Source: IANS
By: SUBHASH K JHA
Date: JUNE 29, 2003
MUMBAI: It's a make or break year for him. And one of his new releases also has Hrithik Roshan playing a character with which he wasn't too comfortable initially.
But the actor, who hasn't had a hit since his debut in Kaho Na... Pyar Hai in 2000, says he isn't scared.
Hrithik, just back from Ladakh where he shot for Farhan Akhtar's war film Lakshya, spoke about Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon, his chemistry with Kareena Kapoor and more. Excerpts.
Was Ladakh tough?
Very. But we had a very motivated team. So we finished everything on schedule. Now my entire concentration is on Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon (in which he plays the character Prem). I've spoken to people who've seen the film. And they all feel I've never played anyone like Prem before. He's a guy completely different from me. I'm a complete introvert. This is the most extroverted character I've played. I had a problem identifying with him.
What makes Prem so special?
He lives life in his own way. His primary focus as a human being is to be happy and to spread happiness. He carries a bag that reads "I Am Happy". It reminds him of the fact that no matter what the ups and downs he'll have a smile on his face. That's a rare quality. When you see him first he hits you like a typhoon. He isn't an exhibitionist. But you can't miss him in a crowd. I enjoyed playing him, though his loudness troubled me to begin with.
How was it working with Abhishek?
Abhishek and I go back a long way. We used to go to school together in the same van from Class 2 to Class 7. We attended each other's birthday parties. In the recent book on (Amitabh) Bachchan that (Jaya Bachchan) released, there's a picture of all of us industry kids - Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar, Prakash Mehra's son, Uday Chopra, Abhishek's sister Shweta, Abhishek, me... It's quite a family portrait. Abhishek and I kept in touch over the years. We looked forward to working together. And Sooraj Barjatya made it happen.
And Kareena?
Working with her is always very cool. Having done four films together I know exactly how she's going to respond in every shot. That makes my reactions very easy. She's inspired me to loosen up before the camera. The film is essentially about her character, Sanjana. And she's in almost every frame. She's done a wonderful job. People who've been looking for chemistry between us will find it here in plenty.
How was Sooraj Barjatya as a director?
First and foremost he respects his actors, not as stars but as actors. Whether it's Abhishek Bachchan or a junior artiste, he pampers every actor. As a filmmaker he has moved forward in theme and attitude. Audiences will get to see new shades in his work as a filmmaker.
The release of Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon is one of the biggest events of my career. Regardless of how the film will fare, I'll always cherish the time I spent with Barjatya.
In both Koi Mil Gaya and Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon you play extroverted characters.
Yes. But they're two totally different extroverts. Two people cannot be more different than Prem and Rohit (in Koi Mil Gaya). I had to do a tightrope walk in both. A little bit more and I'd have gone over the top. This is by far the most important year of my career. But am I scared? No. I believe I'll get what I deserve.