In the glamorous world of Bollywood, where stars shine bright and talents are aplenty, Hrithik Roshan stands tall as one of the industry's most captivating and versatile actors. With his chiselled looks, impeccable dance moves, and powerful performances, Hrithik has carved a niche for himself, captivating audiences both in India and around the globe. He has captivated audiences with his talent, charisma, and versatility. He rose to fame in 2000 with his debut film "Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai" and has since showcased his acting prowess in diverse roles.
Roshan's exceptional dance skills have also made him a sensation on the dance floor. Alongside his successful career, he actively supports philanthropic causes and has been associated with renowned brands as a celebrity endorser. Hrithik Roshan continues to leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry with his talent, charm, and philanthropic endeavours. Let's take a closer look at his life and career.
Background
Hrithik Roshan, one of Bollywood's most renowned and talented actors, was born on January 10, 1974, in Mumbai. He hails from a prominent family deeply rooted in the Bollywood industry. Hrithik's father is Rakesh Roshan, a well-known film director and producer, and his mother is Pinky, the daughter of the respected producer and director J. Om Prakash. On his paternal side, Hrithik has Punjabi and Bengali heritage, and his paternal grandmother, Ira Roshan, was Bengali. His uncle, Rajesh Roshan, is also a noted music composer in the film industry.
Growing up, Hrithik had an older sister named Sunaina. He attended the Bombay Scottish School for his education. As a child, Hrithik faced some challenges that contributed to his feelings of isolation. He was born with an extra thumb fused to the one on his right hand, which caused some of his peers to distance themselves from him. Additionally, Hrithik had a stammer since the age of six, which created difficulties for him at school. To avoid oral tests, he would often pretend to be injured or ill. However, Hrithik received daily speech therapy, which helped him overcome his stammering.
Hrithik's journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age. His grandfather, Prakash, introduced him to the silver screen when he was just six years old, featuring him in a song sequence in the 1980 film "Aasha", where he danced alongside actor Jeetendra. Prakash paid him ₹100 for his performance. At the age of 12, he had his first speaking role as Govinda, the adopted son of the title character, in Prakash's "Bhagwaan Dada".
Hrithik attended Sydenham College, where he actively participated in dance and music festivals while pursuing his studies in commerce. Alongside his college education, he worked as an assistant to his father on several films, including "Khudgarz", "King Uncle", "Karan Arjun”, and "Koyla". During this time, he would also imitate and film Shah Rukh Khan's scenes from "Koyla" to critically evaluate his own acting skills. Hrithik studied acting under the guidance of Kishore Namit Kapoor, further honing his craft.
Bollywood Life
While Hrithik aspired to become a full-time actor, his father insisted that he prioritize his studies. However, fate had different plans for him. In his early twenties, Hrithik was diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition that initially prevented him from dancing or performing stunts. Despite this setback, his determination to pursue acting never wavered. One day, while jogging on a beach, and caught in a sudden downpour, he realized that he experienced no pain. This incident became a turning point in his life, boosting his confidence and allowing him to push his physical limits without adverse effects.
Hrithik Roshan's perseverance, dedication, and immense talent eventually propelled him to stardom in the Indian film industry. His remarkable acting skills, combined with his exceptional dancing abilities, have earned him numerous accolades and a massive fan following. Hrithik Roshan's journey from a child artist to a leading Bollywood star is a testament to his resilience, talent, and unwavering passion for his craft. He continues to captivate audiences with his charismatic presence on the screen and remains an inspiration to aspiring actors in the industry.
The Debut
Hrithik Roshan made his much-anticipated Bollywood debut as a lead actor in the romantic drama "Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai" in the year 2000. To prepare for his debut, Hrithik underwent extensive training, including physical conditioning under the guidance of actor Salman Khan, as well as working on his diction and taking lessons in acting, singing, dancing, fencing, and horse riding. This became a massive success and one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2000. Hrithik received several awards for his debut, including the Best Male Debut and Best Actor awards at prestigious ceremonies like Filmfare Awards, IIFA Awards, and Zee Cine Awards. He made history by becoming the first actor to win both the Filmfare Best Debut and Best Actor awards in the same year.
Following his successful debut, Hrithik took on diverse roles to showcase his acting range. In the 2000 crime drama "Fiza”, he co-starred with Karisma Kapoor and Jaya Bachchan and earned a nomination for Best Actor at the Filmfare Awards. His next film was the action drama "Mission Kashmir", in which he shared the screen with Sanjay Dutt, Preity Zinta, and Jackie Shroff. The film achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, and Hrithik's portrayal of a young man traumatized by the revelation of his adoptive father's role in his birth family's tragedy received praise from critics.
In 2001, Hrithik appeared in two films. The first was Subhash Ghai's romantic drama "Yaadein," co-starring Kareena Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. Although the film was highly anticipated, it received negative reviews from critics who felt it relied too much on Hrithik's commercial appeal. However, Hrithik's next film, Karan Johar's ensemble melodrama "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...", turned out to be a massive success. Hrithik played the role of Rohan Raichand, the younger son of Amitabh Bachchans character, and received praise for his performance, holding his own against established actors in the film. The movie emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year and showcased Hrithik's versatility in portraying different shades of his character.
In 2002, he starred in several films that did not perform well at the box office. These included "Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage", "Na Tum Jaano Na Hum", “Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon” and "Mujhse Dosti Karoge!". Despite the setbacks, Hrithik Roshan's talent and dedication remained undeniable, and he went on to deliver several successful films in the years to come, solidifying his position as one of Bollywood's leading actors.
The Success
After the success of "Koi... Mil Gaya", Hrithik Roshan's career began to revive, and he continued to deliver noteworthy performances in various films. In 2004, Hrithik collaborated with Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta in Farhan Akhtar's "Lakshya." The film was a fictionalized coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the 1999 Kargil War. Although it did not fare well commercially upon its release, it has gained a cult following over the years. Hrithik’s portrayal of a carefree youth transforming into a determined and courageous soldier garnered critical acclaim.
After a brief pause, Hrithik returned to the screen in 2006 with three releases. He made a cameo appearance in the romance film "I See You" and starred in his father's superhero production, "Krrish", a sequel to "Koi... Mil Gaya”. Despite sustaining injuries during production, "Krrish" became the third-highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2006. In the same year, Hrithik portrayed an enigmatic master thief in the action sequel "Dhoom 2," alongside Aishwarya Rai, Bipasha Basu, and Abhishek Bachchan. The film marked a departure from his previous roles, as he played an anti-hero lacking heroic attributes. His stunts and charismatic presence garnered praise from critics, and "Dhoom 2" became the highest-grossing Indian film at that time.
In 2008, Hrithik starred in "Jodhaa Akbar," a partly fictionalized account of the marriage between Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar and Rajput princess Jodha Bai. Hrithik’s regal bearing and physicality suited the role of a king, and he underwent training in sword-fighting, horse-riding, and Urdu to prepare for the character. "Jodhaa Akbar" was well-received by audiences and critics, earning significant box office success. These films further solidified Hrithik Roshan's position as one of Bollywood's leading actors, and he continued to captivate audiences with his talent and screen presence.
The Critics Phase
Hrithik Roshan's Bollywood journey during this period was marked by a mix of successes and challenges, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
In 2010, he starred in the multi-national romantic thriller "Kites." Despite opening on a record-breaking number of screens and becoming the first Bollywood film to enter the North American top 10, "Kites" underperformed at the Indian box office and received negative reviews from critics. Later, Hrithik collaborated with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the drama "Guzaarish." Hrithik got trained with a Ukrainian magician for the film's magic stunts and gained weight to portray the character convincingly, but unfortunately, the film failed to perform well at the box office. Critics praised his chemistry with co-star Aishwarya Rai and recognized their departure from Bollywood stereotypes.
In 2011, Hrithik appeared in Zoya Akhtar's ensemble comedy-drama "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara." The film depicted the journey of three friends who embark on a bachelor trip to overcome their personal insecurities. Hrithik’s portrayal of an uptight workaholic garnered praise from critics. The film received positive reviews and became Hrithik’s first commercial success in three years. He also contributed to the film's soundtrack by recording the song "Señorita" with his co-stars.
In 2012, Hrithik starred in "Agneepath," a retelling of the 1990 film. He played the character Vijay Deenanath Chauhan, originally portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, seeking revenge against an unscrupulous man for his father's murder. "Agneepath" broke the highest opening-day earnings record in Bollywood and achieved a significant worldwide gross.
The Present Limited-Work Approach
In 2013, Roshan appeared in the third instalment of the Krrish film series, titled "Krrish 3." Despite sustaining a back injury during production, Hrithik's performance received praise from critics. "Krrish 3" went on to become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. In 2014, Hrithik’s portrayal of an eccentric secret agent in "Bang Bang!" included performing a flyboarding stunt, making him the first actor to do so in an Indian film. Despite suffering a head injury during filming and undergoing brain surgery, his performance in "Bang Bang!" was highly praised by critics.
In 2016, Hrithik took on the role of a farmer in Ashutosh Gowariker's historical drama "Mohenjo Daro." He then starred in the romantic thriller "Kaabil" in 2017 alongside Yami Gautam, portraying a blind man seeking revenge for the assault on his blind wife. Hrithik's performance here was well-received, with critics praising his authenticity and considering it one of his best performances.
After a two-year break from the screen, Hrithik made a comeback with two films in 2019. First, he appeared in the biographical film "Super 30," portraying mathematician Anand Kumar. Another was the action thriller "War," alongside Tiger Shroff. In 2022, Hrithik appeared in "Vikram Vedha," a remake of the Tamil film of the same name. Although his performance was praised by critics for being menacing and emotional, the film did not perform well commercially.
Looking ahead, Roshan is set to star in Siddharth Anand's action film "Fighter" (2024) Deepika Padukone alongside and Anil Kapoor, showcasing his continued presence and commitment to the industry. Throughout his career, Hrithik Roshan has consistently demonstrated his ability to tackle diverse roles and captivate audiences with his performances.
Movies List
| # | Movie Name | Releasing Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai | 2000 |
| 2 | Fiza | 2000 |
| 3 | Mission Kashmir | 2000 |
| 4 | Yaadein | 2001 |
| 5 | Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... | 2001 |
| 6 | Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage | 2002 |
| 7 | Na Tum Jaano Na Hum | 2002 |
| 8 | Mujhse Dosti Karoge! | 2002 |
| 9 | Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon | 2003 |
| 10 | Koi... Mil Gaya | 2003 |
| 11 | Lakshya | 2004 |
| 12 | Krrish | 2006 |
| 13 | Dhoom 2 | 2006 |
| 14 | Jodhaa Akbar | 2008 |
| 15 | Kites | 2010 |
| 16 | Guzaarish | 2010 |
| 17 | Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara | 2011 |
| 18 | Agneepath | 2012 |
| 19 | Krrish 3 | 2013 |
| 20 | Bang Bang! | 2014 |
| 21 | Mohenjo Daro | 2016 |
| 22 | Kaabil | 2017 |
| 23 | Super 30 | 2019 |
| 24 | War | 2019 |
| 25 | Vikram Vedha | 2022 |
Awards and Recognitions
| # | Award Name | Receiving Year | Received For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut | 2001 | Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai |
| 2 | Filmfare Award for Best Actor | 2001 | Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai |
| 3 | IIFA Award for Best Male Debut | 2001 | Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai |
| 4 | IIFA Award for Personality of the Year | 2001 | Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai |
| 5 | Screen Award for Best Debut - Male | 2001 | Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai |
| 6 | Screen Award for Best Actor | 2001 | Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai |
| 7 | Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics) | 2004 | Koi... Mil Gaya |
| 8 | Filmfare Award for Best Actor | 2004 | Koi... Mil Gaya |
| 9 | IIFA Award for Best Actor | 2004 | Koi... Mil Gaya |
| 10 | Screen Award for Best Actor | 2004 | Koi... Mil Gaya |
| 11 | IIFA Award for Style Icon of the Year | 2005 | Lakshya |
| 12 | Stardust Award for Best Performance (Editor’s Choice) | 2005 | Lakshya |
| 13 | IIFA Glamorous Star Award | 2007 | Dhoom 2 |
| 14 | Filmfare Award for Best Actor | 2007 | Dhoom 2 |
| 15 | IIFA Award for Best Actor | 2007 | Krrish |
| 16 | Screen Award for Best Actor | 2007 | Krrish |
| 17 | Screen Award for Best Actor | 2009 | Jodhaa Akbar |
| 18 | Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Male (Critics) | 2011 | Guzaarish |
| 19 | Stardust Award for Best Actor – Drama | 2012 | Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara |
| 20 | Stardust Award for Best Actor – Drama | 2013 | Agneepath |
| 21 | Zee Cine Award for Best Actor – Male | 2020 | Super 30 |
Personal Life
Hrithik Roshan's personal life has had its share of ups and downs, marked by significant events and controversies. In 2000, Hrithik married Sussanne Khan in a private ceremony in Bangalore. Despite their religious differences, with Hrithik being Hindu and Sussanne being Muslim, the couple embraced and respected each other's beliefs. They were blessed with two sons, Hrehaan in 2006 and Hridhaan in 2008. However, their marriage faced difficulties, and they separated in December 2013. Their divorce was finalized in November 2014. Both Hrithik and Sussanne maintained that they parted amicably, prioritizing the well-being of their children.
In 2016, Roshan became embroiled in a legal dispute with his co-star from the film "Krrish 3,"Kangana Ranaut. He filed a lawsuit against her, alleging cyberstalking and harassment. Kangana, in turn, filed a counter-charge, claiming that Hrithik’s lawsuit was an attempt to cover up their alleged affair. The Mumbai Police closed the case due to a lack of evidence. The legal battle garnered significant media attention and became a controversial topic within the industry.
Hrithik’s personal life has also faced challenges unrelated to his relationships. In 2000, his father was targeted in an attack where two assailants fired bullets at him. The incident deeply affected Hrithik, to the point where he considered quitting the film industry. However, he persevered and continued his acting career.
Additionally, Hrithik found himself embroiled in a controversy in December 2000 when Nepalese newspapers accused him of making derogatory statements about Nepal and its people during an interview with Star Plus. This led to protests, a ban on screening his films in Nepal, and street violence resulting in fatalities. He denied making any negative remarks about the country, and with the help of actress Manisha Koirala, he distributed a written rejoinder denying the allegations. The situation eventually calmed down, but it highlighted the impact of media scrutiny and the potential consequences of misinterpreted statements. Despite these challenges, Hrithik Roshan has remained resilient, focused on his career, and committed to maintaining a positive relationship with his family and fans.
Social Works
Outside of his entertainment career, Hrithik actively supports charitable causes. He is vocal about his childhood stammer and works to raise awareness and support for people facing similar challenges. He supports the Dilkhush Special School for mentally challenged children in Mumbai and donated ₹2 million to the Nanavati Hospital for the treatment of stammering children. In 2009, he established a charity foundation to work for the betterment of handicapped individuals, and he regularly donates approximately ₹700,000 to charitable causes each month. Hrithik believes in publicizing philanthropic work to inspire others, setting an example for giving back to society.
Hrithik has participated in various events and initiatives to contribute to charitable causes. He played a football match for a charity organized by Aamir Khan's daughter, Ira, in 2014. He also appeared alongside Sonam Kapoor in the music video for "Dheere Dheere," with the profits from the song's success being donated to charity. In 2015, Hrithik became the Indian brand ambassador for UNICEF and the Global Goals campaign's World's Largest Lesson, aiming to educate children in over 100 countries about the Sustainable Development Goals. He has also made donations to help families affected by natural disasters such as the 2013 North India floods and the 2015 South Indian floods.
His popularity and influence have extended to brand endorsements. He has been associated with several prominent brands, including Coca-Cola, Tamarind, Hero Honda, Provogue, Parle Hide and Seek, Reliance Communications, and Rado. He has been one of the highest-paid male celebrity endorsers. In 2017, Hrithik signed a significant endorsement deal with health and wellness startup Cure.fit, highlighting his influence in the entrepreneurial space as well.
Hrithik Roshan's life goes beyond the silver screen, demonstrating his multifaceted talents, commitment to philanthropy, and success in brand partnerships.
Other Works
Hrithik Roshan's life is not limited to his acting career. He has ventured into various other domains, including stage performances, television appearances, philanthropy, and brand endorsements. In 2002, he started his first tour called "Heartthrobs: Live in Concert" alongside Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, and Aftab Shivdasani. The tour was a success in the United States and Canada, showcasing his dancing and entertaining skills to a live audience. Later that year, he shared the stage with renowned actors like Amitabh Bachchan , Sanjay Dutt, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, and Shah Rukh Khan in the show "Now or Never" held at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, South Africa.
Hrithik also made his mark on television as a judge on the dance competition reality show "Just Dance" in 2011. Alongside Farah Khan and Vaibhavi Merchant, he served as a judge and became the highest-paid film star on Indian television at that time. The show aired from June to October 2011, showcasing Hrithik's expertise in dance and his ability to mentor aspiring dancers.
Summing Up
Hrithik Roshan, the talented Bollywood actor, has not only mesmerized audiences with his acting skills but has also made a mark through his philanthropy and brand endorsements. His charisma, versatility, and dedication to his craft have solidified his status as one of the most beloved and influential actors in the industry. Hrithik Roshan's star continues to shine bright, leaving an indelible impact on Bollywood and beyond.
