Source: Bollyvista.com
It's been a week since 'Koi...Mil Gaya' released. Are you happy with the response so far?
Thrilled. We took a risk by making a subject of this type and the people are whole-heartedly appreciating it.
Now everyone's saying that Hrithik Roshan is on top again!
(Laughs) This is the industry! This is the media! They put you on top on one Friday and bring you down in a week. Honestly, I've never believed that I was ever No.1 or on the top or anything of the sort. I've believed in working hard and sincerely. It's the media that kept saying I was the new superstar after 'Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai'. I made no such claims.
Even the media has appreciated 'Koi...Mil Gaya'!
(Smiles) Yes, that's a nice feeling too. The reviews are glowing.
Were you worried about the high expectations?
Yes. This was the first time that I was unable to detach myself from a film. Normally, I watch my film and then detach myself from it. I leave it to the audience and God. Yes, I had high expectations from 'Koi... Mil Gaya' too and I won't deny that! I gave it my all. This time I wanted something from my film. I wanted it to do well. I wanted people to appreciate our efforts and our attempt to take Indian cinema to the next level. Yes, for the first time I would have been really heartbroken if all this didn't happen.
People can't stop raving about your performance?
(Smiles) Touchwood.
How did you manage to look the character?
This might give rise to a lot of wisecracks, but it all came naturally to me. No film or person inspired me. I just looked deep within me. I looked for that child, and found him there! So, I didn't really have to act. I was just reliving my childhood.
How did you react to the criticism heaped on you for 'Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon'?
I was only reliving my director's vision. That's my commitment to him. I respect Mr. Barjatya immensely. I had apprehensions about being loud even while shooting for the film. But, he convinced me, and to date, I'm convinced about Prem.
Tell us about your next release, Farhan Akhtar's 'Lakshya'?
It's an intense patriotic subject and I'm proud to be a part of it. Of course, I'm excited about its release sometime later this year.
There were major problems during the shoot!
You have to be careful in a place like Ladakh (Kashmir). It's freezing there. Most people exerted themselves and fell sick. Since they could not recuperate there they had to be sent back.
What next?
I need a break. Don't I deserve one after all this?