Source: Telegraph India
Date: January 24, 2012
By: Karishma Upadhyay
I am not filling anyone’s shoes, says Hrithik Roshan, all set to bring alive Amitabh Bachchan’s Vijay Deenanath Chauhan (with a difference) A little more than 12 years after he burst onto the silver screen with Kaho Naa… Pyar Hai, Hrithik Roshan is geared up for the release of what he calls his toughest film till date — Agneepath. “Shooting for this film has been gruelling. Before this, I had thought that Jodhaa Akbar was a demanding film but that was nothing compared to Agneepath. The climax shoot completely exhausted me,” says the superstar who turned 38 on January 10. One would expect Hrithik to be nervous about filling Amitabh Bachchan’s shoes with this remake of the 1990 iconic revenge saga but he is not. “I am not filling anyone’s shoes,” he is quick to point out. “But I am nervous. We’ve all put so much into the film that all the anxiety and the excitement is expected.” In the midst of hectic promotions for the film, Hrithik had a telephonic conversation with t2 about Agneepath, his back problems and being a sex symbol. Before the interview started, Hrithik said: “Both the producer and director of the film are called Karan so it’s a little confusing for everyone. So, I am going to call one KJo (Karan Johar, producer) and the other KM (Karan Malhotra, director).”
You initially refused Agneepath. What made you change your mind?
When KJo told me about the remake, I knew I wasn’t interested. I wasn’t interested in tampering with sanctity of a classic. He forced me to at least listen to the script and KM flew down to Spain where I was shooting for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (ZNMD). I was feeling bad for him because he had flown all the way only to hear a rejection. Also, he was so passionate about the project. But midway through the narration, I realised that I loved the world that he had created and found myself reacting to all the emotions. I just couldn’t refuse the chance to be a part of this film. I am so thankful to KJo for forcing me to listen to the narration!
Did the fear of comparisons with Amitabh Bachchan plague you?
Not really. Within the first five minutes of watching the film, the audience will realise that he is just Vijay. He doesn’t have the swagger of Vijay Deenanath Chauhan. It’s the journey of Vijay, a regular person who goes through some circumstances that instil a lot of rage in him and he is looking for retribution. Vijay is a simple man who doesn’t stand out in a crowd. He is just full of rage because of something that happened to him and his family in his childhood.
The industry calls you Mr Twinkle Toes but in Agneepath Katrina walked away with all the dancing accolades for Chikni Chameli!
Normally I am the one dancing in every film but it was nice to get a chance to just sit and watch someone dance (laughs)! Katrina is fantastic in the song. I had no idea she is such a brilliant dancer.
Sanjay Dutt apparently turned into a fitness instructor on the sets for you?
When we were shooting the climax in Diu, I was also shooting for Just Dance and I hadn’t had the time to work on the physique that the director wanted me to be in. Sanju Sir knew that, so when I landed in Diu, he took me to the gym that he had created himself and made me work out for two hours every day. There were times when I would get so tired, but he wouldn’t. He has incredible stamina. He also took charge of my diet and after some days I saw my body get into the shape that I wanted. He was just so sweet.
You have recently gone through a harrowing time with your health. How did you manage to pull yourself through before it became too late?
Last year, in terms of work, I took up more than I could chew. I was promoting ZNMD, shooting the action sequences for Agneepath and shooting for my reality show Just Dance. I was smoking and eating rubbish. And, because I was so busy, I had no time to regroup and stop what was I doing wrong. On the morning of October 2, I woke up with a double slip disc. After nine-10 days of complete rest, I had to be honest with myself and admit that I had done something wrong. My body was essentially retaliating against me. My waist measured 36.5 inches and I was supposed to shoot for a superhero film (Krissh 3)! I knew that I had to take charge and change my life. I stopped smoking and corrected my diet and started exercising. I am much better now. But it’s been a tough journey. I have never felt better. It’s a cliché but health is wealth.
That was also the time when you were voted the Sexiest Asian Man in the World for 2011 in a survey conducted by a UK weekly. They referred to you as a ‘Greek God’.
Yes and can you imagine my reaction?! While someone was calling me a Greek God, when I looked in the mirror I saw someone with a 36.5 inch waist. It was crazy. But I am grateful for the love that people have shown me.
Now that your body is back in shape, are you looking forward to shooting for Krissh 3?
Absolutely. This one is going to be bigger and better than before.