It’s a landmark year for the Roshans — Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (KNPH), the film that set the stage for Hrithik Roshan in Hindi cinema and went on to become a smashing hit, re-releases in theatres today, 25 years later, on the actor’s birthday. As the family celebrates Hrithik’s milestone in the industry, they are also proud to present a documentary titled The Roshans, which is coming up soon. Yes, the Roshans are on a roll, and in an interview with us, Rakesh Roshan says, “Even if Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai now achieves 1% of what it did back then, it’s a big achievement.”

When I joined films at 21, I always thought that I had made a mistake by starting out at that age. So, when it came to Hrithik, at the back of my mind, I believed it would be right for him to make his debut at 24-25. I launched him because he was a good actor, not because he is my son. I had seen him in Bhagwan Dada and also in other parts as a child artiste and I realised he had matured as an actor. I was a bit on the edge because some people told me, ‘Yeh dono characters (in KNPH) bhai nahi hai, toh log story kaise believe karenge’. I told them that I always make films where it’s hard to convince people, and my job as a filmmaker is to convince them.

I announced the release date (Jan 14) much earlier. Everyone advised me to change the date, but I thought if I did that, the fear would stay with me forever. It would also mean that I am not confident about my film. If some big filmmakers like Yash Chopra, Sooraj Barjatya and Subhash Ghai were coming with their movies, maybe I would consider not clashing with them. So yes, there were big actors’ releases, but I wasn’t competing with any big filmmaker. My film had two newcomers in the lead, Hrithik and Ameesha Patel, who were very confident, and I was sure about my product, so I went ahead with it, and it paid off.

I give credit for that to Lagaan. I watched it in South Africa at the premiere, and I was stunned by it. Then I thought, what should I make with Hrithik? I can’t do the same dance or romance. Everyone around me was strongly against the idea. They told me, ‘What are you doing? You made him such a big star, and now you want to ruin his career?’ While we were making Koi Mil Gaya, Hrithik’s other films that released during that time were not doing well, about eight of his films didn’t work and he was even given the tag, ‘One film wonder’. Hrithik and I both believed in the film, and I thought that we can’t keep making the same films, as we need to show the audience how an actor can transform himself and what he can do. I knew this movie would make people realise what kind of actor he is, and he went all out and proved himself.

In one word, it’s his honesty. He’s someone who never takes shortcuts. Even when I’m shooting with him, and I say that the shot is okay, he will say, ‘Let’s do one more take, baba. I will do it better this time.’ He gives his 110% to every shot, and that’s what makes him the actor he is.

Not just through Hrithik, I have lived my dream through all my actors. When I write a scene, I visualise how I would enact it if I was playing the role. So, I see myself in every actor I direct.

No, never, because as an actor, I went through a lot of trouble, and the fear has stayed with me. That phase gave me sleepless nights, of course, things changed when I became a producer and director. The good part is that I was always at it, I never left it – I did lead roles, character roles, villainous parts. I stayed back, but many actors didn’t. Hence, I am here today. I wasn’t educated, and this (movies) is all I ever knew since childhood.

One big learning in my life has been – If you don’t know how to appreciate others’ work, you can never climb the ladder. Never pull down somebody. Yahan kya hota hai…people try to pull you down and they think by doing that they will rise. But that’s not true, they will only fall. So, whenever I see a good film, I call the actor or director and tell them how much I liked what I saw.

I was extremely nervous before the release of KHPH. I wanted the film to do well for Hrithik. I called my friends to the editing room to show them the film, because you never know, if the film didn’t do well, he wouldn’t have other films. Luckily, before the film released, Hrithik was signed by Subhash Ghai, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Sooraj Barjatya and Karan Johar. Now that it is re-releasing, I am nervous again. This is an emotional moment for Hrithik and me. Even if the film achieves 1% of what it did back then, it’s a big achievement.

My friend Shashi Ranjan, who has a lot of knowledge of music and knows a lot about my father’s work, came up with the idea of making a documentary on him. I took it a step further and thought, why not make a documentary on three generations of Roshans (my father, legendary music director Roshan Lal Nagrath, my brother, music composer Rajesh Roshan and me, and then, my son Hrithik). We are alive, and I can talk more about myself than have others talk about me when I’m not there. The documentary is not about what people know about us from the outside, which is all colourful. It’s about our personal struggles and our journey, beyond how we make films, which is beautifully put out there. In our family, all these years, none of us have really pushed ourselves. My father didn’t, Rajesh and I didn’t, and neither did Hrithik. We, Roshans, have always let our work speak for us.

Festivals like Diwali provide some ideal moments to spend with loved ones and create cherished memories. For Hrithik Roshan, Diwali is a great opportunity for a family reunion. The actor, who was in Jaipur recently, shared his plans for the festival, his love for the city and more. Excerpts:

Diwali is one of my favourite festivals. With lights all around, everyone gets into the celebration mode. What makes the festival special is bringing the entire family and friends together for celebration. I love participating in puja with them.

It’s like me talking about my first love. Koi…Mil Gaya is the dearest emotion and will always remain special in my life. It gave me a chance to express my feelings and revisit my own childhood on the big screen. It was also a medium to escape the hardships that I had gone through in life. No exaggeration, but we took the biggest risk with this film, and I accepted the role with all my heart. If the character demands any skills, be it dance or action, I am happy to master it for my craft. Additionally, it helps me stay fit.

I have spent a lot of time here as I have relatives in Jaipur. Many of my summer vacations were spent here, having fun with my cousins, and exploring the beauty of Jaipur. I love the way the city has expanded, and it has some picturesque locations.

Some roles hold a special place in an actor’s filmography. To Hrithik Roshan, whose résumé is embellished with diverse characters, Krrish is that role. The franchise that began with Koi Mil Gaya in 2003 has now reached its fourth instalment. While Krrish 4 was initially announced as a 2020 release, the film has been delayed due to the narrative’s demand for superlative special effects. Amid reports that the superhero film will roll in the second half of next year, Hrithik says prep is on in full swing on the Rakesh Roshan production.

“We aim to make a film on par with global standards. The script is being locked, the research work is on, and we are building the technical team. Making films of this magnitude takes time,” says the actor. 

While the last three offerings in the franchise were helmed by Rakesh, there is no confirmation yet on who will wield the directorial baton for the upcoming instalment. Even as he stays mum on the matter, Hrithik assures that the new movie won’t be lacking in dedication, stating, “You can expect a lot of hard work being put in by each and everyone working on the future of Krrish.”

Getting the superhero film right on all counts is crucial to the actor, since it has its roots in his career’s most definitive film—Koi Mil Gaya. The sci-fi drama had not only sealed his position as one of the finest actors of his generation, but also helped him break the Greek God image as he played a young boy with developmental disability.

“By shedding the glamour, I adorned imperfection—messy hair and baggy clothes—but strived for the best when it came to my craft. I spent days doing vocal exercises to get Rohit’s [his character] voice and tone. I stopped reading newspapers, locked myself in a hotel room and binge-watched cartoons to [get into the mindset] of a nine-year-old,” he recalls, as the Rekha and Preity Zinta-starrer clocks 20 years of release.

Today, the industry is flirting with big-budget superhero spectacles—from Brahmāstra (2022) to The Immortal Ashwatthama. Hrithik, who cracked the genre with the franchise, points out that such movies work only if emotions are woven into the narrative.

“At the heart of Koi Mil Gaya was a plethora of emotions—be it the track with Rohit and his mother, his friendship with the kids, his relationship with Nisha [Zinta’s character], or his love for Jadoo. With Jadoo, there was a subtle messaging of inclusivity. The film also gave out the message that bullying is not cool, that co-existence is possible. I always believe in films that have a storyline and character arcs that engage the audience. I’m never excited by films that are events stitched up and termed as spectacles.”

When someone says Koi Mil Gaya (2003), we think of Jadoo. But the sci-fi drama also boasted of talent in two distinct forms—on the one hand was the raw talent of Hrithik Roshan, then an emerging star. On the other hand was the enduring magic of Rekha, whose skill only burnishes and shines brighter with the passage of years. As Koi Mil Gaya releases in theatres again to mark its 20th anniversary today, the usually reclusive Rekha says she is proud to have been part of director-friend Rakesh Roshan’s film. “Guddu-ji [has the ability] to catch dreams from the clouds and translate them into beautiful films,” she says. 

The two go a long way back, having co-starred in Khubsoorat (1980), Bahurani (1989) and many other films. When Rakesh turned filmmaker, he trusted her to shoulder Khoon Bhari Maang (1988). Years later, when he conceived of Koi Mil Gaya, the filmmaker could only envision Rekha as the iron-willed mother who raises her son, with developmental disabilities, single-handedly. The veteran actor counts him among her favourite filmmakers.

“I have a deep connect with Guddu-ji’s vision, and with the characters I’ve played in his films. It is rare for an actor to also excel at direction. The one person I’ve admired is Raj Kapoor saab, and Guddu-ji has also proven his mettle as a director.”

To her, Koi Mil Gaya—also starring Preity Zinta—is a testament to the director’s ability to marry Indian values with global sensibilities. “Guddu-ji is proud of his culture and traditions. He is subtle at expression. The Indian woman for him is an embodiment of Devi Maa, who has many hands and multi-tasks.”

What made the film all the more special to Rekha is that it teamed her up with Hrithik. Their off-screen affection translated on screen as she played a protective mother to him. “With Duggu, I share a bond; he was born in front of me! So, in our scenes, there was an intensity, emotion and natural ease that raised the scenes to the level of reality,” she smiles.

The year was 2003. And alien films were, well, an alien concept to the Indian film industry. Koi... Mil Gaya changed that forever. The film, directed by Rakesh Roshan, was not only a success, but also cemented Hrithik Roshan’s acting chops with his portrayal of a specially-abled character. Talking to us on the film’s 20th anniversary today, the actor gets nostalgic.

“I had a deeper connection with my inner child while shooting the film. That’s something that I miss. Then I miss Jaadoo — there is an emotional connection that I have with him. It wasn’t a conscious decision to enhance my career — it was a decision taken solely from my heart... [With this film], I became more clear on the kind of films I wanted to be a part of in the future,” he tells us.

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Rohit Mehra was an extension of my real self. It is from a lesser-known time of my life, my school days. I used to stutter since childhood, and just like in the film, not all people would be sensitive to my speech limitations and that would lead to bullying. In fact, the scene where the bullies break Rohit’s scooty, had happened to me in real life where some older boys broke my cycle, which was my most treasured possession as a child. I was heartbroken and it made me angry. The honesty and reality of the situation are what were seen onscreen.

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For It’s Magic, I just set myself free and danced as if no one was watching! Rohit’s moves had to be similar to his body language — he would walk a little differently, move in a certain way, tilt his head at an angle, express a lot through his eyes and have an ‘I can do it all’ attitude. I had to imbibe all these peculiarities of Rohit for his dance, too. Credit to Ganesh Hegde, who understood the finer details and choreographed the song after observing me as Rohit.

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Rekha ma’am is a force of talent. She has worked with my father as a co-star and has been a part of his directorial, Khoon Bhari Maang (1988). This was the first time I shared screen space with her. I remember shooting for the scene where she slaps me. Right before filming it, she told me that she would slap me in real life to portray the impact. When we shot the scene, she went into character and slapped me really hard. It sure got the emotions flowing within me and that translated on screen. But that one was one memorable slap!

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The first time I saw Jaadoo was when Australian artistes James and Lara shared a sketch based on the brief my father (Rakesh Roshan) had given them. It was their first draft and the moment we looked at it, we knew that this was Jaadoo. From then on, the journey to it becoming a tangible reality was a long one. Jaadoo was an animatronic character. It was wired inside and operated using a remote, so it took months to be made. During the shoot, we would often take about four to six hours to shoot a single scene with Jaadoo as the eyes and hands had to be manually synced for the emotions to be exhibited in the scene. It was a tedious task, taking retake after retake, but papa ensured that by the end of each day, we had a shot that was perfectly synced.

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I started shooting for Koi... Mil Gaya soon after wrapping up another film. I was pretty muscular and as much as I’d have liked to gain and lose weight for Rohit’s character arc, I was on a deadline. I only had a few weeks to showcase a physical transformation that would’ve taken months. Instead, I opted for baggy t-shirts that covered my biceps in the first half of the film. We brainstormed on a hairstyle that made my face look slightly rounder. For the second half of the film, I simply had to undo my construct and look a lot like my off-screen self at that time.

As Rakesh Roshan’s Koi... Mil Gaya marks its 20th anniversary today, Hrithik Roshan and Preity G Zinta share special memories attached to the sci-fi film that was loved by the audience and went on to become a huge success. Read on...

Hrithik: Koi... Mil Gaya, as a concept, was never done before in Indian cinema. A film based on a developmentally disabled man and a friendly alien encounter set against a sci-fi background, complete with emotions and then, Jaadoo bestowing Rohit (Hrithik’s character) with his powers as he departs from earth – this premise was unheard of. When there is so much freshness in a subject, you do not have reference points to consider while making a film, or for the audience to set expectations. It was a worthy risk that we were undertaking, but there was no pressure.

I remember that I was irritated with Hrithik for being late on the first day of his own film. Suddenly, someone tapped my shoulder and when I turned, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was Hrithik dressed as Rohit. He had been on set all along, but I wasn’t able to recognize him. At that moment, the entire movie made sense to me. He had done a lot of hard work to not be the sexy guy, but a simple boy.

Through the conceptualization process, everyone around us was very encouraging. But when the teaser came out, a lot of people expressed their apprehension about me playing a developmentally disabled character and felt that it might prove to be the end of my career. However, I was very confident as I had put my heart and soul into Rohit. He was an unseen, vulnerable side of me and when you are projecting a part of your true self honestly on-screen, it can never go wrong.

Preity: I was excited because it was a very different film. But once the initial excitement faded, I realized that it was an equally difficult film as well, because we weren’t playing the usual hero and heroine. It’s an innocent, pure relationship based on friendship. I had to do a lot of things differently, I cut my hair short, sometimes went without make-up and even wore clothes from my own wardrobe, so that Nisha looked like an ordinary girl. It was also challenging because we were filming with Jaadoo.

Hrithik says, “Jaadoo is my father’s brainchild and was designed based on his brief to Australian artists James and Lara. He gave them specifics that Jaadoo should have big expressive eyes and of a height similar to the kids. His vision was clear that he wanted Jaadoo to be amiable and someone that kids would take an instant liking to. It was an animatronic prop that was operated with a remote. Shooting a single scene with Jaadoo would often take hours, because many details had to be precise, like matching his eyes with his hands.”

“I devised my own process to get into the skin of Rohit’s character. I would walk in circles listening to Forever Young by Alphaville, until I got the posture and walk right for Rohit. For his laughter, I delved deep into the snivel when one cries, if you observe there is a little sisak in his laughter. In so many ways Koi... Mil Gaya remains to be a film full of self-discovery for me,” he says.

"While transforming into my character, my physique was muscular as I had been shooting for other films. So, I was made to wear baggy clothes that covered my biceps up to my elbow. I opted for a haircut that would make my look rounder. In the second half, once Rohit receives powers from Jaadoo, I just had to go back to looking like my real self. The whole process was rather liberating, I was free to express and emote to the best of my then-novice understanding. As an actor, I felt completely free."

"My favourite song was Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala. We shot it over a couple of nights in Mumbai and it was hot, and our song had heavy rains! The title track is amazing, and I still play it when my kids don’t go to sleep, it helps calm them down."

"I was very excited because it was a very different film. But once the initial excitement faded, I realised that it was an equally difficult film for me as well, because we weren’t playing the usual hero and heroine. I hope to show the film to my kids and I think all kids should watch it. I’m so proud of the film and happy that it has been re-released, so that everyone can relive the memories with us. This film touched your heart and that’s what made it really special."

Rohit and Jaadoo are set to return to the big screen, as Koi... Mil Gaya (2003) will be re-released in cinemas across 30 cities on August 4. Directed by Rakesh Roshan, the film starred Hrithik Roshan, Rekha and Preity G Zinta.

As the film clocks 20 years on August 8, a nostalgic Rakesh says, “The film has an emotional story of a mentally challenged boy (Hrithik) and his relationship with his mother (Rekha), friends and Nisha (Preity), the only girl who understood and accepted him. Then there was Jaadoo, the endearing alien, who emoted through his eyes. The film was created with minimal VFX.”

Talking about how Koi... Mil Gaya has stood “the test of time”, thanks to its dialogues, the 73-year-old adds, “A film needs to have a strong emotional bond with its audience. I think Koi... Mil Gaya connected with the kids. A lot of emotions were conveyed through its memorable dialogues like, ‘Mere papa se seekh kar aaya hoon’, ‘Mujhe kuch dikhai nahin de raha hai maa’, ‘Haila Jaadoo’, etc. I have seen them being used in many situations, especially in memes.”

In August 2003 when Koi Mil Gaya was on the brink of release, if someone had told Rakesh Roshan that he would be taking this story forward over the next two decades, he would’ve laughed it off. As the movie is set to clock 20 years on August 8, the filmmaker is surprised to see how it became the foundation for one of Bollywood’s most-loved franchises. He reveals that he had conceived of the sci-fi movie with a singular aim—to further highlight son Hrithik Roshan’s acting skills after the success of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000).

“I was concerned about how I could show Hrithik’s talent as an actor, after showing him in a double role in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. After Hrithik liked the concept of Koi Mil Gaya, I started writing it,” recounts the senior filmmaker. The writing process went off smoothly with Honey Irani, Robin Bhatt, Rakesh and his team locking themselves in a Khandala hotel and completing the script in 10 days.

It was the creation of Jadoo—the friendly alien who helps Hrithik’s character and gifts him his superpowers—that was challenging. The filmmaker travelled to Australia to give shape to the alien that he had envisioned.

“The technicians in Australia make animatronics for Hollywood films. When I visited the first studio, the owner wanted to discuss the money first. I left the meeting as I knew this man wouldn’t be able to do it; he had no emotions. I went to another studio [Bimmini Special Effects and Design Studio] where the husband and wife listened to my story intently. They had the sketches of Jadoo ready overnight. The sketches were exactly what I had in mind.”

The sci-fi offering, also starring Rekha and Preity Zinta, was made for Hrithik at a critical juncture in his career. After his smashing debut, the actor had delivered a string of flops. Rakesh remembers how his actor-son immersed himself in the role, knowing this was the chance to prove that he wasn’t a flash in the pan. “Eight of his films hadn’t worked at the time, and the media had started writing him off as a one-film wonder.”

“Here I was making a movie where he plays a mentally-challenged boy. A week prior to the shoot, Hrithik locked himself up in a hotel and came straight to the shoot. When he gave the first shot, I knew that Hrithik had understood his character to the core,” reminisces Rakesh.

Even after the wide success of Koi Mil Gaya, Rakesh hadn’t considered building a franchise out of it. The thought, he says, came to him a few months later while watching The Lord of the Rings trilogy. 

“After I saw The Lord Of The Rings, I thought if they have made three films with the same characters, why can’t I make it with Jadoo? I thought, what if he gave his powers to Rohit’s [Hrithik’s character] son? With those powers, I can make him a superhero.”

Thus was born Hindi cinema’s favourite superhero, Krrish, around whom revolved the next two instalments. Over the past few years, there has been much chatter about Krrish 4, with the director stating that it will roll in 2024. Asked about the fourth instalment, Rakesh clams up, only stating, “All I can say is that Krrish 4 is a continuation of Krrish 3, with the story moving forward from where it ended.”

Indian-origin British singer-composer Taz, 54, of the ’90s hit pop band Stereo Nation has died. According to multiple reports, he was suffering from hernia. His health had been deteriorating in the past few months and he was even in coma for some time. Earlier in March, his family had released a statement that Taz was out of coma and was showing improvement.

The singer, whose real name was Tarsame Singh Saini, was credited with being the pioneer of cross-cultural Asian fusion music. Some of his most notable tracks include Pyar Ho Gaya, Nachange Saari Raat, and Gallan Goriyan. He changed the desi music game back in the ’90s and formed Stereo Nation in 1996.

He also gave Bollywood hits like Daru Vich Pyar (Tum Bin; 2001), It’s Magic (Koi Mil Gaya; 2003) and Mujhpe Toh Jadoo (Race; 2008). Gallan Goriyan was even recreated for Batla House (2019).

Notable names from the music world took to social media to share condolences. Singer Mika Singh tweeted, “I’ve grown up listening to his music... May God bless his soul.” Singer Bally Sagoo posted, “RIP brother... You will truly be missed.”

Taking to Twitter, singer Jassi Sidhu wrote, “From my 1st ever tour alongside him in 1999 to now was always a gentleman. Made pop bhangra that we all hear now decades ago & took it to the masses a pioneer. Your legacy lives on...”

“He inspired many artists with his unique sound and amazing songs... Way ahead of his time,” singer Raghav Sachar wrote. And singer Jay Sean wrote, “You touched so many lives and continue to as your music lives on.”

Singer-composer Adnan Sami said, “Can’t believe it!! Extremely saddened and shocked...” HTC

Mumbai: Poet-lyricist Ibrahim Khan ‘Ashq’, who penned songs in films such as ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’ and ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, passed away on Sunday due to Coronavirus-related pneumonia. He was 70.

His pen name, Ashq, means tears, but his penmanship brought smiles to music lovers. He was also a familiar name in literary circles for his ghazals and nazms.

Daughter Fazila said, “My father suffered from cough each winter, and we thought this time was no different. It was only when he coughed blood on Saturday that we realised it was serious.”

She added that he was rushed to hospital, where he passed away within hours.

Composer Rajesh Roshan said, “Ibrahim Ashq ji had written quite a few songs for me, most of them became hits. It is sad to know he is no more with us for he was very close to my heart and I shall miss him forever.”

Over the years, Hrithik Roshan has impressed the audience with the array of characters that he has portrayed on screen. He is the kind of actor who has dared to take chances and experimented with roles that broke the mould of a quintessential Bollywood hero. In a conversation at a virtual interaction at the 52nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Hrithik opened up about the process he goes through to deep dive into his characters.

“The first thing is to find a connection with the character in the script. Once you have laid that foundation where you know that the emotions that your character is going through resonate with you, then half the job is done. From there starts the whole journey of seeking and searching. You are constantly searching to find that guy (character) within you. The way he looks, walks, etc, depends on how close that character is to you. And magic happens when you find the edge (to the character).”

As an actor, Hrithik says that he also takes inspiration from his real life to add to a scene. He shares, “I am an actor who takes inspiration from my own life. I am usually sifting through my memories and experiences and trying to bring out something, which is a secret in my head, onto the camera.”

Interestingly, at times the actor also gets drawn to his character so much that he refuses to part ways with them. “There are times where you get emotionally attached to a character, and you don’t want to let go of it.”

Hrithik said, “It is something that you hold close to yourself. I felt that when I did films like Koi… Mil Gaya and Kaabil. It’s like you are living and staying with certain emotions. They can fill you up with nice feelings, and to not have an opportunity to stay with those feelings, is kind of heartbreaking. It remains with you in the most beautiful way. All the characters that I have played in films and the remnants of those have always stayed with me. And I have also used them in the other films, which I have done. Something like recycle and reuse (smiles).”

Hrithik also spoke up about the advent of the digital medium in the last couple of years, especially because of the kind of talent it has introduced in the cinema space. He said, “I am delighted about the fact that so many new actors have come in. The scope has gone up, and the talent that I have been watching on screen is just so incredible! It makes me happy as I feel that all kinds of people in our social environment need to be represented in beautiful ways on screen. With that, I feel that the mould of a superstar, which had been created, is breaking. There was this fixed mould of a superstar that actors had to fit into. And it was very disconnected with what is real. This mould, I feel, is evolving into something better. I think it can now be customized! So, for all those who want to make it now, they should be putting in a lot of hard work. Actors must train themselves for five-six hours a day. You need to think about yourself like an Olympic athlete. How many hours a day does an athlete train? Are you doing that too?”

Anurag Singh may have a trio of Punjabi cinema's highest grosser to his credit - Punjab 1984, and Jatt and Juliet 1 and 2, all featuring Diljit Dosanjh - but he is realising his childhood dream only now. The 40-year-old writer-director, who learnt the ropes of filmmaking in Australia, has wrapped up Punjab's first superhero film, Super Singh, with Diljit sporting red underwear over blue pants, a la Superman. But unlike his Hollywood counterpart, Diljeet's also wearing a red turban.

“Growing up, every night I prayed that I'd wake up as Superman. Now, Diljit's playing a superhero in my next film,“ Anurag beams, adding that the film which marks Ekta Kapoor's foray into Punjabi cinema, is presently in post-production and is expected to release in June, 2017.

Next, he'll take his dream up a notch having just locked the script of his big-budget Bollywood debut. Tentatively titled Hanumaan, it'll be produced by Junglee Pictures. “It's a superhero film that marries mythology with modern technology. Without delving into ancient concepts, we're re-inventing the morals he stands for,“ explains Anurag who met Priti Shahani, President, Junglee Pictures two years ago and sketched out the idea to her in one line. “She called the concept a 'clutter-breaker' and though we discussed other ideas, she kept coming back to this one. Now, it's like we are both realizing our dream,“ he recalls.

A few names have been discussed but the lead pair of the film is yet to be cast. Point out that Hanuman, son of the wind God Pawan and a loyal devotee of Ram, is known as a brahmachari who had taken a vow of celibacy, and scripting a love-interest for him could agitate devotees, Anurag says confidently that Hanuman bhakts will be the biggest fans of his film. “I'm not questioning the legend of Hanuman, rather like any devotee, I'm appreciative of him. The tone will be reverential, just as it is in animation shows for children like Chhota Bheem, Bal Ganesh and Bal Hanuman, but the film's scale is huge,“ he clarifies, adding that the protagonist Hanumaan, is a fun guy with mischievous powers, drawn from Hanuman's energy, wisdom and devotion.

Earlier this year, Remo D'Souza's A Flying Jatt, featuring Tiger Shroff as a turbaned superhero, failed at the box-office. Ask Anurag why the Indian masses are far more receptive to American franchisee fares like The Avengers or The Dark Knight than to their Indian counterparts and he says, “I haven't seen A Flying Jatt so I cannot comment on it, but Koi... Mil Gaya and Krrish were brave attempts and did extremely well. More recently, Baahubali, even though not a superhero film in the true sense of the term, was an extraordinary success because the director merged Indian grammar with contemporary technique. For any superhero film, a classic tale needs a modern retelling. That said, you can't copy Hollywood in terms of scale because we don't have that kind of money. So you have to match them with your storytelling,“ Anurag signs off.

He wasn't born a superhero. He became one. Hrithik Roshan had it all - great looks, godly bod and truckloads of talent. But he had shortcomings, too, enough to erode a man's confidence.He swiftly fought against all odds, overcoming his speech problem and today, he says, “It was the greatest thing that's happened to me.“ He plays a visually challenged man in his upcoming Kaabil, directed by Sanjay Gupta, and the actor is intrigued by how those who can't see anything can perfectly master the darkness. With all senses fired, in this candid chat, Hrithik talks about his fears, instincts, success and two lovely sons. Read on...

I believe that your interaction with the visually challenged people has changed your perception of them...
Well, the first thing an actor would do to play a character like this is to understand how one behaves in darkness. At the beginning, I was very sympathetic towards them and I would try to be extra nice. Gradually, I became completely normal in the way I interacted with them because they led their lives normally, irrespective of the fact that they can't see. I understood that there's absolutely no reason to pamper them, baby them or treat them differently. I think even they respect that attitude. Earlier, I would have projected my character as a needy guy or a bechara. After meeting them, I've enacted my part like an absolutely normal guy because that's how they actually are.

I heard that there was this one man who you were very inspired by....
Yes! He was the first visually challenged person who I interacted with and I was totally impressed. He came to my place in Juhu. I asked him how he travelled and he told me that he took a train and then an autorickshaw, which brought him from the station to my house. But what really blew my mind was that he came alone and without the help of a walking stick. We can't even fathom how some one can do this! The visually challenged are so well-trained that they can master the darkness.

Talking about fighting your fears, you had a big stammering problem that you overcame as a kid...
I think when you live with something like this as a child, it never becomes a memory of the past, but lives on in a very residual manner. For instance, if you were teased as a fat kid all through your growing years, even after losing all the weight, you will continue thinking in your head that you are fat. Likewise, stammering is something that's never left my mind. I still can't watch The King's Speech. I have tried watching it thrice, but I just can't, I have to stop it. But what I will say is that it was the greatest thing that's happened to me. That shortcoming taught me to value everything that I have in my life today, whether it is sensitivity, humility or ability of the human brain to overcome situations. To sum it up - it made me believe in magic. Now, I have infallible faith in myself because of the shortcoming that I have lived with.

While choosing your roles, how much do you rely on your instinct and gut?
There's no other way to do it. To tap into that source takes a lot of practice. Instinct also comes in layers and to get to the source of things, it takes years of searching. I will reveal a secret about myself. I know the result of every single thing that I create before it comes out. If at the time of some release I feel a little uneasy or anxious, it is a sure shot sign that something good is going to come out of it. It's not just at the time of the release, but also when I am shooting for the film. I feel anxious till the time I see that first copy and until I have done my best. Once that is over, it is an enjoyable journey to wait and see if the film hits the bullseye or not.

What happens when a film doesn't work and your instinct goes wrong?
As I said, I make peace with it when I see the first copy of my film. I have never been surprised with the fate of my film. It's all done in my head.

For a star, success goes beyond BO hits, right? It has a lot to do with your stardom, fan following et al...
In today's world, success for an actor means fame, money, hit films, super stardom, right? My idea of success is quite the contrary. It has nothing to do with the worldly definition of success as all that is a lie. I was told... “Work hard, earn money, get this, get that...“ and if you do these things, your parents will be happy and satisfied. Tell me...who in this world has done these things and said I have achieved the ultimate. It's a complete lie. Once you realise that, you will actually start searching for real happiness. I think I am successful to day because I am content with all that I have, with all my likes and my dislikes.

I believe that you dive so deep into your roles that you spend days and months understanding layers of your character...
An actor's job is to go into depths of the script and understand its potential. You can't sink 20 ft deep into a 5-ft pool, right? If the script has a character like Rajveer in Bang Bang, it's got the depth of 6-7 ft. If you have a character like Rohit in Koi... Mil Gaya, you have a depth of 55-60 ft, so that's when you have to go deep down and hit the bottom. So yes, you go as deep as you need to, so even if a film fails, you will work because you have gone all the way for it.

Are you too self-critical? There are some actors and filmmakers who don't like watching their work repeatedly onscreen after they are done with it. What about you?
I don't know how they do that, but it's quite strange in a way. I mean this is your job, your work, how else will you learn? I might not like seeing myself, but I have to do it. You must have the courage to face yourself and see how good or bad you are without being conscious about it.

On a lighter note, with your kind of good looks, how often do you look into the mirror?
(Laughs!) That's ridiculous, a little vain in a way. But honestly, as actors - our job is twofold. We have to look good and we have to act well. I think that primarily is the difference between an actor and a star. An actor will not care about how he is looking, he will want to be natural, organic and just fly in front of the camera. A star will always watch his own self. He will go one step beyond to perfect his outer image and at the same time, strive to deliver a good act.

Have you ever thought of directing?
Not really, but it has been discussed. When I was 21, my father told me that I could act or direct a film, as he thought that I have the mind of a director. I don't know what made him say that, I guess it was because I would give him suggestions while he was making films like Koyla and Karan Arjun. I don't think I want to direct, not so early. There are a lot of blanks that still need to be filled. There's no calling from within to direct a movie.

We've seen how you are trying to give your boys, Hrehaan and Hridhaan, a normal upbringing. You take them for movies and autorickshaw rides, too. It must be challenging...
It is difficult but I enjoy it a lot. One day, we were swimming at a hotel (close to home) and I asked them if they wanted to walk back via the beach. When we started walking, the beach wasn't crowded, but after a short distance, I suddenly realised that it was a Sunday and crowd had started gathering around me. We just had one bodyguard and there were three of us. Also, I don't want to bring up my kids in a way that they are afraid of the crowd. So, as we walked along, I kept talking to people and I kept telling my kids that this is the way fans show their love, and there is nothing to be scared of. In fact, I told my fans to join us on our walk back home. It even made my kids feel secure.

Do they watch your movies with you?
Yes, we watch films together all the time. I have to sit and answer all their questions as they are very curious. Their favourite film of mine is Bang Bang. They even liked Mohenjo Daro, Koi... Mil Gaya and Krrish. They don't like anything that's childish. I sometimes think that they are too grown-up for their age.

Box Office India Trade Network