Hrithik's Flying Kites

Hrithik’s Kites

This 36-year-old stunner has done a range of movies -- from sci-fi to superhero, from action to comedy, and from historical to motivational narratives. The blatant actor has yet again walked out of his safety zone to darn an all-new avatar --- the new-age romantic. The heart of Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan sports a new look and new character for his upcoming film Kites for which he’s all praises and positive. An upclose.

Your fans wish to see more of you. It’s been two-and-a-half years since Jodha Akbar.

I accept that I do very few films. You could say that I can’t multi-task. I get fully absorbed in the film that I am doing no matter how long it takes for it to hit the screens. I got this inspiration from the Tinkle comic books that I used to read as a child. It used to advocate that one should stick to one thing at a time to be successful and happy in life. This philosophy helps me remain grounded and focused to this day. Also, I feel that instead of boring the audience with nonsensical films in a row, it’s better to come up with just one film in a year but that should be worth the long wait.

Tell us about Kites.

It is a film about an Indian man’s affair with a Latin woman and their predicament as they don’t understand each other’s language. The film is being made in both Hindi and English. The English version of Kites has been presented and reworked by well-known Hollywood director Brett Ratner. All in all, it’s an honest film and my first complete romantic love story.

Why do you call it an honest film?

Well, nothing in the film, neither dialogues nor moments are made-up or fabricated so as to make audience jump with joy, clap, cry or laugh. It’s a very simple straightforward love story, something that would happen in real life. And following that thread whatever fell into place has made the film what it is.

You are the newest actor singer in the industry.

(Coyly) I never thought I would become one. I wasn’t too sure how I would perform in my debut as a singer. However, my uncle Rajesh Roshan and director Anurag Basu were confident that I would do a good job for I hail from the family of musicians.

So, how did you tune up your vocal chords?

Oh! Singing that one song took me many sleepless days and nights. I had asked for two months time, they gave me two weeks. Hence, I would start with sa re ga ma, right from the time I would wake up to brushing my teeth to taking the shower. I always sang with hand movements trying to reach the highest scale and the lowest note. However, when the actual recording time came, I had butterflies in my stomach. I got them to switch off all the lights in the studio because I was getting too distracted and conscious. Only when the whole studio was blacked out, did every note fall into place, or at least I felt that way (laughs).

You met with many accidents during the film’s shooting.

Yes. I hurt my knees while doing a dangerous car stunt in Las Vegas and later injured my arm while shooting in Filmistan Studio in Mumbai. Others were minor bruises.

How positive are you about the success of your film?

I never take up a project that I don’t believe in. More than the film’s budget or star cast, it’s the storyline and director that I pitch for. Kites has a perfect script and an excellent director. Also, Barbara has done a fairly good job and I have put in my heart and soul in the movie. As mentioned before, Kites is a very honest film. That was the brief that my father and Anurag Basu gave to the entire team while making Kites. We do not want to be within our comfort zone influenced by manipulative commercial thinking. I trust our efforts and sincerity more than marketing initiatives. Hence, I see no reason why my film won’t be appreciated by people.

Did you fly kites as a young boy?

Yes, I remember papa used to teach me. We used to live on the 13th floor of a building. I was too small and used to wonder that the kites seems so light but when it's flying, it's really hard...

How was it working with Barbara?

Barbara is simply superb. A fine actor and humble human being. Another reward for working on this film is finding a Mexican friend – genuine and considerate.

Much has been said about your alleged affair with co-star Barbara.

A certain section of the media needs to understand the difference between sincere journalism and despicable sensationalism. Journalists are widely trusted and respected by the public. A huge responsibility falls on their shoulders. I wish they realise this before it’s too late. Had my wife and children not been as understanding, I know not what this Instigation and provocation would have led to.

Do you think that India now has the means to make films that can stand their own on a global platform?

Sure we do. We have the expertise and also the required budget for the same now. It’s about time we started thinking of such novel ideas for we have no constraints now. Take films like Scarface or Once Upon A Time In America, for instance. Nobody breaks into a song. So, we too should let go of the safety nets.

But you have yourself sung for your latest movie.

Like I said before, it’s an honest film. The guy wanted to sing at a given point, and Anurag was very sure it had to be actually me. Good singing, bad singing, it didn’t matter. But the singing had to be from the heart.

Having reached the pinnacle of success today, where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I can only see myself doing quality films till my last breath.   

Did you always want to become the best in the industry.

See, when one aspires to become an actor, every one visualises himself as being the top slot. This is the motivation that helps one enter films. However, once you start working, it is the journey you begin to enjoy, not the destination. Audience reaction is my access point to growth. They have loved me for 10 years and I feel truly blessed.

What next and… when?

Guzaarish in November this year. This is yet another film very close to my heart for I play a paraplegic, wheelchair-using patient suffering from impairments of the motor and sensory functions of the lower limbs. The film’s directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and casts Aishwarya Rai opposite me. She plays a married nurse who falls in l9ove with this patient.

There’s nobody like Our desi girl

The gorgeous actress who felt out of place in her initial days in Bollywood has now firmly entrenched in the industry having her own entity as the most promising star in Indian film industry. A tête-à-tête with Former Miss World Priyanka Chopra who is riding high with the success of her recent films…

Realising that you had four back to back flops last year (Chamku, Love Story 2050, God Tussi Great Ho! And Drona) we could say that the last quarter of 2008 has been quite lucky for you with smash hits like Fashion and Dostana. Congratulations!

Thanks a ton! After God Tussi Great Ho and Drona, I was truly heartbroken. Fashion and Dostana seem to have given me rebirth of sorts. These films were much more successful than my expectations.

We hear that you had a tough time losing weight for Dostana after having to put on a few extra kilos for Fashion.

You could say that. I am not at all diet conscious. I had to put on some weight for Fashion since I was playing a small-town Punjabi girl who eventually becomes a super model, but for Dostana, I had to lose the seven kilos that I had put on. And I had to get in shape as well. Moreover I had a hard core diet, I had a proper workout schedule.

You were seen flaunting a range of clothes from designer wear, while sashaying down the ramp, to t-shirts and jeans while portraying a model’s normal life in the movie Fashion.

To cut the long story short, I would say that I wore 137 costumes in Fashion. It was required as my character goes through a huge journey in one-and-a-half years. And we had a lot of montages in the film, a lot of ad commercials and of course fashion shows. This is why the requirement of costumes was so high for my character.

Which films of yours can we look forward to this year? And which film are you most excited about?

This year I am going to have only two releases. One is Vishal Bharadwaj’s Kameenay opposite Shahid Kapur and the other one is Ashutosh Gowariker’s What's your Rashi opposite Harman Baweja. Both of them I am very excited about because my roles in both of them are extremely interesting and very different to something I have ever done before. I really can't take a pick for there's only two.

Is it true that you are playing 12 different characters in What's your Rashi?

That’s true. It's one of the most difficult films I have worked in. What is so difficult about it, why is it difficult, I can only speak when the film is closer to release.

Let's move on to Kameenay.

I play a Maharashtrian college-going girl. The role is very different for me for sure because I don’t know Marathi at all and I did not learn it. The language is beautiful. It’s so rustic but it’s very difficult for a Punjabi to get the Marathi accent right for sure. But I worked on it and I am hoping it will come out right.

You wore skimpy outfits in Fashion and bared your cleavage in Dostana. How do you take skin show in Bollywood as?

See, where there’s a demand, there’s a supply. Had films with skin show not been doing well, we would have stopped making them. People want to watch such films.

Kameeney too is said to have many intimate scenes.

I can’t really reveal all the details to you, but yeah, I have done a little bit more than usual in this film. I do have a kissing scene and a few love making scenes with Shahid. Because this is what the script demanded, I agreed to do it.

You are termed as a workaholic in film fraternity. How true is that?

Very true indeed! As a matter of fact, with six movies having released in 2008, I haven't had the time to either mourn or enjoy the fruits when a film released. I did not get the time to mourn the failure of any of my films. The moment one got released, I was into promoting the next, so on and so forth. If I am not filming, I would be found reading scripts or selecting outfits for my next movie.

Ambitious, are you?

I would rather describe myself as someone who’s honest and straightforward, but not indiscriminately ambitious. The day I realise that I don’t want to get up and put on make-up for a shoot, I will give it all up!

Given your busy schedule, how could you manage to do a song alongwith Kareena and Deepika for Shah Rukh’s upcoming movie, Billu Barber?

Undeniably, I am Shah Rukh’s biggest fan on earth. I don’t see myself saying no to him for anything. He simply has to tell what I am supposed to do, and I would be on. In fact, people ask me why I wasn't there in the song featuring all the heroines with Shah Rukh in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

In this short career span you have portrayed a wide range of characters.

I strive hard each day to grow as an actor. I have always been experimenting on my roles. I just hope that when people look back in the history of Indian cinema, they admire my work and versatility as an actress. Besides, all other genres, I have also been part of the special effects cinema like Krissh, Drona and Love Story 2050.

So, no time for love in 2009 as well?

(Laughs) Well, I have always believed that true love will find you and so will the right man. I just make sure that I do not close my mind to possibilities and do not work on the 'he-must-be-like-this' list. Being a die-hard romantic, I believe that when love happens, there will be church bells that will go off in my head. I believe that when I meet the person that I am meant to be with, his face will be constantly in front of my eyes. I believe I will hear violins and orchestra. I really believe all that. And I don’t look for it. I am a big believer in destiny. So when it’s meant for me, it will happen.

You have never been very candid about your relationships.

I am a celebrity, so I guess it’s justified that people are curious about what goes on in my personal life. But I don’t need to give any justification about what’s happening in my life to anyone. You could say that I know where to draw the line. I would hate the world to know about who I am seeing or where I eat or sleep. That’s nobody’s business for sure.

How do you define your success journey so far?

Euphoric! I feel that my strategy of not resting on the laurels of my being a former Miss World has paid rich dividends. Today whatever I am is because of my hard work. I may have got my first couple of films because of my title, but it’s ultimately your work that will speak for you. I could have easily been chucked into the dustbin if I was bad. I am so grateful that it did not happen to me and that I was welcomed so lovingly by the film industry.

Lost In Oblivion

A dream debut does not guarantee success. Bollywood has many newbies trying their luck ever year while some get lost among reels of the films, others shine through. But no one can point out what makes a newcomer click with the audience. Each year, we are introduced to many wannabe heroines who come to tinsel town with high hopes and beautiful dreams. Not all are successful in making a mark and become a name to reckon with in the industry. At times, even those who get noticed fade out of the limelight soon after for they are unable to charm audiences again and sustain the competition and challenges that this industry offers.

We profile for you some of those aspiring movie stars who blazed across the Bollywood firmament with a runaway debut hit only to experience darkness at high noon thereafter.

Mandakini

Remembered for – Ram Teri Ganga Maili

One cannot miss out on the woman in a white sari sans the bra from the hit movie Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Mandakini…. One never saw her again in any big banners after working with the RK Banner, except for a few B-grade movies. She will still be remembered for her dare bare act under the waterfall.

Vijeta Pandit

Remembered for – Love Story

Most of us couldn’t remember her after Vijeta sang the song ‘yaad aa rahi hai’ in the mega blockbuster Love Story. Rajendra Kumar cast her alongside with his son Kumar Gaurav. Though the film was a hit, it couldn’t secure the future of the stars. Vijeta had another hit four years later in the form of Mohabbat. But after this, she was never seen onscreen as the main lead. She final got into playback singing.

Bhagyashree

Remembered for – Maine Pyar Kiya

She became a star overnight. This sweet, innocent and beautiful actor was the dream girl of every guy. Even today, when one sees Maine Pyar Kiya, the film that went on to become the highest grosser after Sholay, one craves for having such a soft-spoken and loving partner for life. Bhagyashree bagged the Best Actress award for the MPK thereby outshining co-star Salman Khan’s performance that was quite unnoticed. However, destiny had other plans for Bhagyashree.

She was flooded with offers but the lady who tied the knot with Himalaya soon after the release of Maine Pyar Kiya refused to star against anyone else but hubby Himalaya. This proved fatal for her career that could otherwise have been quite enterprising. The two movies, Qaid Mein Hai Bulbul and Paayal, in which she was paired opposite her husband, were super-flops. This marked the end of her film career.

Zeba Bakhtiyar

Remembered for - Henna

Zeba Bakhtiyar stole the heart of millions with her Bollywood debut in Henna under Raj Kapoor banner. Henna was a huge hit on both sides of the border about two decades ago. Zeba should have made it really big in tinselville but to the great surprise of one and all, she is just recalled as a one-film Bollywood wonder from Pakistan now.

Anu Agarwal

Remembered for - Aashiqui

The promos of Mahesh Bhatt’s ’s Aashiqui claimed — this face can stop a crowd — when he launched dusky damsel Anu Agarwal in the 90s. However, little did he know that Anu will soon relegate to the archives after a series of forgettable films thereafter. Aashiqui did well and the music was a massive hit. However, luck did not favour the long legged beauty who was once compared to dusky sexy siren Smita Patil.

Pooja Batra

Remembered for - Virasat

Virasat got this Former Miss India (1993) the Best Supporting Actress Award in 1997 but not the kind of success one could have expected thereafter. After trying her luck in the film industry with movies like Haseena Maan Jayegi, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya and Kahin Pyar Na Ho Jaye, she packed her bags to settle down with her orthopaedic doctor husband in California.

Sandhali Sinha

Remembered for – Tum Bin

A cute and fresh face, Sandhali Sinha made her debut against Rakesh Bapat and Priyanshu Chatterjee in Tum Bin, probably her only film in the lead. The music of the flick went on to make record sales and the film was a runaway hit too but did not help the careers of any of the leading actors in anyway.
Though the central character of the movie was Sandhali and her work was appreciated, she never starred in any other movie after that in the lead role.

Mayuri Kango

Remembered for – Papa Kehte Hain

This light-eyed beauty looked fresh as a daisy amidst her other counterparts. The innocent looking Mayuri Kango made her debut in Papa Kehte Hain against child actor Jugal Hansraj. But Mayuri's acting skills and dialogue delivery was a complete turn off and her Bollywood career never really took off.

Chitrangada Singh

Remembered for – Hazaaraon Khwaishen Aisi

Chitrangada Singh ,who debuted in Sudhir Mishra's Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi was never able to firmly place her feet in tinsel town. The movie was critically acclaimed and did help the careers of most people associated with the movie, but could not help this young and pretty actress anyway.

Shamita Shetty, Kim Sharma, Preeti Jhangiani

Remembered for – Mohabbatein

Mohabbatein was a big hit. So much so that it was considered to be a dream debut for actresses Shamita Shetty, Kim Sharma, Preeti Jhangiani and actors like Uday Chopra and Jimmy Shergil. However, none of them could actually hit the top bracket of Bollywood. Preeti knew that her career as goody-two-shoes was short-lived unless she joined the bare dare brigade. So, like her co-stars Kim and Shamita, Preeti also joined the brigade of bare-it-all. However, nothing could help the career of these starlets from sinking.

Gracy Singh

Remembered for – Lagaan

Gracy Singh was the object of envy for many actresses when she was chosen to play the lead opposite Aamir Khan in Lagaan. Her performance was liked by the audience as well as the critics. Not just that, she found a bigger hit with Munnabhai MBBS. But the actress was stuck with a behenji image and could never break away from it. A few flops like Aarman, Wajahh: A Reason to Kill, Shart and Muskaan ensured that Gracy was forgotten by all.

Gayatri Joshi

Remembered for – Swades – We, the people

“Well, we just have to wait and watch for that. Your guess is as good as mine,” Said Gayatri Joshi soon after the release of her one and only film, Swades, We The People when asked whether she might just be a one-time wonder and be in danger of slipping into the oblivion once the euphoria of Swades was over. After gainig name and repute in the world of modeling for seven years, Gayatri entered Bollywood with high hopes. Getting introduced in Bollywood by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowarikar and being cast opposite Shah Rukh in the very first film is a dream start for any debutante actor. But her luck was as unfavourable as was Gracy Singh’s.

Bhoomika Chawla

Remembered for – Tere Naam

Bhoomika too had similar fate. With a huge hit like Tere Naam under her belt people felt Bhoomika would be perfect as the girl-next-door. But the actress couldn’t repeat her success and despite working opposite actors like Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan she couldn’t make it big!

Shilpi Shukla

Rocking On - Farhan Akhtar

He's acted and he's sung, he's directed, produced and written films and now… he is also anchoring a TV show. Here are some excerpts from the tête-à-tête with the man of stupendous skills, the handsome guy girls drool over… Farhan Akhtar.

After impressing one and all with your acting skills, are you itching to get back into directing titled Voice from the Sky?

Yes. I will be directing very soon. Right now, I don’t know whether that will be my earlier postponed directorial venture Voice From The Sky or not, but direction is on my agenda.

Voice from the Sky has been pending for quite sometime.

In fact, I wanted to make this film immediately after Dil Chahta Hai. It’s an English film that has tremendous international appeal. There’s an audience for this film beyond India. It’s a period film set in 1905 in Kolkata. It’s about a child and the telephone invention. It’s a fairytale. Let’s see when and how things shape up.

You have recently been roped in by Sudhir Mishra to play lead role in his film in which you would paired opposite Kareena Kapoor. How does it feel?

Oh! I'm looking forward to working with Kareena. She has been a friend for many years. This script gives both of us a chance to try something we have not done before. We are in the process of finalising the deal

Tell us about the film.

Hmm.. This film dwells upon the political dynamics of a man-woman relationship. Kareena has a role to die for. It is a hugely fascinating part. When Sudhir Mishra narrated the script I liked it immediately.

We also hear that you have plans to cut a music album.
Precisely yes. But for that I need to take out a chunk of time and devote my full attention to it. Singing is not just a hobby. It never was. I need to pursue it seriously. And not only because of Rock On!. I have been into it even as a teen. I can’t just have someone else composing the songs while I go in the studio and record. I have further oplans that I don’t intend to reveal as of now (smiles).

How did the television chat show, Oye! It’s Friday happen?
Well, it just so happened that I was approached to host the show and I was quite fascinated by its concept. Last year has been the year of experimentation and new experiences for me... acting, singing, hosting... I have had a good time doing all of it. All the people involved in the show are there for the right reason, to have fun. I always knew it would be fun because I would be hanging out with my friends from the industry.