“Hrithik Roshan, acclaimed Bollywood actor and skilled dancer, captivates audiences with his charismatic performances in iconic films like Krrish and Jodhaa Akbar.”
Born : 10 January 1974 (age 50)
Place : Bombay, Maharashtra, India
Alma mater :
Sydenham College
Occupation : Actor
Years active : 2000– Present
Spouse :
Sussanne Khan
( M . 2000; div. 2014)
Children : 02
Parent :
Father : Rakesh Roshan
Relative :
Roshan family
About
Hrithik Roshan, born on January 10, 1974, is a highly acclaimed Indian actor known for his versatile roles and exceptional dancing skills in Hindi cinema. Recognized as one of the highest-paid actors in India, he has won numerous awards, including six Filmfare Awards for Best Actor. His frequent collaborations with his father, Rakesh Roshan, have been particularly noteworthy.
Starting as a child actor in the 1980s, Hrithik later worked as an assistant director on his father’s films. His breakthrough came with the 2000 blockbuster “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai,” earning him widespread acclaim and several awards. Despite facing setbacks with some poorly received films, he experienced a turning point with the 2003 science fiction film “Koi… Mil Gaya,” leading to successful sequels “Krrish” (2006) and “Krrish 3” (2013).
Hrithik’s diverse roles in films such as “Dhoom 2” (2006), “Jodhaa Akbar” (2008), and “Guzaarish” (2010) showcased his acting prowess. He continued to achieve commercial success with films like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” (2011), “Agneepath” (2012), “Bang Bang!” (2014), “Super 30” (2019), and “War” (2019).
Beyond his film career, Hrithik ventured into television with the dance reality show “Just Dance” (2011), where he became the highest-paid film star on Indian television. Actively involved in humanitarian causes, he also endorses brands and has his own clothing line. Previously married to Sussanne Khan for fourteen years, they share two children.
Early Life and Background
Hrithik Roshan, born on January 10, 1974, in Bombay, comes from a distinguished Bollywood family with a Punjabi and Bengali heritage. His father, Rakesh Roshan, a renowned film director, is the son of the famous music director Roshanlal Nagrath.
Hrithik’s mother, Pinkie, is the daughter of producer and director J. Om Prakash, while his uncle, Rajesh, is a music composer. Though raised in a Hindu family, Hrithik identifies as more spiritual than religious.
Despite his Bollywood pedigree, Hrithik faced challenges early on. Born with an extra thumb on his right hand, he experienced isolation as some peers avoided him. Additionally, a stammer since age six caused difficulties in school, alleviated only through daily speech therapy.
Hrithik’s film journey began at six when his grandfather, Prakash, featured him in the 1980 film “Aasha.” Uncredited roles in family projects followed, and his first speaking role came at 12 in “Bhagwaan Dada” (1986).
Despite a desire to pursue acting, Hrithik’s father emphasized education. Diagnosed with scoliosis in his early 20s, initially limiting his ability to dance and perform stunts, Hrithik found inspiration during a beach jog in the rain, marking a turning point in his life.
Attending Sydenham College, Hrithik participated in dance and music festivals while studying commerce. Assisting his father on films, he simultaneously honed his acting skills under Kishore Namit Kapoor’s guidance. This journey laid the foundation for Hrithik Roshan’s successful career in Bollywood.
Film career
2000–2002: Debut, success and setback
Originally slated for Tara Rum Pum Pum, Hrithik Roshan’s debut shifted to his father’s Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) with Ameesha Patel. The film’s success made it one of 2000’s top-grossing Indian movies, earning Roshan accolades and making him the first actor to win both Best Male Debut and Best Actor awards in the same year.
In Fiza (2000), Roshan explored complex themes post-Bombay riots, earning him another Best Actor nomination. Mission Kashmir (2000) continued his success, addressing terrorism amid Indo-Pakistani conflicts.
In 2001, he starred in Yaadein, a romantic drama, and played a supporting role in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… His performance in the latter earned him a Filmfare nomination. Despite a couple of commercial setbacks in 2002, Roshan’s career rebounded with the international success of Mujhse Dosti Karoge!.
However, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon faced criticism, with some suggesting Roshan’s career might falter. Despite challenges, Roshan’s early career showcased his acting prowess and established him as a prominent Bollywood actor.
2003–2008: Revival and awards success
Hrithik Roshan’s career took a turn with the lead role in Koi… Mil Gaya (2003), a film directed by his father. The movie, featuring Roshan as Rohit Mehra, a young man with developmental challenges encountering an extraterrestrial being, was a blockbuster. Despite mixed reviews, Roshan’s performance earned him both Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, marking a significant achievement.
In 2004, Roshan joined hands with Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta in Farhan Akhtar’s Lakshya. The film, depicting a coming-of-age story against the backdrop of the 1999 Kargil War, initially struggled commercially but later gained a cult status. Roshan’s acting prowess in Lakshya earned him Best Actor nominations.
Returning in 2006, Roshan featured in three films, including a cameo in I See You. He headlined Krrish, a superhero film and sequel to Koi… Mil Gaya, alongside Priyanka Chopra and Naseeruddin Shah.
His dual roles showcased his commitment, training extensively in China. Krrish emerged as the third-highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2006, earning Roshan Best Actor accolades.
Dhoom 2 (2006) saw Roshan portraying an enigmatic master thief, winning his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor. The film’s immense success, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film at that time, highlighted Roshan’s ability to excel in anti-hero roles, earning praise for adding depth to the character.
In 2008, Roshan took on the role of Mughal emperor Akbar in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar. The partly fictionalized account received widespread acclaim, earning Roshan his fourth Filmfare Best Actor Award. Critics praised his regal performance and dedication demonstrated through sword-fighting and horse-riding training. The year concluded with his appearance in the popular item number “Krazzy 4.”
This period in Hrithik Roshan’s career showcased his versatility, commitment to challenging roles, and firmly established him as a leading figure in the Indian film industry.
2009–2012: Critical Acclaim
In 2009, Hrithik Roshan had a small role in Zoya Akhtar’s “Luck by Chance.” Moving on to 2010, he starred in the multi-national romantic thriller “Kites,” produced by his father.
Despite a record-breaking opening and making it to the North American top 10, “Kites” struggled at the Indian box office and received negative reviews. Roshan’s performance, criticized by some for overacting, was mixed.
The same year, Roshan collaborated with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for “Guzaarish,” playing Ethan Mascarenhas, a former magician suffering from quadriplegia. Despite the film’s box office failure, Roshan’s portrayal earned positive reviews. He dedicated time to understand the role by interacting with paraplegic patients and trained with a Ukrainian magician for the magic stunts.
In 2011, Roshan starred in Zoya Akhtar’s “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,” a comedy-drama where he played an uptight workaholic. The film received positive reviews, and Roshan’s performance was widely praised, marking his first commercial success in three years.
The following year, 2012, Roshan took on the lead role in Karan Malhotra’s “Agneepath,” a retelling of the 1990 film. Initially hesitant to play a role earlier portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, Roshan delivered a powerful performance. The film was a massive success, breaking Bollywood’s highest opening-day earnings record.
This period showcased Roshan’s versatility and ability to deliver impactful performances, navigating through box office challenges with resilience.
2013–Present: Commercial success with limited work
Hrithik Roshan starred in “Krrish 3” (2013), the third installment of the Krrish film series. Despite an injury during production, the film became one of the highest-grossing Indian films globally, earning ₹3.93 billion (US$49 million). Roshan’s performance earned him consecutive Filmfare nominations.
Following this, Roshan featured in the 2014 action comedy “Bang Bang!” Despite a head injury during filming, the movie achieved global success, earning ₹3.4 billion (US$43 million).
In 2016, Roshan played a farmer in Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Mohenjo Daro.” Despite high anticipation, the film failed commercially and received lackluster reviews.
The following year, Roshan starred in Sanjay Gupta’s “Kaabil” (2017), a romantic thriller. The film received positive reviews, grossing ₹1.96 billion (US$25 million) worldwide.
After a two-year hiatus, Roshan returned in 2019 with two releases. First, in “Super 30,” a biographical film, he earned mixed reviews but enjoyed commercial success. Subsequently, in the action thriller “War,” Roshan achieved his biggest commercial success, with the film becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2019, earning ₹4.75 billion (US$59 million) worldwide.
In 2022, Roshan starred in “Vikram Vedha,” receiving positive reviews for his portrayal. Despite critical acclaim, the film didn’t fare well commercially. Roshan is set to appear in Siddharth Anand’s “Fighter” (2024) and lead the sequel “War 2” in the YRF Spy Universe.
Personal life
On December 20, 2000, Hrithik Roshan married Sussanne Khan in a private ceremony in Bangalore, despite their Hindu-Muslim religious differences. They share two sons, Hrehaan (born 2006) and Hridhaan (born 2008). The couple separated in December 2013, finalizing their divorce in November 2014 amicably.
In 2016, Roshan filed a lawsuit against Kangana Ranaut for cyberstalking, countered by Ranaut claiming it was to conceal an affair. The Mumbai Police closed the case due to insufficient evidence. As of 2023, Roshan is dating actress Saba Azad.
After assailants fired at his father in 2000, Roshan considered quitting the film industry. In the same year, he faced controversy over alleged remarks against Nepal, leading to protests and a ban on his films. The situation eased after Roshan clarified and Nepali actress Manisha Koirala distributed his rejoinder.
