When Rakesh Roshan lauded his son Hrithik Roshan's sincerity, said he doesn't go to discos: ‘His first preference is work'

Indian Express

2 days ago

When Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai hit the silver screen, Hrithik Roshan became the heartthrob of the nation almost overnight. His debut created waves across the country, making him a household name and setting a benchmark that few debutants have come close to matching. From his striking looks to his impeccable dancing skills and undeniable acting talent, Hrithik quickly became the complete package in the eyes of the audience. In an old interview with Lehren Retro, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, Hrithik's father and the director of Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, opened up about what it was like working with a newcomer who also happened to be his son.
Reflecting on the experience, Rakesh said, 'See, he is a newcomer, but when I was working with him, I never felt that. He was so full of energy and talent that, at no point, did I feel I was working with a newcomer. Whenever I used to go on set there never used to be this tension that I'm working with a newcomer, what will happen now… or whether he would be able to do this scene or not. Whatever I wanted, he gave me much more than that. And I'm not saying this because he is my son. But he is genuinely very talented.'
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In the same conversation, Rakesh Roshan also touched upon what he believes is Hrithik Roshan's greatest strength as an actor: 'I would say his sincerity. That is the biggest plus point. He considers work as his topmost priority. When he is working, you can see the character in the eyes, and that is very essential for an actor, a big achievement. If you are in the character, then half the battle is done. He is not a boy to go to discos, to take a car and drive down here and there. His first preference is work. He gets up in the morning and thinks about his work. Whatever he does, he takes it as a challenge. Even in school, he always wanted to come first in class and always stood first, even in college. That is in him. Whatever he does, he wants to do his best.'
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai went on to become the biggest hit of the year and was ranked as the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2000. The film won big at major award ceremonies, and Hrithik Roshan made history by winning both Best Actor and Best Male Debut at the Filmfare Awards. And, thus, began Hrithik's journey in the film industry.