Mrunal is Nikkhil Advani’s Batla House which is fronted by John Abraham and is based on the 2008 encounter against Indian Mujahideen terrorists in Delhi. “It’s a different zone for me when compared to Super 30,” she informs, adding that her co-star is the sweetest guy. “It was a fun and effortless shoot, primarily because we were so honest with each other on the sets. Nikkhil is an extremely passionate director, even his way of saying ‘cut’, ‘action’, ‘sound’ pumped energy in me. I was more conscious while shooting for Super 30, as I was fan-boying over Hrithik, but it was just the initial two-three days,” she chuckles.

Any plans to get back to television? “If I get an interesting script, why not? That’s where it all began,” she signs off.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 20, 2019)

As an educationist and mathematician, he’s recognised as the man behind the Super 30 programme, which commenced in Patna in 2002. It trains underprivileged students for the entrance examination, for admission in coveted technical institutions. Though his success rate is high, Anand Kumar comes across as a modest teacher, who admits that people laughed out loud when they heard Hrithik Roshan would headline his biopic titled Super 30. Over to the shikshak, who wonders why most parents don’t encourage their children to pursue teaching as a profession, how his faith in director Vikas Bahl was never shaken and why he was confident about Hrithik being the best choice for the film. Excerpts from the chat:

Your biopic has been in the making for a while now. Writer Sanjeev Dutta and you have been working on it since 2014. It’s been a long wait…
Honestly, now I wish that this process just went on for a little longer. Mujhe mazaa aane laga tha intezaar ka, logon se milne ka, aur sab ke saath khaate peete samay guzaarne ka. Ab kuch samay mein woh sab khatam ho jayega.

My life will go back to what it was after Super 30 releases. I enjoyed the process of being on a film set and watching a movie being made from close quarters. My family would get upset with the change in the release date. Actually, they don’t know what happens behind the scenes. Even I don’t know much, but I’ve learnt that when you’re working towards something big and good, you have to face a lot with it. It never comes easy.

Back in the day, Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Madhu Mantena and Vikramaditya Motwane’s production house was working on your film. A lot has happened in the last two years. At some point, Akshay Kumar was in discussion, before Hrithik came on board. Director Vikas Bahl was named in the #MeToo controversy, which left everyone wondering how it would impact the film’s prospects. What was really going on behind the scenes?
To this day, of the four people that you mentioned, I only know Madhu Mantena well. He wanted to make the film and he had introduced me to Vikas Bahl. My knowledge of what happened between the partners comes from what I have read in the papers; I’ve never tried to find out more. It’s true that several filmmakers and actors had offered to work on my biopic. Madhu ji’s (Mantena) conviction and the way he wanted to narrate this story, assured me that he would do a great job. While there were several actors who were keen to play my character, and I met a few of them too, I felt Hrithik was the best choice. He was willing to take it up as a challenge and was ready to work hard. His diligence impressed me.

Hrithik looks urban and suave, and is referred to as the Greek God of Bollywood. Just on the basis of his physicality, didn’t you have reservations about him playing your character?
(Laughs!) Yes, I know he’s known as the Greek God of Bollywood. And trust me, whenever I told people that he was going to play me on screen, they would laugh out loud and say, ‘Tum shakal aur bhasha se dehati ho, woh Greek God jaisa hai. Woh kaise kar sakta hai? What if your decision is wrong?’ As a teacher, I felt that Hrithik’s earnestness and his vision for the role was unmatched. I thought to myself, ‘Koi chamatkaar nahi hai agar koi hamare jaisa aam dikhnewala vyakti hamara kirdaar kare. Audience ko zyada engaging tab lagega, jab koi Hrithik Roshan jaisa dikhnewala aadmi hamara kirdaar kare. Uss mein asli challenge hai.’

How involved were you with the project at every stage?
I worked with Sanjeev Dutta and Vikas Bahl on the script. After coming on board, Hrithik involved me in the project to a larger degree. He had many meetings with me, and each one lasted for five-six hours. I had read somewhere that teams generally just meet the subject of a biopic or his family once or twice as part of the process. Then, they make the film the way they want to. But Hrithik handled it differently. He asked for inputs all the time. In fact, he had told me that once the film goes on the floors, I might have to spend more time with him on the sets. With due permission, he had also sent someone over to my house to shoot 150 hours of footage, capturing my every-day life. He would refer to that footage often. At times, he asked me what I’d felt at a certain time in my life, before emoting that part in front of the camera.

The film is being described as, ‘based on true incidents. Any reason why it’s not being called a biopic?
I can’t explain why that has been done. People have different ways of technically compartmentalizing a film, and they have their reasons for doing that. I know that Hrithik’s name in the film is Anand and it’s my story. My friends had suggested that I have a legal agreement with the makers that the script will be finalised with my nod. The makers upheld my word. Also, I was on the set on so many occasions. Of course, I never interfered with Vikas’ work, because he can’t teach me math and I definitely can’t teach him the art of filmmaking. I’ve seen rushes and I am happy with the outcome. I want to watch the film with my family.

The last eight months have been challenging for your film, given the #MeToo allegations against Vikas Bahl. How did you bide that time?
I trusted Vikas and never lost faith in his abilities. I know how emotional and sensitive he is as a person. I also waited to know what the internal complaints committee had to say. They’ve given him a clean chit and I’m very happy about that.

There are contrasting reports about you in the news space. Some articles have been published criticizing the Super 30 programme and reportedly, the education mafia had attacked you physically. What’s the truth?
(Cuts in…) I’ve been attacked a few times by the education mafia. I’ve been given protection by the government authorities. The trailer of Super 30 shows maar-dhaad, but I’ve never done it. My brother Pranav had done it on a few occasions to protect my students and me. He got into trouble for doing that. It’s strange that all kinds of negative stories about me have started making the rounds only after the film was announced. Uske pehle Anand kya kar raha tha kisiko pata nahi tha. People have tried every trick to demotivate me and derail the biopic. No one raises an eyebrow if you are a rich man’s son and you become a successful businessman. Kisi gareeb ka beta agar padh-likh kar bada ban jaaye, to logon ko badi dikkat hoti hai. People who have failed in their lives are the ones who pull others down. My father had once told me that as you grow in stature, your problems, too, shall increase. Jitnaa bada hero banoge, utna hi bada villain bhi aayega. A lot of people, some who don’t even know me, have levelled allegations against me, moved court on occasions and have caused me distress. Thanks to my father’s teachings, I don’t get rattled. I am tackling my share of problems, but today, I have a lot of support from people who appreciate my efforts. To this day, no matter what people say, I support my family and students with the tuition I provide.

You’ve spent most of your career teaching underprivileged students. What’s your take on India’s educational system? Lately, films have highlighted the education mafia and system loopholes...
Education should not be used to pressurise children. While there has been a lot of development in every field, education needs to evolve. It’s surprising that everyone wants a good teacher, but most people don’t encourage their children to pursue teaching as a profession. No one sees teachers as an instrument of change. Also, in our country, there’s such a huge divide in the education space. Some schools look like five-star hotels aur kahin schools mein chhat aur darwaza nahi hai. Our film underlines the fact that we need teachers who can bridge that gap and not let it affect the prospects of a child.

As controversies plague him, Anand Kumar says Hrithik’s Super 30 will silence detractors
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; June 19, 2019)

“People want to take selfies with me now, but I will always remain a tutor,” begins mathematician Anand Kumar, whose success story has led to the creation of Hrithik Roshan-starrer Super 30. No sooner was the film announced than the Patna-based tutor — who founded the institute that provides free coaching to 30 underprivileged students — was dogged with allegations of fraud and litigations.

“I am under attack only because a film is being made on my life,” he defends, adding, “The Bihar government has given me security cover. My brother Pranav was hit by a heavy vehicle last year; it was not an accident, it was deliberate. There are a handful of people with feudal mindset who are hell-bent on pulling me down. But the film will silence my detractors.”

It is easy to see why his journey may have caught the attention of many a filmmaker. Writer Sanjeev Dutta approached him eight years ago, keen to adapt his story for the big screen. “Anurag Basu showed interest then, but nothing moved. Things took off when producer Madhu Mantena came into the picture. It was through him that I met Hrithik Roshan. He told me he needed a year to prep for the role.”

Quiz him if Roshan is an unlikely choice for the part since he doesn’t physically resemble him, and Kumar retorts, “Isn’t acting all about diving into the character? I admire him as an actor.”

Irked by Anand Kumar's alleged false claims for biopic, IIT students to seek stay on Hrithik Roshan's Super 30
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 15, 2019)

Eight months after the Guwahati High Court issued a notice to mathematician Anand Kumar to respond to the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by four Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati students, the latter may file a fresh suit to stall the release of Super 30.

Kumar, whose life has inspired the making of the Hrithik Roshan- starrer, has apparently not responded to the PIL. The students — Avinash Baro, Bikash Das, Monjit Doley and Dhaniram Taw — question how a film celebrating his life can hit screens in the wake of the case. Amit Goyal, legal counsel of the students tells mid-day that while they aren't "fully aware" of the facts represented in the film, the promotional teaser is sufficient to indicate that Kumar is being celebrated.

"[The film] seems inauthentic. We never sought to damage the film, but [Kumar] has a court case against him. His reply [to the PIL] doesn't [address] the allegations completely." The fact that Kumar has reportedly celebrated the success of his course, Super 30 — which touts to enable underprivileged kids get admission into the IIT course — has not gone down well with the students. They demanded that he reveal the name of the 26 students of the 30, who, he says, successfully got admission in IIT in 2018.

Goyal adds, "He is yet to reveal the names to the court. In such a scenario, this movie can send out an incorrect message." That the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared the film despite him uprising them of the situation, has also bothered the team. The IIT students had previously suggested that Kumar's false indications were encouraging students to apply for his Super 30 course. However, during the application, he would direct them to first take admission in his institute, Ramanujan School of Mathematics, after shelling out Rs 33,000. mid-day reached out to producers Reliance Entertainment, HRX Films and Sajid Nadiadwala, who didn't revert till the time of going to press.

Super 30 is expected to hit screens on July 12.

TV actor Nandish Singh is making his Bollywood debut with the film on math whiz Anand Kumar
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 7, 2018)

Nandish Singh, who made his acting debut on TV with the show Kasturi and rose to fame as one of the protagonists on Uttaran in 2008, is making his Bollywood debut as Hrithik Roshan’s younger brother Pranav Kumar in the Vikas Bhal-directed Super 30, the biopic of Math wiz Anand Kumar. Kumar’s brother was among his family members who supported his dream and contributed to the success of the real-life Super 30.

According to a source associated with the film, the debutant found strong support in his co-star on the sets. “Hrithik treated Nandish like a younger brother and was always looking out for him. Hrithik also made sure to be present for some of Nandish’s solo shots to make sure he feels comfortable and would help him with his scenes,” the source added. Apart from shooting together, the actor-duo also hit the gym, with Hrithik’s trainer taking Nandish under his wings during the schedule.

And when Nandish, who was shooting for another project in Lucknow, couldn’t make it to the film’s wrap up party in Mumbai recently, Hrithik face-timed him to make him a part of the celebrations. Yeh dosti…

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; September 5, 2018)

Over the last few months, mathematician and educator Anand Kumar has been reportedly accused of making false claims about his achievements. Abhayanand, an IPS officer and co-founder of the Super 30 programme has alleged that Anand has deceived and intentionally sidelined him. However, now, things have taken a different turn. We had told you that a documentary was being made on the cop and educationalist as well. Titled Abhayanand — The Cop With A Chalk, the docudrama has been financed through crowdfunding and is ready to be sent to festivals. But, the former DGP of Bihar has stalled the project, which chronicles his life and episodes. It seems he, too, wants a part of the prized cake and now has decided to get an entire feature film written for him.

A source close to the development reveals, “Prakash Jha had approached Abhayanand to make a biopic on him around January this year. But that would have meant breach of contract. So, the director and the retired officer decided to make a film based on true events, inspired from his life. Abhayanand didn’t want to inform his director about the same, till very recently when he confirmed the same to a Bihar daily, without taking Jha’s name.” But Abhayanand had told us a few days ago, “It’s not a biopic, first of all. Why don’t you talk to Prakash Jha because I didn’t approach him to make a film on my life? As of now, I still have to see anything from him. I also need to see what part of my life he would like to depict.”

It is then that we found out that the film has already landed in a legal soup, much before it could be planned properly. Much like the row over the film Super 30, this one is gaining momentum, too. Apparently, Abhayanand had signed a contract in December 2017 (copy of which is available with After Hrs) with Sujit K Singh, who helmed his documentary. The contract clearly mentions that the director will have the ‘exclusive right to make a biopic on Abhayanand’s life for a period of twenty-four months from the date of this agreement’. Not just that, the agreement also adds that after this interim period of two years, ‘all negotiations will take place through first party (Sujit) and will be entitled to 30 per cent of entire fees that the second party (Abhayanand) will receive. The 30 per cent will be paid to the director by the producer directly from Abhayanand’s share.”

Sujit had set out to make the docudrama, thinking it will provide research for the Bollywood biopic he was planning to make later. The contract’s clause says that the ‘final copy of the documentary will need written approval of the second party and then only can it be available for exhibition and the copyright of this documentary will rest with the second party and his children after life’. Now, Abhayanand is allegedly using this clause to arm-twist the filmmaker.

Our source tells us, “Abhayanand has told Sujit that he won’t approve of his docudrama till he lets go of the rights to the biopic. He is merely being insecure that Anand Kumar is getting the bigger piece of the cake and all the fame. He has also used this situation to tarnish Anand’s image. After completion of shoot in Patna, he suddenly changed his stance and asked the director to sign an agreement asking for Rs 15 lakh, 30 per cent profit and IPR rights of documentary, which was never what was initially discussed or agreed upon. The film was crowdfunded, the IPR was to rest with the director. But he threatened Sujit to keep the footage if he didn’t sign.”

We also hear that now, Abhayanand has sent a legal notice to Sujit, to stall the release and screening of the project. All this hullabaloo has shaken up Prakash Jha, too. The source adds, “He can see what’s happening to Super 30, so he doesn’t want to risk it and make a biopic, in case it becomes another major controversy. So, he has dropped the plan now.” When we called the filmmaker, he had a rather strange reaction. Jha told us, “I don’t know who Abhayanand is, I don’t even know myself.”

On contacting Abhayanand, he said, “This is an issue which is being placed in a court of law, not on social media. There’s no point talking to the media about it. Whatever reply has to be given, has to be done in court. The outcome has to be decided there, nowhere else. The court has already asked Sujit for a show cause notice and once he files it, the argument will start. The next date of hearing is on September 20.” Sujit remained unavailable for comment.


A copy of the contract signed between Abhayanand and Sujit K Singh

After Super 30 founder is accused of fraud, makers of Hrithik Roshan-starrer likely to change film's tone to fiction
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 3, 2018)

In the wake of reports alleging that Anand Kumar has made misleading claims about his foundation Super 30, the makers of the Hrithik Roshan-starrer find themselves in a spot. With their muse in the eye of a storm, it has been heard that director Vikas Bahl, producers Sajid Nadiadwala and Madhu Mantena have decided to not treat the film as a biopic, but the story of a common man who succeeds against all odds.

An insider reveals, "Since the film is in post-production, they are considering removing all references to Anand. While it will revolve around a Math whiz whose coaching institute becomes successful, they will categorically not call it a biopic anymore." For the uninitiated, Kumar claimed that 26 out of his 30 students cleared the IIT JEE exam this year.

However, Dainik Jagran, in an expose, reported how several students, who he claimed were products of Super 30, belonged to other coaching institutes. The reports also alleged that students seeking admission to Super 30 would get asked to join Ramanujan School of Mathematics, an institute that allegedly earns Kumar Rs 1 crore annually. Bahl, Mantena and Nadiadwala remained unavailable for comment.
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Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 3, 2018)

The latest controversy surrounding mathematician Anand Kumar and his coaching classes is likely to have an adverse effect on the film Super 30, which is based on his life, say sources. That’s because the co-founder of Super 30, IPS officer Abhayanand, along with parents of Anand’s students, has alleged that the mathematician has made several false claims to sell both his organisation and his story.

The makers of the film have decided to go another route with regards to the movie, we hear. Says a source, “Hrithik Roshan, who plays the role of the maths genius, and the team will now promote the film in a different manner. Earlier, they were to promote it as an inspirational story, but now they are going to showcase it as a ‘man who takes on the system’.” Apparently, they want the movie to have the same feel as Dangal. The film is being helmed by Vikas Bahl and features actress Mrunal Thakur opposite Hrithik.

After seeing rushes of venture based on math whiz Anand Kumar, Super 30 author Biju Mathew gives his verdict
MID-DAY (July 30, 2018)

Biju Mathew, a Canadian author who penned the book, Super 30, on mathematician Anand Kumar, feels the eponymous film starring Hrithik Roshan, will be gripping. Mathew, along with Kumar, watched shots of the film with director Vikas Bahl last week.

Sharing his feedback, Mathew said in a statement: "It is a story of Anand's struggle and how he came forward to help others through his teaching. The film will be gripping and the lead role played by Hrithik is outstanding." The shooting of the film has been underway since one year, with scenes shot in Rajasthan and Varanasi, among other parts of India. The film traces Kumar's journey from a modest background marked by struggle and disappointment, to fame, due to the pioneering initiative, Super 30.

Kumar teaches 30 meritorious and talented candidates each year from economically backward sections for the entrance examination for the Indian Institute of Technology.

Mathew said the film has shaped up well. "It is basically a story of Anand Kumar's journey since childhood, when he lost his brother, and later, his father. The death of a bread-earner can derail any family, and the same happened with him. But he did not give up and started eking out a living by giving private tuition, which later culminated into Super 30."

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; July 26, 2018)

A majority of people in Mumbai are unaware of it, but a strong movement around mathematician Anand Kumar has been playing out in Bihar over the last few days. A controversy has erupted against the Super 30 founder and several students. According to their parents, Anand has allegedly made some false claims. Reportedly, he had started the Super 30 programme in 2002 along with IPS officer Abhayanand in order to help and teach underprivileged kids, free of cost, to crack the IIT-JEE examinations. But in the wake of recent events and some media reports, which have been circulating on social media, it turns out that Anand is being accused of deceit. While the mathematician is yet to tell us his side of the story, his detractors say that a scam may be unearthed.

We reached out to Abhayanand, who originally started the Super 30 coaching classes with Anand, as he has been vocal on social media. He told us, “From what I have read and heard, there are children who are distraught and concerned. Students, who were part of the Super 30 programme, are coming out and talking. The media has opened a channel of communication now and they are sending out their messages and opinions.”

‘Super 30 can’t be a biopic’
Anand’s life is being made into a Hindi film, titled Super 30, with Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan playing the mathematician. The biopic has largely been shot and one hears just 20 per cent of the shoot is left. The movie will hit the screens on January 25 next year. Talking about it, Abhayanand says, “I don’t know what’s there in the film. Even if it is based on the biography written by Anand, it can’t be a biopic. I’m aware of the window between 1992-2008 in his life. I have read the book partly, but in my opinion, a lot of it is just fiction. He cannot deny my presence and contribution to Super 30. If he can claim it was solely his thought, I can also say it was my brainchild. It makes little difference to anyone as long as it’s a thought to help the society. But that hasn’t happened.”

‘Anand has made tall claims’
Reports floating around in Bihar suggest that while Anand claimed 26 out of 30 students from his programme made the cut this year, he failed to show their credentials when asked to do so.

Instead, apparently only three students from his team have actually cleared the examination. The mathematician allegedly got 10-12 students from Kota and introduced them to the media stating that they were his students. Abhayanand further adds that Anand had ‘made tall claims about his success rate’, on the basis of which ‘students used to come to study under him’. “Now, his claims are turning out to be highly suspicious. He’s not adhering to transparency. He can call it a ‘coaching institute’ and nobody will say anything. But don’t claim to be a champion of social causes when you are just taking money from people. It has suddenly become a controversy because the truth’s coming out now. If the producers had done their homework, they would have known it all along,” he adds.

When asked whether Abhayanand had reached out to the filmmaker or the actor and informed them about the controversy, the IPS officer says, “It’s not my job to show Hrithik Roshan the truth. Why should I reach out to him or the makers of the film? Mujhe kisi ko gyaan nahi dena hai, I’m not their teacher.”

Abhayanand feels the makers “should have done proper research on him”, before announcing the biopic. “Whatever basic knowledge we have about biopics, it teaches us that when you make a film on someone’s life, you need to find out a lot more about that person from others around him. Look at Hollywood — they do such detailed research on someone’s life before making a movie on the person. For a film like Super 30, at least six-seven years of research needed to be done,” he says before adding, “How many times have they come to Patna and how many people have they spoken to before announcing the film? People take biopics seriously. The internet can be a place where you begin your research, but it can’t be the end of it. This is not ancient Indian history where there can be lack of clarity.”

Although Abhayanand doesn’t want to jump to conclusions just as yet, a few pictures of Hrithik from the sets (where he is selling papad) have surprised him. He avers, “I heard they are showing that Anand Kumar had a poor background and used to sell papads! His neighbour, who also happens to be his first cousin and worked with him, has gone ahead and told everyone how these reports are false. They have told news channels that Anand’s father had 20 bighas (acres) of land and they all used to stay together. Patna mein makaan garib aadmi ka nahin hota hai. His father was doing government service. Yes, his mother would make papads but they were for the family. Woh bikta nahin tha! So how can they show a different story altogether?”

Responding to reports that suggested that Abhayanand was planning to take legal action against Anand, the erstwhile partner of Super 30 states hesitatingly, “I can’t tell you this right now. I don’t know because I haven’t watched the film yet. It will depend on what they show in the movie. If they omit me or show me in a bad light, it’s their prerogative. Until it comes out, I can’t do anything because the court will question me.”

We called Anand Kumar and his brother Pranav Kumar, and followed up our phone calls with text messages to both siblings, asking them for their side of the story. We texted filmmaker Vikas Bahl seeking his comment on the matter. Lastly, we sent out text messages and a mail to a representative of the film corporation which is bankrolling Super 30; we got no response from any of the concerned parties till the time of going to press.