Source: HT
Date: February 4, 2008
Now could be his umpteenth interview on... guess what?.. Jodhaa Akbar. But he approaches the myriad questions that still abound on the opus' pre-release week, as if he were giving them his first take. Over to Hrithik Roshan quizzed by Roshmila Bhattacharya.
Of late, you've been playing larger-than-life characters whether it's the superhero of Krrish, the wonder thief of Dhoom 2 and now the Shahenshah-e-Hind. When do we see you play a regular guy again?
It's true I find it a bigger challenge to play characters which are a departure from my own personality. (Laughs) I guess I was bored playing myself. Also, all the recent films have worked, both personally and commercially. But maybe, the time has come toplay the real me again.
Aren't stars over-pricing themselves today?
They're getting what they deserve. Ironically, a few years ago, the same question was posed when prices were a fraction of what they are today.In fact, today's star prices may seem insignificant in the future. I see this as a sign of progress. It means markets have broadened and budgets are bigger.
Are you in favour of mega-deal contracts?
To each his own.. whatever floats the boat. Contracts and money are a consequence of the work you do. So, the secret is to focus on good work.
What's the kick in acting in epic movies?
I've been a big fan of the kind of cinema made by Ashutosh (Gowariker). I love his understanding of human nature.. his perception of life. I wanted to be influenced by that mind. Once that was settled, the rest was a bonus. Yes, Jodhaa Akbar is a monumental film but challenges have always fired me up.. whether it was the mentally challenged boy of Koi.. Mil Gaya or the superhero of Krrish. But surely all those heavy costumes and heavier armour take their toll. I'm used to wearing a tight-fitted leather suit with a cap in soaring high temperatures and while jumping off buildings. Cumbersome costumes and gruelling training sessions have been a part of me. I'd miss them if they went out of my life.
It's said that the exhaustive action scenes of Jodhaa Akbar aggravated your injuries.
I injured myself while shooting for Krrish and Dhoom 2. (Laughs) Today, if anyone asks me about my injured knee, I say it was Krrishoomed. Nothing happened during Jodhaa Akbar but since I didn't rest earlier, my knee finally rebelled. It refused to serve me any longer till I went in for treatment. I should be fine in a couple of weeks.
Is it true that following the awkwardness over Dhoom 2, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and you insisted on a no-kiss clause for Jodhaa Akbar?
That's not true at all. But because of our unavailability to the media in the past, for which I apologise, several stories about the film have been concocted. We were all so involved with the film that we couldn't refute the irresponsible journalism.
Weeks before the film's release, a section of Rajasthan people has protested against the ‘distortion of facts' and have threatened to stop screenings.
It's not fair to judge a film without seeing it. How can you protest without knowing the content? Those who are doing this are only looking for importance. I don't think this will go to the extent of screenings being disrupted. I'm sure once they see the movie, they'll fall in love with it.
How involved are you with your father's production company?
It's said that you're overseeing the editing of Krazzy 4. I'm not as involved as I was before I started shooting for Jodhaa Akbar. Intermittently, I've attended and been part of the consensus that weighs the pros and the cons but I haven't been involved with the shooting or editing. I'm doing a song in Krazzy 4.. its shooting should commence soon.
Shah Rukh Khan is doing a song for the film too. Will you be in the same frame?
We won't be in the same frame. He's shooting his portions separately. I'll be doing another version of the same song which will be used for the film's promotion. It's the first time something like this has been done, it highlights the solidarity of the industry. Shah Rukh has shown a lot of grace and respect for my father and we're touched as a family.
When do we see you perform at award shows?
(Grins) Maybe next year.
Is this because you had no releases last year?
Jodhaa Akbar was supposed to release last year but every film has its own destiny. Trying to rush its release would have meant doing mediocre work. The team was willing to walk the extra mile rather than compromise on quality. When you're out to conquer the Everest, you don't talk about time.
What's happening with Krrish 2?
It'll happen soon. The only way to go is to make a bigger and better film.
You had given the nod to Rakyesh Om Prakash Mehra's Dilli 6 and Zoya Akhtar's film.. then you opted out. Why?
Every individual has his own instinctive reaction. There's no reason behind instinct. (Smiles) The fact is that the films I haven't been a part of have gone on to become huge hits.
Have you become extremely selective because of the low phase you went through after Kaho Naa..Pyar Hai when you were dismissed as another Kumar Gaurav?
Becoming selective is the consequence of listening to my instincts. I've realised that the films which have sparked off my excitement from day one have fared the best. If I come across 10 films which excite me, I'd do all of them in the same year. Unfortunately, the last few films, whether it was Krrish, Dhoom 2 or Jodhaa Akbar have taken a while to wrap up. Hopefully now, I'll find a film which won't take that long.
According to you, which was the best movie of 2007? I can't comment on that since I haven't seen too many movies of 2007. Ha, I was stuck in the 16th century.
What does your son Hrehaan think of your Akbar get-up? I don't think he's seen the promos. He doesn't watch a lot of TV. But he's crazy about Dhoom 2 and Krrish.
What about Sussanne?
(Smiles) Sussanne tries very hard to be critically objective of my work but fails miserably because she loves me far too much. It's hard for her not to like what I'm doing.
You're ready for another addition to your family.
Yes, Sussanne's due in May.
Are you hoping for a daughter this time?
You can't control nature. So it's futile to have such hopes. Whether it's a girl or a boy, the baby will be a symbol of our love.
Where does Hrithik, the actor, go from here?
(Smiles) I hope I make new mistakes and don't repeat the old ones. Evolve into a better actor and a human being. Stay fit, so I can keep jumping off buildings even if it means breaking my knee or shoulder again.