Here’s what the actor’s day looks like, with reading, playing indoor games, working out in the home gym and yes, learning to play the piano
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 9, 2020)

On March 25, Hrithik Roshan shared a personal note about co-parenting on Instagram, announcing that his ex-wife, Sussanne Khan, had temporarily moved in with him so that their children are not disconnected indefinitely from either of them during the lockdown brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic. Even after their divorce, on November 1, 2014, that followed almost a year of separation, the former couple has remained close friends and co-parent sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan.

Like the entire country, the actor, too, is in lockdown with family at his Juhu apartment. “Hrithik has been reading a lot—from self-help books and daily news to fiction. Right now, he is reading The 4-Hour Workweek. He was always inclined towards learning the piano and is using this time to develop the hobby,” revealed a source close to the actor. Hrithik is also following a rigorous workout routine on a daily basis. “He works out twice a day, once early in the morning and again in the evening, with his kids. He is spending extra time in his house gym, stretching, doing yoga and cardio, along with regular weight-training,” the source added. Evenings are reserved for board games. Hrithik loves chess and plays with his sons. “Movie screenings with the kids and being with his dog, Zane, also form a part of his routine.”

The 46-year-old actor, who completed 20 years in the industry in January this year, was seen last year on the big screen with Super 30, the biopic of maths whiz Anand Kumar, and the action-thriller War. Ever since, all eyes are on his 25th film. “Hrithik is in the process of finalising his slate of releases. He has been reading a lot of scripts in the last six months and has liked some ideas. He is in constant touch with the directors and writers, who are developing them, over the phone,” the source shared.

Apart from his acting assignments, Hrithik also plans to get into film production and has been reading scripts for that, too. While interacting with Mirror earlier (December 26, 2019), he had said, “The idea is to produce content-driven films, triumph of life stories, something that can leave an impact on the audience.”

He is also over-seeing the prep of his superhero franchise, Krrish 4, which is currently being scripted. “There has been a huge leap in technology since the release of Krrish 3 in 2013. And Rakeshji (his filmmaker-father Rakesh Roshan) and he are constantly discussing the scale, visuals and other aspects of film. It should hopefully take off next year,” the source added.

Mirror had earlier reported that Hrithik Roshan’s tour to the US had got cancelled owing to the pandemic. It will be rescheduled for a future date once people get back to their normal lives. Meanwhile, Hrithik was one of the first Bollywood actors to come to the aid of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. He extended support to BMC staff working round the block to contain the virus spread on March 26. To ensure the safety of the most fundamental caretakers of the city and society, he also procured N95 and FFP3 masks. Hrithik has also tied up with an NGO to facilitate 1.2 lakh nutritious cooked meals to old age homes, daily wage labourers, and low income groups across India. He continues to be in touch with government officials and NGOs, keeping a close eye on the needs of the ones suffering on ground.

With the ongoing countrywide lockdown, the duo has moved in together for the sake of their kids
BOMBAY TIMES (March 26, 2020)

In times of crisis, often the unthinkable happens. India is battling the Coronavirus outbreak, and the country is in lockdown mode. The situation has introduced a positive change in the lives of Hrithik Roshan and his ex-wife Sussanne Khan. The couple had divorced in November 2014. Over the years, they have been doing an amazing job of co-parenting their sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan. That involved everything from going on vacations together to doing whatever they could individually, to give their kids a good upbringing. Yesterday, Hrithik took to Instagram to announce that Sussanne has moved back into his home for the sake of their children, as during these times of social distancing and self-quarantine, it will be best for their kids to stay with both their parents. With this, the two have set greater #parentinggoals for those around them.

In his social media post, Hrithik wrote, “It is unimaginable for me, as a parent, to think of having to be separated from my children at a time when the country is practicing lockdowns. It is heartwarming to see the world come together as one in this time of deep uncertainty and possibility of months of social distancing and potential lockdowns for several weeks perhaps. While the world talks about humanity coming together, I think it represents more than just an idea, especially for parents sharing custody of their kids. How to keep their kids close to them without infringing on the right of the other who also has an equal right to be with his/her children. This is a picture of dear Sussanne (my ex-wife), who has graciously volunteered to temporarily move out of her home so that our children are not disconnected indefinitely from either one of us. Thank you Sussanne for being so supportive and understanding in our journey of co-parenting. Our children will tell the story we create for them. I hope and pray that in order to safeguard the health of ourselves and our loved ones, we all find our way to express love, empathy, courage, strength with an open heart (sic).”
--------------------------
Hrithik Roshan thanks Sussanne Khan for moving out of her house so they can be with their sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan
MUMBAI MIRROR (March 26, 2020)

On Monday, Hrithik Roshan had put up a post documenting his time under social distancing with sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan, and their dog. On Wednesday, he returned to the ‘gram with a picture of ex-wife Sussanne Khan at his residence.

“It is unimaginable for me, as a parent, to think of having to be separated from my children at a time when the country is practicing lockdowns,” he began, lauding the world for coming together as one in a time of deep uncertainty.

Explaining the picture of Sussanne--the former couple have remained on good terms as close friends and co-parents since their divorce in 2014--the actor wrote, “This is a picture of dear Sussanne, who has graciously volunteered to temporarily move out of her home so that our children are not disconnected indefinitely from either one of us,” adding, “Thank you Sussanne for being so supportive and understanding in our journey of co-parenting. Our children will tell the story we create for them.”

Hrithik ended the post on a philosophical note, saying, “I hope and pray that in order to safeguard the health of ourselves and our loved ones, we all find our way to express love, empathy, courage, strength with an open heart”.

The popular VJ of the ’90s on waking up early, having no patience for trolls, and building her yoga empire
Kunal Guha (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 5, 2020)

Malaika Arora was nursing a hamstring injury when she was introduced to yoga seven years ago. It turned into a deeper relationship when she noticed the ancillary benefits, which included “just feeling much better”. “I was also in a phase of life where I felt I needed some direction, and yoga brought me a lot of calm,” she says. So, when she was approached to be the brand ambassador of a yoga chain, she wanted to get more involved. “I didn’t want to be just the face [of the brand] because there were 30,000 other opportunities that I could consider,” she says.

Today, she’s on the verge of building a business empire. Her year-old chain of exclusively-for-women yoga studios aims to double its footprint the next 12 months, and reach as many as 100 million health-conscious customers in five years. “The air you breathe and the food you eat these days are nothing, if not questionable. Fitness is the only thing that you can be certain is unadulterated,” says the 44-year-old former VJ. “I am still learning. I knew nothing of the business when I got into it. Every day, I keep asking questions.” Recently, her first venture, an online fashion label, which she co-founded with actor Bipasha Basu and interior designer Sussanne Khan, clocked four years.

Arora has steadily fashioned herself as a multifarious personality, dabbling in entrepreneurship, reality TV and movies — all the while looking her dazzling best. She attributes the transformation to waking up early, going vegan and glutenfree, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “I don’t think I’ve felt this good. I’m doing something right,” she says. Her protean sense of style too, always grabs eyeballs. “It’s mood-driven… there are days I’m feeling peppy and days I feel sexy,” says Arora, who considers Madonna, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Kareena Kapoor Khan her fashion icons. “I love a saree on anybody. Even my mom can rock it in a saree and big bindi,” she says.

No wonder then that she’s a paparazzi muse, and perhaps the most photographed celebrity after Taimur Ali Khan. She maintains, however, that press photographers by and large have been “very nice and understanding” to her. “There are times, I’ve requested them not to click me and they’ve obliged,” she says, adding that she understands “it’s their job” to capture candid moments of celebs.

She also lauds the media for having seen her through a rather grueling patch — the end of her 18-year-old marriage with actor and producer Arbaaz Khan. “The media has been respectful and no one has stepped on my toes,” she says. “It’s a process… you can’t expect everything and everybody to be okay about things, right away. It takes time.”

Through all this, her 17-year-old son, Arhaan, who she considers to be the “most important person in her life”, has stood by her “like a pillar” and that Arbaaz and her have a mutual understanding to be equally present in his life.

Arora became popular as a VJ in the ’90s, a profession that, she feels, shot itself in the foot, and was “phased out by reality shows, which the youth started identifying with”. “But that’s what gave me a platform and opened so many doors for me,” she says. One can hardly forget her iconic stint in the TV show she co-hosted with Cyrus Broacha, where they fielded live callers about their relationship woes. A dial-in agony aunt was pathbreaking for Indian television at the time, and Arora says that it continues to be an extension of her personality. “I’m quite the one that everyone turns to for advice… they automatically speak to me,” she says. “In fact, my friends always say that since I’m not judgmental, it’s easy to talk to me.”

Arora is as savvy when it comes to being a social media sensation. “Every decade, there’s something new… if you use these tools right, it’s brilliant. It has wonderful reach and the benefits are for everyone to see,” she says, adding that her posts comprise a mix of her work and personal life.

It is also a space where she occasionally engages with fans and fan clubs. “Some just reach out to me because they connect with the choices that I’ve made as a woman.” Like any hotshot influencer, Arora draws her share of trolls too — some even pass jibes about her relationship. But she simply chooses to ignore them. “I have no patience for noise and there’s enough and more going on in my life,” she says. “I’m a non-controversial person and I don’t go around saying things out of context, unless I need to or am provoked. But if I have to voice my opinion, I certainly do.”

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 26, 2019)

Mirror had earlier reported (July 24, 2018) that Tiger Shroff has bought a sprawling eight-bedroom apartment in a plush neighbourhood in the city’s western suburbs. The 29-year-old actor had been hunting for an ideal property for a while and finalised the deal last year.

Now, we have learnt that Tiger will move into his dream house in April next year. According to a source close to the actor, it is being designed to suit his personality and, in a way, that it can house everything he needs. “There are spaces assigned for his workouts, dance practice and official meetings,” the source shared, adding that John Abraham’s interior designer brother Alan is doing up the place, while Tiger’s mother Ayesha Shroff and designer Sussanne Khan have helped with inputs. “Shopping for it is on in full swing.”

In an interview with Mirror (Dec 2018), the actor had admitted to buying a home for the family. “We will move in once it’s ready, maybe in a year or so,” the actor had shared, while his actor-father Jackie Shroff had described it as an “emotional moment”, adding that they never wanted one, but Tiger thought they should have a house and had been slogging to make the dream come true. Proud that the young actor has worked his way to the top, the exuberant father had added, “God is kind, what else can you expect from your child! Tiger is setting an example for other kids to follow. He sleeps by 10.30 pm and is up by 6 am… He respects people and focuses on his craft… He steers clear of malice and is a man on a mission.”

On the work front, Tiger has started shooting for Sajid Nadiadwala’s action thriller, the Ahmed Khan-directed Baaghi 3, with Shraddha Kapoor as the female lead and Riteish Deshmukh as his cop-brother. The actor is scheduled to fly to Serbia in November to kick-start the international schedule of the film.

Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 8, 2019)

The funeral of J Om Prakash, who passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday, took place in Vile Parle around noon. His grandson Hrithik Roshan, who was present with mom Pinky (the late filmmaker’s daughter), father Rakesh and uncle Rajesh, performed the last rites. His ex-wife Sussanne Khan turned up with their sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan.

Abhishek Bachchan, Kunal Kapoor, Madhu Mantena, Sanjay Gupta, Jeetendra, Prem Chopra with wife Uma and Pahlaj Nihalani were among the visitors. Amitabh Bachchan paid tribute to the late filmmaker with a tweet: “J Om Prakash ji, Producer Director of eminence, passed away this morning .. a kind gentle affable being .. my neighbor, Hrithik’s grandfather .. sad!! Prayers for his soul (sic).”

Actor Deepak Parashar told Mirror, “Mr Omprakash’s wife and my uncle’s wife are sisters. I got a chance to work with him Aap Toh Aise Na The. It’s very saddening and heartbreaking to see him leave us. I can relate to one of his songs right now, “Sheesha Ho Ya Dil Ho”.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 5, 2019)

He made his debut as a romantic action hero with chocolate-boy looks in Kaho Na... Pyaar Hai (2000), and almost two decades down the line, Hrithik Roshan has turned the narrative upside down by playing a down-to-earth, dark-complexioned Bihari teacher in Super 30. While his first film made him an overnight sensation, his latest release sees him shining in the tale of true hardships. As the superstar says, “The hero is no more a guy with the guitar and a smirk on his face.” Here, he tells us how cinema has changed over the years, his criteria for choosing films, and more.

With the success of Super 30, do you feel that lately, actors who do rooted films connect more with the audiences?
Being someone who has made his debut in 2000, the new millennium, I have seen some really good changes in Indian cinema. The biggest change, however, is that the narrative is becoming more and more inclusive. We have opened ourselves to various experiences and influences, which I believe is working. Super 30 is that tale of inclusion that the audiences have connected to.

What drives you to choose a film? Have the criteria changed over the years?
My criteria for choosing a film hasn’t changed much. I have always picked up scripts depending on my gut feeling and instincts. What could have changed over the years is that the instincts come from a place of more experience. Another important thing while choosing a film is the entertainment value it carries. My father (Rakesh Roshan) always says that if you make films, they ought to be entertaining.

You will be completing two decades in the industry soon.  Do you see a vast difference in the scripts or the content of the film?
The definition of a hero on screen is changing. It is no more a guy with the guitar and a smirk on his face. That’s also because the audience is evolving and are accepting only a different kind of content now.

A Super 30 followed by War, is that a deliberate attempt to balance between larger-than-life roles and playing a common man?
Honestly, I did not plan it like this. But in hindsight, I think it’s a good thing. Because both the characters are very different from each other. Also, for me even the Super 30 character is larger-than-life. The costume or the exterior doesn’t make any character larger-than-life, it’s the journey that does. Anand Kumar isn’t a common man in that sense, he’s a special man.

Horror comedies are now a trend in Bollywood. How open are you to doing one?
I am open to doing absolutely any genre if the script excites me enough. Because if I don’t feel the emotions while reading or hearing a script, then even the audience won’t.

If you were to do another biopic who would you like to play on screen?
I am not particularly looking forward to doing a biopic. What’s important for me is the script. If that is powerful, then I will do it. The same thing happened with Super 30. I did not do it because I wanted to do a biopic. I happened to like a script which was a biopic. It did not take me more than 30 seconds to say yes to the script. Because it moved me, made me happy and feel various emotions.

What is the status on Krrish 4?
It is in the final stages of scripting right now. We are sure that if this film is being made, then we have to take it to a much higher level.

There is news about you doing a film with Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush in Aanand L Rai’s next...
That’s not true. I haven’t got any call from anyone as of now. But I am a huge fan of Aanand sir’s work.

Any plans of turning director?
Right now, I am enjoying doing different characters on screen as an actor so this thought hasn’t come to my mind but perhaps sometime in the future. Why not!

You and Sussanne Khan have been setting goals in how to be amicably together with the children even after a divorce. Has it been easy? 
It’s sad that my equation with Sussanne is looked upon as rare when it should be common practice to strive towards peace and happiness, especially for our children. Even now, some people ask me why I am so good to my ex, and I explain to them that as a father, I am bringing up two men, and they need to know that their mother is loved and respected. They need to learn that two people can be separated but still stand united as a family.

Sonali Bendre on losing a prized possession that had even landed her debut film, Aag, back in 1994
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 4, 2019)

After visits in New York and family brunches, Sonali Bendre reunited with her best friends, Sussanne Khan and Gayatri Oberoi, for a TV show and got teary-eyed while recalling her recent stay in New York.

In July last year, the actress had quit the reality show India’s Best Draamebaaz, on which she served as one of the judges, to start treatment for a metastatic cancer at the renowned research facility Sloan Kettering in the Big Apple. The chemotherapy sessions that followed resulted in dramatic hair loss and while the actress embraced the change, even talking candidly about it on social media, it was a difficult topic to discuss on the Colors Infinity show.

During the conversation, Sonali reminisced about her early days in showbiz, adding that her thick mane was much talked about then. So much so, they even landed her K Ravi Shankar’s Aag in 1994, her acting debut. “Now that I think of it, earlier, my whole life had been all about my hair, even though it sounds superficial. I’ve endorsed every hair product at some point in my life,” she said, adding that it used to be a big part of her personality.

On how she dealt with it, the 44-year-old actress said, “My sisters and friends were with me for support. I was sure I didn’t want it to be clumpy and feel horrible about it. I wanted to enjoy getting rid of it as much as I had loved wearing it. My friends and our kids were all with me when I got the first haircut. I kept it short and it did look nice,” Sonali said.

When it was time to go bald, Gayatri suggested that she keep the hair, so they could make a wig out of it. “I said no. Let’s just give it away, it’s not meant to be, just let it go,” Sonali concluded.

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; July 31, 2018)

Even after their divorce in 2014, Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan and his ex-wife Sussanne Khan, have been doting parents to their two sons — Hridhaan and Hrehaan. They continue to co-parent their children and ensure that they spend quality time with them. The ex-couple have often been seen watching movies with their children and even taking family vacations together. Sussanne also stood by Hrithik during his face-off with Kangana Ranaut. Their camaraderie has led many to believe that the two might plan to remarry soon.

However, a source close to the couple categorically denies the reports. “The buzz about Hrithik and Sussanne getting remarried is nothing but a ridiculous rumour. We wonder what sparks these rumours. It’s not true.”

Ironically, this news had surfaced in January last year, too. When asked about it during an interview with Bombay Times back then, Hrithik had cleared the air, saying, “Sussanne is my friend for life. We are two loving parents for our kids. My equation with her is very peaceful. I can’t have any relationship in my life that’s not peaceful.” About his thoughts on getting married again, he had said, “No, I don’t think about remarriage at all. I am happy. I feel so fulfilled. I don’t feel the need, but of course, you don’t know what the future holds. For now, I am very content.”

When BT reached out to Zayed Khan (Sussanne’s brother) for a reaction on this news, he said, “It’s very sweet, but this is their personal territory and I would not be the right person to comment on anyone’s personal life.”

Hrithik and Sussanne were married for fourteen years, before their divorce in 2014.

— Inputs by Tanvi Trivedi

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 29, 2018)

While reports of an imminent split between former supermodels and long-time couple Arjun Rampal and Mehr Jessia had first surfaced as early as 2011, their official announcement on Monday sent shockwaves in the film industry. The duo, married for 20 years, had worked out the logistics before going public with the announcement. Four months ago, Arjun, 45, moved out of their sea-facing Bandra duplex, where they lived with their daughters, into a rented two-BHK owned by businessman-friend Kishor Bajaj. Mehr and their two teenaged daughters continue to live in the duplex, and the arrangement is expected to continue till the divorce comes through next year.

Mirror has learnt that last week, Arjun had informed the teams of his upcoming films, J P Dutta’s Paltan and his own co-production Nastik, that he was splitting from his wife and that an official announcement would follow shortly.

Now, close friends of the former couple and industry insiders claim that the tumultuous marriage had effectively ended around six months ago and the couple had waited for their daughters to come to terms with it before revealing it to the media. Sources close to the development say the flashpoint was a loud and heated fight between the couple which led to complaints from neighbours. The rude wake-up call was followed by Mehr apologising profusely to the neighbours, and Arjun moving into a five-star hotel.

Falling off the A-list radar
Arjun and Mehr, who were once an integral part of Shah Rukh Khan’s inner circle, fell out with him during the making of Ra.One. According to a source close to the couple, Arjun requested to be a part of his friend’s 2011 sci-fi production, Ra.One. “But Mehr allegedly insisted on a higher remuneration for her husband from co-producer SRK himself, who swore to never work with Arjun in the future. The two subsequently had a public falling out during the film’s release. After that, Shah Rukh stopped taking Mehr’s calls. His wife, Gauri Khan, who had been close friends with Mehr, severed ties with her as well,” the source added.

Meanwhile, as Ra.One entered post production, Arjun was signed on to play the lead in the Karan Johar-produced We Are Family. When Arjun hiked his fee at the last minute, KJo also avowed never to work with the actor again. A month after Ra.One’s release, SRK and Gauri were conspicuous by their absence at Mehr’s 40th birthday bash. Soon after, Bhavna Panday, Maheep Kapoor, Sussanne Khan and Anu Dewan, core members of Bollywood’s most high-profile girl-gang of the time including Gauri and Mehr, gradually distanced themselves from Arjun and Mehr.

“I never tell Mehr what films I’m doing because she’s very honest with her opinion, and when she gives it, I know exactly how good or bad the film is — she’s very straightforward, which is fun, but also sometimes embarrassing,” Arjun had been quoted as saying on several occasions.

In 2007, the couple also hit rough weather when their first home production, I See You, featuring Arjun opposite newcomer Vipasha Agarwal, bombed at the box-office. They moved on to produce TV content and even took over a documentary project which was shelved mid-way. The banner, Chasing Ganesha, was disbanded around 2014, and Arjun returned as a solo producer for Ashim Ahluwalia’s Daddy last year, which turned out to be a damp squib despite pre-release buzz.

The third act
By the mid-2000s, Hrithik Roshan and his then-wife Sussanne Khan were the last of their powerful Bollywood friends. In 2008, Arjun wrote a first-person account of ‘things that interest him’ for a men’s magazine, fleetingly rhapsodising over Sussanne. “One girl who makes smoking look feminine is Sussanne”. Today, several friends of the actor claim that he has been besotted with the former star wife-turned-interior designer ever since.

“When his equations with many industry friends were worsening, his friendship with Sussanne only strengthened over time and Mehr grew extremely insecure. It led to several fights between the couple,” revealed a close friend, recalling how last year, at a bash hosted by Sussanne’s cousin Fardeen Khan, the former BFFs had a very public spat. “Mehr and Sussanne yelled at one another before Mehr stormed out of the party. The two have not spoken to each other since.”

Sussanne and Hrithik’s separation in December 2013 fuelled speculation that the former’s proximity to Arjun was the primary reason behind the split. Sussanne released a statement in 2014, “Arjun and Mehr are my friends and have been for years. To poison a relationship such as this is malicious behaviour. I have, with Mehr, earlier stated that there is no truth to the claim that Arjun and I are anything more than friends.”

Three years ago, Mehr, who had been working on saving her marriage, was reportedly so heartbroken that she moved in with her mother in the Dadar’s Parsi colony but returned home shortly afterwards following a reconciliation.

Around the same time, Arjun and Mehr began making public appearances at events once again, looking like the loved-up couple they were once known as. The same men’s magazine published an interview with Rampal, “a changed man”. “He hasn’t slept in two days, but not for the reason you think. He wasn’t out nailing models and drinking till dawn — this is Arjun Rampal 2.0, the family man, after all (though he does, he says, still have a good time). Because there are two sides to Arjun Rampal. The one who expounds intensely on acting and the one who tells corny jokes. The one who gives advice — on everything from partying to careers — and the one who wouldn’t dream of following it. The guy who’s always ready with a vulgar one-liner and the loving father of two,” it read.

Friends in the know point out that both Arjun and Mehr tried to make the marriage last but couldn’t. In 2017, Mehr, who routinely visits Mount Mary church in Bandra, had to be escorted home by a family friend after a breakdown in the church. “Mehr had learnt that Arjun and Sussanne were still meeting secretly and were close friends. She was traumatised as she had believed Arjun when he said he was a changed man and that everything would be fine,” the source said.

A filmmaker friend of the former couple notes that while the couple had reconciled several times before, an argument in late 2016 had ended with Arjun walking out of their residence for the first time. “They were fighting so loudly and throwing things at each other that the neighbours threatened to complain to the police as it wasn’t the first fight of its kind. Mehr apologized profusely to them and immediately after that, Arjun moved into a five-star service apartment for a week,” the source informed.

Multiple reconciliations notwithstanding, their official statement has decidedly called time on their marriage.