- By Kunal Shah
Hrithik Roshan is back with a vengeance. Not only did he silence his critics, but also established himself as one of the best actors. In an exclusive chat with Kunal Shah, Hrithik speaks about his second coming with Koi Mil Gaya.
Q. Did you expect Koi… Mil Gaya to get this response?
A. I did have lot of expectations from Koi… Mil Gaya. I needed people to accept the movie, as I had put in a lot of hard work. I am very happy at the popularity it has got. The whole industry has been calling me and praising me for my performance, which feels great. Especially when it comes from big people.
Q. Were you confident about your role?
A. See, when I was shooting, I depended on the feedback I was getting on the spot. Like Preity and the unit members would say if the shot was good, bad or okay. And I had to be satisfied with their comments. But to be very frank, I was very sensitive about my role. I was so tensed that I did not even see the first half, only the second half with the audience. A single comment on the character would have shattered me.
Q. What according to you went in favour of the film?
A. I think, after a long time people got something different, they were fed up of the same old run-of-the-mill films. I think the USP of the film was the alien Jaadu and the character of Rohit.
Thankfully, Koi…Mil Gaya was the right step ahead after the success of Kaho…Naa Pyaar Hai for me and dad. There was pressure to come up with something different after the success of Kaho Naa... and dad chose this subject. Now the expectations are going to be higher and hopefully we will be able to fulfil them with our next attempt.
Q. How do you look back at your critics?
A. I am thankful to all my critics, who appreciated and liked my work even if the films flopped. Be it Yaadein or Aap Mujhe Acche Lagne Laage or even Mujhse Dosti Karoge, it was heartening to see that they had written good things about me. I agree that some people wrote me off, but they forgot that they had to put my picture on the cover to sell their magazines. It does not affect me. It was silly and I had a good laugh over it.
Q. People are saying that your action image will be affected after your portrayal of a mentally challenge guy?
A. I think that’s ridiculous. I am working on only one film right now — Lakshya, and that’s an action film. I think these are people who just want to criticise me. I’ve always done action in all my films. Be it Fiza, Aap Mujhe Acche Lagne Laage or Mission Kashmir.
Q. Why have you not signed any film after Koi…Mil Gaya?
A. I have been working on Lakshya. And after the film, I want to take a small break and probably start concentrating on scripts. I also want to relax, take some time for myself and travel a bit. I have been working for five years at a stretch.