Source: Indiawest
Date: Feb 25, 2011
By: Lisa Tsering
India-West recently caught up with Hrithik Roshan in an e-mail interview about his upcoming film projects and his experience posing for his wax likeness at Madame Tussauds in London, which was unveiled Jan. 20.
Q: What do you think about the statue? Did you have any creative input? Did your kids like it?
A: It’s incredible just how detailed the figure is … it is absolutely incredible. A work of genius. The eyes are perfect. It almost seems as if it has a mind and a soul and a thought process is going on because I looked at the figure and it looked back at me. I have been through the entire creation process — we had two sittings in Mumbai followed by one sitting in West London. Along with the team, I decided that the avatar I wanted to present was my look in the film “Dhoom 2,” which epitomizes a milestone point in my career. My kids loved the figure; they couldn’t stop staring at it. They were completely transfixed.
Q: Was posing a difficult process and how long did the process take? You don’t seem like the kind of person who enjoys sitting still for too long.
A: Haha, that’s true, I’m too restless by nature, but the process was so intriguing, so detailed and interesting that my mind was continuously absorbing and learning. It was all very stimulating mentally. I was made to stand on a revolving table and had to remain in the pose while someone turned it around inch by inch, so they got to see the pose from all angles. Then precise measurements were taken in all possible permutations and combinations of the facial features. The whole process took about 3-4 hours. It was truly incredible.
Q: Asking you now about two films you starred in this year — “Kites” and “Guzaarish” — I loved “Kites” but I hear some folks in India didn’t really appreciate the film in the same way. How much does your perception of Indian fans’ tastes measure into your choice of projects?
A: Firstly, thank you for your kind words — it always means a lot. At the end of the day, I sign projects which I feel will challenge me as an artist and allow me to explore and expand my capabilities as an actor. Of course, I always think about how audiences will react to a film — inevitably it’s their approval I seek. Although audiences may love me in a particular type of role or genre, I also want to deliver something new and exciting to them. I put my heart and soul into each project I sign, so of course, it’s a huge disappointment when the film is not well received. “Kites” was my naive attempt at challenging the language barrier but it was a bit too early for its time; the Indian masses couldn’t identify with the main lead speaking in English. But you have to pick yourself up, learn the lessons that you’re meant to and move forward, even more determined to succeed and deliver exceptional performances in great films which will hopefully win the affections of audiences. “Guzaarish” will be a milestone for many reasons — the sheer joy of enacting “Ethan,” working with Mr. Sanjay Bhansali, the wonderful courageous paraplegics I met, it’s a film that changed my life. Brought me so much praise and applause, I’ve never received this much love from my industry and fans in the 10 years of my career. It was truly my best journey.
Q: What can you tell us about your roles in “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” and “Krrish 2”?
A: “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,” which is directed by a dear friend of mine, Zoya Akhtar, is a coming of age tale focusing on a group of male friends, among which is my character. It explores the angst, emotions, internal and external conflicts that these friends go through. “Krrish 2,” as the title suggests, is the follow up to the prequels “Koi … Mil Gaya” and “Krrish,” directed by my father. It will be bigger and better than anything you’ve ever seen...at least that’s the mission!
Q: How is your health? Our readers were concerned when you went into the hospital in November after an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, and we’d like an update.
A: Thank you for asking, I’m doing excellent, I’m back to perfect health and raring to go for my next project, “Agneepath.”