Source: TOI
It's been a long sabbatical for Hrithik Roshan's Lakshya, his lastfilm, was released in 2004. And chances are that it'll be a good nine months before Krrish will reach the theatres. Jitesh Pillaai in an interface with unarguably one of the best actors from the current generation of star performers
It’s been all quiet on the Hrithik Roshan front for a while now...
I’ve just been busy working and chilling out at home. I’ve come to understand that cutting off from work is also a talent – something I haven’t been too gifted with! However, now I’m trying to go easy. I am spending time training for Krrish and working with dad on its script. I am also busy with Ashutosh Gowariker’s Akbar Jodha, Yash Chopra’s Dhoom sequel and Zoya Akhtar’s next.
So, what’s your state of mind right now?
I’m learning to be motivated more by love for the art rather than by the fear of failing. Irrespective of winning or losing, I’m trying to find sheer pleasure in the process of picking my films and working on them. It’s like a marathon – the run is far more exciting than the actual result. Of course, fear gives you the wings to work harder.
Aamir Khan thinks you are one of the best actors of today’s generation. He didn’t like lakshya, but thought you were terrific...
All I can say is that it’s very humbling and flattering and I sincerely hope that he doesn’t see another film of mine. Because then, he will discover how bad I am! As for Lakshya, I was happy to be part of a good film. There are good commercial films and good non-commercial films. Lakshya was a part of the latter. And I don’t regret the film.
You said no to Hum Tum and Bunty Aur Babli, do you regret that?
I always question my motives for doing a film. The first question I ask myself is whether I see any other actor doing the role. With Bunty aur Babli, I felt Abhishek was more suited, and he was superb in the film. As for Hum Tum, I genuinely didn’t have dates for it as I was working on Lakshya and Koi Mil Gaya at that time.
In the beginning of your career, you said that you heard many voices speaking in your head, as if you had a multiple personality disorder...
I was working 365 days, 24/7 nonstop, for five years. That’s when I realised that something had to give. I had begun to feel like different people. I was trying to please everyone. It was insane. I was not being treated like a one-film actor, but some huge star. On the one hand, the media made me out to be some sort of a demi-god, and on the other, they lynched me with equal ferocity when my films flopped. I had to find a balance. I realised I had to step back and do projects only which I wanted to be a part of. Today, I’m more comfortable with the person I am.
Do you see yourself in your characters?
I look for characters which have a little of myself. If I don’t find myself, I know I’ll only end up hamming in those roles. Recently, I saw Finding Neverland. I loved the child actor in that. That’s the purity of performance I’d like to get into my work. Maybe it’s close to meditation. Somehow, I’m unable to articulate my thoughts too clearly. Someone once said that acting is all about honesty. If you can fake that honesty, you’ve got it made.
Everyone says you work best in your dad’s films...
My dad’s films work for me. Especially as he makes good films with me. Simple. After three films together, my father trusts my instincts. He gives me a lot of freedom while performing. He doesn’t treat me like an absolute rookie anymore, like it was during Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai. We are more like equals now. Of course, at home or on the sets, he’ll always be the boss.
You said yes to Akbar Jodha after watching Swades. Wasn’t Swades offered to you first?
To be honest, I didn’t connect with the script of Swades. And I trust my instincts. I didn’t want to do a film just because it was a big banner or the director had just had a whopping hit. But I was convinced about Ashutosh’s understanding of the craft and the grandeur of his vision. The power of his craft lies in the fact that I loved Swades. I’m certain that the same power will percolate into Akbar Jodha.
Were you disappointed when farhan didn’t sign you on for don?
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. Farhan had thought of me. I had lived with the idea. Then as he was writing the script, he felt I didn’t suit the character. I have tremendous faith in Farhan as an individual and as a director. I’m glad he didn’t compromise on his vision just because he had made a commitment to me. One must do films for the right reasons.
You’ve had some trying times during your growing years...
Yes, dad hit some pretty rough patches at one time. I realised then that I would not be able to enjoy all the luxuries of life and that I would have to work hard. My teenage years were pretty turbulent. From being evicted from our house as we couldn’t pay the rent to seeing dad sell off his cars to make Khudgarz, I’ve seen it all. But I saw him rise after every fall. I had my own complexes while growing up too. I had a debilitating bone problem and the doctors didn’t give me much of a chance to walk, leave alone dance. I was conscious of my stammering and my extra finger. Now, I actually laugh when things are going bad as I know that they will only get better.
You’ve been married for five years now. how has the journey been?
Magical! Sussanne’s very uncomplicated. Sometimes, she just wants to go for a drive or have coffee on the terrace. And I think, what’s the big deal? Only when I do it, do I realise what the deal is. It’s really therapeutic. Sussanne is always with me, even when I go for stage shows. I get a sense of security when she is around me. She knows when I goof up and I know when she has erred. And then, magically, things just become all right. At the end of the day, we are each other’s conscience.