Rohit Roy is gearing up to resume work on his upcoming gangster film next month
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 18, 2020)

While working out at home to stay fit has become the new normal during the pandemic, Rohit Roy has a more compelling reason to pump iron. The actor, who is part of John Abraham’s gangster troupe as the hefty Jaykar Shinde aka Baba in Mumbai Saga, is yet to shoot a few scenes and songs, and will be flying down to the Ramoji Rao Film City with the rest of the team next month. “Unlike Shootout At Lokhandwala’s Fattu, this time I play a 80-kilo, street-smart ruffian and had to beef up to maintain continuity,” he informs.

Having grown up in a chawl together, Baba is the closest aide of John’s Ganpat Ram Bhonsle in the Sanjay Gupta directorial and Rohit was surprised to find that the actor, who has earlier played a gangster in Shootout At Wadala, is nothing like the brooding macho man one sees on screen. “John has a great sense of humour, delivered poker-faced. Once, after a particularly intense stunt, he quipped, ‘Ismein toh sirf Rohit ka tricep dikh raha hai.’ After working with Hrithik (Roshan) in Kaabil, I was sure I’d never find another co-star who’s just as secure, but he and John are cut from the same cloth,” Rohit raves, adding that the set of the all-boys film was a riot. “By the end of it, Kajal Aggarwal was one of the boys too!” he guffaws.

Set in the 1980s-90s, the story chronicles how Bombay became Mumbai. Wasn’t that a political decision though? “A lot of factors led up to the change, which is what the story, inspired by real events, is about. There’s no shootout here, but a direct faceoff between cops and gangsters,” reveals the actor, who himself had a brush with the underworld when he was just starting out. “I was called for a narration and told to do the film with a gun casually pointed at me from the table. I had no choice but to give my nod. Thankfully, it was shelved,” he shudders at the memory.

Rohit is currently busy directing and acting in a series of inhouse shorts with wife, Manasi Joshi. Daughter Kiara is the DoP. “I have also adapted a book into a screenplay for my first directorial. I’m not doing it with Sanjay Leela Bhansali anymore. I moved on from that because it was taking a lot of time,” he clarifies.

Hrithik Roshan says there’s a lot more that he has to offer as an actor
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 5, 2020)

He set the box office on fire with two consecutive hits last year — Super 30 and War — two roles as different from each other as chalk and cheese. And this is what actor Hrithik Roshan has always done in his career spanning 20 years. From Krrish (2006) and Guzaarish (2010) to Agneepath (2012) and Kaabil (2017), he has pushed the envelope. As the rumour mill goes on an overdrive about what is going to be his next film, we talk to the 46-year-old about the journey so far:

You had mentioned once that ‘playing a suave charmer who can dance well doesn’t come naturally’ to you. This is despite the fact that you are a regular on the lists of ‘most sexy men’ and are considered to be among the best dancers in Bollywood. So what made you say that?
I am frankly more comfortable doing characters where the exterior is not something I have to sell as ‘sexy’. Because it really is a lot of hard work, physically, and there is a chance to get carried away by that exterior. I need to be extra vigilant in each shot, to make sure my character is coming from a real place and does not appear pretentious about his looks when facing the camera. Unlike a character like Rohan from Kaabil or Anand from Super 30 where it is just all heart — that to me is easier. But then again, the mental stimulation when playing people like Aryan from Dhoom 2 (2006) and Kabir from War is just unmatchable. So, both have benefits.

Having done over three dozen films in a career spanning 20 years, have you figured out your process as an actor yet?
I don’t think that there is ‘a’ particular process of acting. An actor’s job is to bring a scripted character to life. It’s quite easy to imitate someone or even an emotion, but only good ‘actors’ can do that. I, on the other hand, need to feel it or I can’t act it. So, in that regard I am a bad ‘actor’. Hence my basic process in the larger sense is first identifying the way I want the audiences to feel about the particular scene or the film, and then feel that emotion and hold on to it till the end, towards that goal.

Is there still something left in your bucket list that you would want to tick off?
A bucket list is something that sets the basis for what all one wishes to do or achieve. So while I keep ticking off things I have managed to achieve, I also keep adding newer things to that list and there are too many of them. The ticks are an encouragement, and all the additions to the list are all motivations.

There are ups and downs in everyone’s lives. Who has been your inspiration? Does box-office success play an important role? 
Like you said, there are clouds in everyone’s lives. A professional high would definitely bring some kind of sunshine in your life but the key is to keep going, whatever the weather.

Do you believe that a part of the actor in you is yet to be tapped?
I’d stop acting if I ever felt that there is nothing more in me to be explored as an actor. I have always believed in taking up challenges and being more and more versatile in my craft. I am grateful for the kind of projects that have come my way to help me do that. Possibilities are endless and one needs to just keep discovering their capabilities

Birthday boy, Hrithik Roshan isn’t in favour of any ‘extravagant celebration’ on the special day; career-wise, the actor says he is ‘loving this current phase’
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 10, 2020)

Right from his debut film (Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai; 2000), he epitomised great looks and smooth dance moves. Even 20 years later, not many can match Hrithik Roshan’s Adonis-like looks and to-die-for dancing skills. Not just that, the actor — all along — also has had audiences in awe of his pitch-perfect histrionic skills, thanks to many solid performances as well. “I am loving this phase of my career. It feels like the journey has just begun,” says Hrithik, who turns 46 today. Excerpts from an interview:

To start with, would you call yourself a birthday person?
Not really. Usually, I realise quite late that it’s my birthday and then, I have to quickly decide on a plan, if at all, or not. Honestly, I am not someone who looks forward to having any extravagant celebration on this specific day (smiles).

Any special plans for the birthday this year?
For me, the best way to celebrate is to make my birthday a ‘gratitude day.’ I focus on my family, friends and my incredibly steadfast fans, who do not leave a single chance to make me feel special and loved. That’s why birthdays are always dedicated to them. So, for me, it’s about spending time and doing things for them. That’s all I am going to do this year as well.

Last year turned out to be special one for you with the success of Super 30 and War. Now, as we start 2020, how do you look back at 2019?
When I look back at 2019, my heart is filled with joy, relief and gratitude. There is a lot to be grateful for about the last year. I feel blessed for the opportunities, for all the love and support from my fans, and for being surrounded by people who inspire me on a daily basis. Having said that, I feel 2018 was a more important year for me when I was actually working on these two beautiful films — Super 30 and War.

Your last two films were diametrically opposite to each other in terms of their worlds and characterisation. Does that give you a kick as an actor?
Absolutely! It gives me a kick to take up challenging roles and mould myself into different characters (for films), but doing it in the same year — within four months to be specific — was pretty excruciating. But it has its own high in terms of overcoming a tough challenge. I think, perhaps that’s the addiction (smiles).

Interestingly, in 2020, you also complete 20 years as an actor since Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. How do you look back at your successful journey till now?
Each year, and with every film, there has been so much of learning. But it is only in the last couple of years that I have started feeling more assured as an actor. Kaabil was that turning point for me and it was followed by Super 30 and War. There is some sort of composure now and I trust my instincts more than ever. I don’t feel the need to be as meticulous about what I’m going to do for a particular shot and rather just let it all flow. It is a different feeling altogether.

Now, as we step into a new decade, do you have any particular target or plan in mind that you would want to achieve in the coming 10 years?
A decade is a long time and one’s thoughts and goals would either change or evolve during this time period. Having said that, an ideal target to achieve would always be to have a healthy balance between doing some quality work and spending enough time with my family.

There has been a lot of speculation about your next film...
There are a lot of scripts that I am reading right now. When I find the one that I cannot say no to, you will hear from me and that is going to be very soon.

Recently Deepika Padukone said that she and Ranveer Singh couldn’t stop gushing over you while watching War. She also called you ‘death by chocolate.’ How do you take such statements/praises?
I really didn’t know how to react to that (smiles). It was quite flattering. Thanks to Deepika for the compliment. But I also think that it is the magic of the movies. And it is very encouraging, and of course special when people from your own fraternity compliment you in such a manner.

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 feels no one expects him to dance in every film just because he happens to be a good dancer
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 16, 2019)

Right from the start of his career (Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai; 2000), he has been loved as much for his dancing talent as for his histrionic skills. So much so that Hrithik Roshan’s dance pieces — almost always — become the centre of attraction in his films. But the actor feels there is no hard and fast rule about featuring dance numbers just because of his presence in a movie.

“I think that’s an old thought process, which doesn’t even exist now,” says Hrithik, whose latest moves in the chartbuster, Ghungroo (from War), have been lapped up by audiences. “People are getting far more real about films. Our society is changing and at the end of the day, our films are a reflection of the evolution of our society. The collective consciousness is evolving and becoming more intelligent,” he says.

Before War, Hrithik had hits such as Super 30 and Kaabil, and both didn’t feature him in well-choreographed, dapper dance numbers. “See, our films are also evolving. And when you look at movies through that filter then you won’t expect an actor, who is known for dancing, to dance just because he knows how to, especially in films like Super 30 or Kaabil,” he says.

The 45-year-old actor, who was loved for his dance moves in films such as Kaho Naa..., Lakshya (2004), Dhoom 2 (2006) and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) among others, says, “Filmmakers are only going by the audience’s instincts. I don’t think anyone is saying, ‘Oh, Hrithik hasn’t danced in Super 30. Why hasn’t he?’ That’s why, at the end of the day, it doesn’t affect anything or translate into anything.”

While Hrithik is on a career high and is set to complete two decades in the industry next year, he is clear that films “have to impact” him. “Otherwise, I can’t do them and won’t even be able to last for those 80-150 days [to shoot a film]. My enthusiasm won’t last because some day, you will reach a stage when it will be so hot and you are so uncomfortable that you will be like, ‘Let it go to hell and let’s get it done somehow’,” he says.

The Jodhaa Akbar (2008)  actor says that he would “never want to reach such a point in my life.” “If you are truly excited by a film, even at 45 degrees and when you’re uncomfortable and don’t want to do what you are doing, that script and that germ of an idea will just keep pushing you. My script becomes fuel for days like that, when I don’t want to get up and work,” he smiles.

Reel vs real
Till now, Hrithik has played a variety of characters, which have been loved by the audiences. But he doesn’t want to take it all seriously. “I don’t think I will ever be comfortable with the guy I portray on screen. That’s my craft and art, put together, twisted into a presentation. If I start thinking I’m that guy, then, there is a problem,” he says. “I can’t ‘act’ like that guy outside that world, or do an impersonation,” he adds.

Actor Rohit Bose Roy talks about his recent transformation
BOMBAY TIMES (June 23, 2019)

When it comes to fitness, it’s all about being determined. There are times when you tend to take it easy, but what matters really is how you bounce back. Actor Rohit Bose Roy has managed to do that. Talking about his transformation, he says, “A year ago, I hit rock bottom where fitness was concerned. I was eating wrong and hardly went to the gym. After a successful film like Kaabil (2017), I should have been more careful with my fitness, but I slipped. One morning, when I saw myself in the mirror, I was petrified! My belly, the love handles, my sagging chest and the double chin left me aghast.”

That’s when Rohit realised that he had to take control of things and he hit the gym with a vengeance. He adds, “I stopped all things bad... alcohol, sugar and fried food. I did cardio in the morning and weights in the evening. To ensure that I didn’t break the routine, I kept it simple. Having said that, the first four months were tedious, as I couldn’t see much change in my body. However, it soon underwent a metamorphosis of sorts that I hadn’t envisioned. My fat melted away and my muscles started to show. I realised that fitness has to be a journey, not a destination. My advice to people would be, whatever the state you are in — personal or professional — stay the course as far as your fitness is concerned. It’ll help you deal with life better.”

Deepali Singh (DNA; June 6, 2019)

It was back in 2005 that Hrithik Roshan first visited Shanghai to train for the action sequences of Krrish. This time, the light-eyed actor was in the East Asian country for the release of his 2017 action-thriller, Kaabil. The superstar, who returned to Mumbai on Monday evening, shared that he had a great time there. “I was amazed and overwhelmed by the warm welcome I got,” he said.

While there, the superstar indulged in noodles and pancake-making sessions and even took a subway train ride to see the country in all its glory. His fans, who had been referring to him as Da Shuai (the handsome one), presented him with Chinese artefacts, which he’s brought back with him, along with all the amazing memories.

To his fans’ delight, the actor, known for his dancing skills, shook a leg on Ek Pal Ka Jeena from Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai (2000). And one of his fans even sang the title track of Kaabil for him!

One of the highlights of his visit was his meeting with Jackie Chan. He even received a personalised jacket from the international star, something he would always cherish. Comparing his upcoming film Super 30 — inspired by the life of Mathematician Anand Kumar — to the country, he said, “The movie talks about the power as well as the value of education and teachers. And, I think that is a similarity between China and India. Both countries give a lot of respect to teachers,” he added.


The actor signs autographs for his fans

Ahead of Kaabil's June 5 release in China, Yami Gautam says the romantic thriller is winning fans over at special screenings
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 3, 2019)

Yami Gautam has been enjoying her time off from the shoot of Bala as she celebrates the release of her 2017 thriller Kaabil in China, along with co-star Hrithik Roshan. A day after recreating, with Roshan, the hook step of his song Ek Pal Ka Jeena during promotional work in China, Gautam talks to mid-day about the importance of a film's storyline in enabling it to garner mass appeal.

"Kaabil has a wide arch of storytelling; some ideas don't get dated," says the actor of a film based on its blind protagonists, who are torn apart after Gautam's character is raped. "It is a love story set against agony and triumph, and is relevant." The Sanjay Gupta film had Gautam play a visually impaired for the first time in cinema, an opportunity that she says enabled her to give a go at "something new and challenging".

Over the recent past, China has emerged as a promising market for films from Indian turf, with offerings like Dangal, Secret Superstar and AndhaDhun raking in good numbers at the box-office. Acknowledging the development, Gautam is only glad that her offering holds a place among these projects.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 3, 2019)

Over the next two months, Sanjay Gupta will roll out his next, a gangster drama, set in the ’80s and ’90s. The story revolves around the key events that turned Bombay into Mumbai, including the mills downing shutters, the murder of a key businessman, the nexus between politicians, cops, the underworld and the business fraternity, and the drama around the eventual changes in the city’s landscape.

It has taken the filmmaker six years to return to his favourite genre with a project that he had been aiming to make since 2013. His last film in the gangster space was Shootout At Wadala (2013) with John Abraham, after which he made Jazbaa (2015) with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Irrfan, and Kaabil (2017) with Hrithik Roshan.

Talking about his next project, the filmmaker told BT, “It’s a space that has always intrigued me. The story of this city that we live in has its roots in several key events like the mills shutting down and the first ever murder of an industrialist, which became one of the key factors that changed Bombay into Mumbai. I’ve always enjoyed documenting the history of this city’s underbelly. It’s taken me a while to research the subject and put everything in place. We’re yet to finish the casting, but we’re going on floors in July-August this year.”