Source: Hindustan Times
Date: January 10, 2008
Hrithik's sensational debut in his father's Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai seven years back heralded a new era in the film industry. “Here he comes, here he comes,” was the slogan.
Yes, what you did was something that many newcomers hadn’t done for a long time and even after that we are yet to see another Hrithik Roshan-like launch.
What we saw in you was a promise and to elaborate, the ability to carry a film on your own shoulders and to draw the audience with your star power. But honestly, you failed to live up to it thanks to the kind of films you signed (don’t want to name them). But if you notice, makers still had the faith in you to make films that would run on you.
Even in Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon or Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, despite the presence of Abhishek Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan, it was you who was the USP. This trend is something that we usually associate with big stars — be it Dilip Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan or Aamir Khan.
Koi Mil Gaya was your film and so was Lakshya. Both films got you rave reviews for your impeccable acting skills. Then came Krrish — and you single-handedly pulled it off. The real test was Dhoom 2. There was criticism as to why the original villain of Dhoom played by John Abraham didn’t figure in director Sanjay Gadhvi’s scheme of things.
Hrithik's sensational debut in his father's Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai seven years back heralded a new era in the film industry. “Here he comes, here he comes,” was the slogan.Some critics even went to the extent of pitting you against John doubting whether the audience would accept you in a negative role. But you simply smashed them all with a power-packed performance that swept everyone off his/her feet.
Yes the film did have Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai, but it was the Hrithik magic that worked for it. Be it in solo starrers or multi-starrers, you have made your presence felt. This reminds me of Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham — that was a time when expectations on you had piled up. And you had in the film as co-stars Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Jaya Bachchan, Kajol and Kareena Kapoor.
But what a performance as SRK’s younger brother trying to bridge the gap between your father and him. Stupendous and you made your mark. Even in films like Fiza and Mission Kashmir, you proved your worth despite the presence of Karisma Kapur, Jaya Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt.
So, on one hand you can carry off solo starrers and on the other, you have the power to draw the audience’s attention even when there are senior actors around. That is exactly where your USP lies. A brilliant dancer, superb physique, out-of-the-world looks and on top of them all an actor who is maturing every day trying out different roles.
None of your contemporaries has really matched what you have achieved. And this is with due respect to the likes of Abhishek, Viveik Oberoi and John. Yes of course Abhishek has made his presence felt in films like Yuva, Sarkar and Guru. But in your presence he somewhat took the backseat.
Even industry experts would agree and this is probably why your market price is on a high and production houses are ready to sign you for a multi-film deal. You have already signed one. You being choosy has also helped and it’s good that you learnt your lessons. That’s a very positive sign.
At every phase of the industry there comes a megastar. The Khans are not getting younger. Akshay too is in his 40s. And he is not your contemporary. So, if we are to look at the larger picture, we are all banking on you. And you for sure, have it in you to race past your rivals.
So, just carry on Hrithik. You have a long way to go!