Coming from a strong film background and lineage of Bollywood stars in his family, Hrithik proved the masses wrong when he delivered blockbusters at the box office incessantly.
He made his foray into the film industry when he was only six and is now agreeably the most coveted star for millions across the world.
His dancing technique is unbeatable and the conventionally good looking green-eyed boy makes his stardom look indomitable as his humble words display the real side to his reel side.
Arab News caught up with the star for interview prior to the release of his latest hit “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara:”
I was born in Mumbai and grew up there. I had a film background as my father, maternal grandfather and paternal uncle were all involved in the industry.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family – my wife and two sons. Family time is the best form of relaxation and escapism for me.
Even though I studied a Bachelors degree in Commerce, I knew I wanted to work in the film industry in some capacity or other, but when I was younger, I certainly didn’t think that I’d be working in front of the camera. I was overweight as a child and had a stammer that I was extremely conscious of and worked to overcome. I appeared as a child artist in some of my dad’s movies and went on to assistant direct. I guess as time went on, going into acting became a more realistic option.
You certainly learn from past film experiences and lessons are learned as you move forward. I don’t believe in regret. I think you have to take on board what an experience teaches you, with a view to making positive changes for the present and future.
With regard to life as we know it, there are many things I would like to change. On a macrocosmic level, issues such as injustice and inequality, poverty, human rights abuses, discrimination and prejudice I feel very strongly about and would like to see eradicated.
It’s a beautiful film and completely fresh in terms of Indian cinema. It’s a gentle, humorous and extremely human road trip film, which sees three male friends journey across Barcelona on the ultimate bachelor party trip. It ends up being a journey of self-discovery and self-examination for each of them.
I play a character called Arjun, a financial trader based at a large, London firm. Arjun lost his father at a young age and subsequently saw a very tough life. As a result, he is extremely driven and has become a hard-nosed go-getter.
It’s always a pleasure working with Zoya. As well as a dear friend to me, she is a formidable director. She is a perfectionist in her work and completely passionate. You don’t mind working the long hours, as the passion, enthusiasm and total commitment are completely infectious.
A very disciplined daily regime in the gym that involves weight training as well as rigorous cardiovascular. Coupled with a healthy, balanced diet, which is less carb and more protein heavy.
To stay true to their passion and their talent, to work hard and to keep trying. If you want something enough, you will certainly make it happen. But be realistic also, and make sure you surround yourself by people who will genuinely and honestly give you the constructive criticism, as well as the praise, that you need to hear.
To remain grounded, but it is about surrounding yourself by people who will tell it to you how it is, and who keep you anchored.
I’m so blessed and thankful to be where I am today, and I have my fans and audiences to thank for that. Yes, with the territory comes loss of privacy to an extent, and you’re constantly in the public eye, but you get used to that and I wouldn’t want to sound ungrateful for how lucky I am by complaining about that. I wouldn’t change things for the world.
Doing what I love doing most and absorbing myself in a totally different character and life experience.
Every time a film isn’t appreciated by audiences, you are forced to reevaluate and go through a period of self-examination. It is always disheartening because you feel you have let down the most important people – those who pay their hard earned money to see you on screen and enjoy a great piece of cinema. Ultimately, it is audience approval that you seek as an actor and you feel you have done them an injustice if they are left disappointed, even though you have put your heart and soul into a film, motivated by the fact that you want to deliver the best you can to audiences and offer them something new.
However, after that period of reflection, you have to pick yourself up and move forward, having learned the lessons the experience has presented to you, ever determined to do well for your audiences with the next project you undertake.
My father. He has guided me throughout my life and has always been a wonderful inspiration and mentor.
His performance in his latest movie has been highly rated by the most critical film fanatics. "Hrithik takes up challenges for himself with every project he chooses to do and tries to outdo himself by pushing his limits. He is in terrific form here, interpreting an extremely intricate and exceptional character fluently, channelizing (sic) every emotion in the book through his eyes," said Taran Adarsh, the most popular film critic in India.
Hrithik is a milestone in Indian history, not because of the fame he brings home but because of the individual he is. His facts, credence and optimistic convictions hold true to the soul of a great man. He chooses essence and matter over stardom, and that is what makes him a superstar.
