Bollwood’s No.1 Heartthrob goes back to his best
Hrithik Roshan winning the best actor award at every major award ceremony this year is a clear sign that the crowning prince of Bollywood has fully reclaimed his throne.
His stunning performance in Koi Mil Gaya not only silenced his critics but also re-ignited the flame that was lit by his stunning debut Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai.
Determined not to make the same mistake as before, Hrithik has a renewed hunger and rock solid place in the hearts of film fans around the world.
Such is his popularity that the man regarded as the greatest dancer of all time will be performing at the Sangeet Awards in Royal Albert Hall on October 1. He talks to Eastern Eye about performing in the UK, his love for his fans and his renewed perspective on life.
Are you excited about performing at such a prestigious venue as the Royal Albert Hall?
I am extremely excited about performing at the Royal Albert Hall. I have heard so much about the venue. It’s the Mecca of entertainment and over a century old. Some of the greatest international events have taken place on that stage and I feel extremely happy to perform there.
How important is it that Indian Music is recognized in the UK?
Music in very integral to Indian Cinema, especially since our films are musicals. Music transcends all barriers including that of language and culture.
Music allows us to reach out to more people and is a means to help up connect with the world. Bollywood is becoming more global and I am very happy that its being recognized acknowledged beyond our shores, in places like the UK. Its acknowledgement is very motivating and another step in the right direction.
Can we expect anything unusual from your performance at the Sangeet awards?
Well, it’s still going to be me and I will be performing to the songs from my films. Nevertheless, it will be an entirely new act-different for sure. Shaimak and I will definitely come up with something unusual and we will try to make the performance as amazing as possible.
How much did winning all those awards mean to you?
It does mean a lot. Its like gaining victory at the end of a battle or hoisting a flag after conquering peaks. It is the culmination of hardwork paying off. The funny thing about success is that once you have conquered a peak, the same peak becomes a base of another mountain and the same process of conquering and striving to achieve repeats. It’s a motivated cycle that spurs on me.
Where do you keep all the awards?
(Smiles) A few of them are on my floor and some on my fathers.
How much did the success of Koi Mil Gaya change you?
I don’t think it changed me. It reaffirmed my belief that the kind of work I do needs to mean something to me. I really believe that an honest belief in something working will really work. Conviction in yourself and your work is very important. All you need it conviction and a passion for art and nothing else.
Why are you not signing any films?
It’s obvious that I am being selective in the sort of films I sign. I can’t afford to not be selective. The films have to excite me as much as my previous films Fiza, K3g and KMG. I have learnt from my past experiences that my initial excitement over a project in turn translates into me doing that work and in turn translates into the level of performance I give. All in all, this boils down to excitement and how in tune I am with the film in whole. I choose films that I believe in and will be willing to give my right arm in for.
When can we see you on the big screen again?
(Smiles) As soon as I find an exciting project.
What kind of projects are you looking for?
I am looking for all kinds of roles- I am not restricting myself. I will even be happy to do a cameo in a film as long as the project excites me. I don’t mind working im something that will jump me off my seat and scare the hell out of me!
When will your father’s next film be ready?
We haven’t finished working on it yet. It wont be before the end of 2005.
You rode through some tough storms in the past few years, has that made you a stronger person?
It definitely has made me a stronger person. It’s told me how brave you have to be. It has given me a closer perspective on life and my career. I feel I understand the cycle of life a lot better now. It’s taught me to concentrate on my own work and not bother about others. Flops and hits are a part of life.
How important is the loyalty of fans to you?
I feel it is not fair to expect unconditional loyalty from your fans. I do feel that loyalty is a relative term. We have to live up and exceed expectations. If I keep failing, how can I expect loyalty? I need to keep doing good work to keep fans by my side.
What do you think of the UK and the fans here?
I love them all! I am because of them. I would like to say a big thank you to all my fans. For all their motivation, inspiration, smiles, good vibes they give to me even though many of them are more than a thousand miles away. London is like my second home.
I have spent so much time here. I feel I’m a local. I know London like the back of my hand. I love walking the streets, the air, and simply smelling London. Undoubtedly London has given me many happy experiences.
What are the biggest challenges you are facing these days?
Having to compromise for fear of being unemployed. I need to be headstrong and listen to my instincts, which I hope are right, when choosing work.
How do you react to being a role model?
I always think “what, me?” with a big question mark. I really can’t escape it. I feel I need more role models in my life, people I can look up to and learn from.
But, it I do inspire people to do something, it does make me feel good. Being a role model is a source of inspiration that helps people believe in what they are doing.
It does scare me to take up being a role model as a full time job- I mean I am a human being after all, I also don’t know where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing in the future- it’s a scary thought!
What inspires you?
Everything- smiles, sunsets. Different things hit me at different times. Mostly nature, movies and anything from the heart.
Do you have any regrets?
No. I feel it’s too futile to have regrets. We always need to rise above and rectify our past mistakes and look forward to the future. There’s no point crying over spilt milk.
What is your idea of happiness?
I feel that happiness isn’t a state of mine but a way of life. You have to choose to be happy. We are all going to have high and low moments in life and we need to remain happy and content throughout.
We have to understand the cycle of life and persevere. I think that in the pursuit of happiness we will be able to fulfill our dreams and achieve more in life. I haven’t truly mastered the art yet but it’s a nice thought.