• Age:                    37
• Nationality:       Indian
• DOB:                 10th January 1974

Hrithik Roshan is an Indian actor who has appeared in many Bollywood films. After having appeared in films as a child actor in the 1980s, Roshan made his film debut in a leading role in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) for which Roshan earned his Filmfare Awards for Best Actor and Best Male Debut. In 2001, he went on to appear in the melodrama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…, which became India's highest-grossing film in the overseas market.

Roshan received his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor in 2006 for his performance in the action film Dhoom 2, his biggest commercial success to date. He later received critical acclaim for his performance in Jodhaa Akbar for which he received his first international award at the Golden Minbar International Film Festival. These accomplishments have established him as a leading contemporary actor of Hindi cinema.

Confidential Arabian was given an opportunity to have an exclusive interview with him.

What made you decide to become an actor?

I actually appeared as a child artist in a number of films in the 1980’s and later then dabble as an  Assistant Director for a couple of my father’s films, which was great in gaining insight into how things work on the other side of the camera. Although I had studied a Bachelors Degree in Commerce, I guess films felt like the natural career path for me to take. My official debut film as a leading man wasn’t until 2000 – a film called ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’.
 
Why did you become an actor? Is the money good?

I grew up surrounded by films. My father was an actor/ director/ producer, my paternal uncle was a music director, my maternal grandfather was a producer/ director, so I was exposed to the industry from a young age and I guess it was in my genes.
 Yes, the money is good, but that certainly wasn’t the driving force that excelled my career in the industry. Recently the unveiling of my wax figure at Madame Tussaud’s, London sure was an indication that I must be doing something right. But in all honesty, by God’s grace, I have been blessed with such a wonderful network of family and friends, who have supported me unconditionally and certainly share in my success and achievements.

When you were a child did you aspire to do anything else?

At five years old, all I was interested in was playing with my friends. But again, I always knew that I wanted to work within the industry. My father was my role model and icon and I would look at him on screen in adulation. But I certainly didn’t think I had star qualities or even the potential to become an actor as I was actually quite a shy and insecure child. I was somewhat overweight and I had a stutter which I was really conscious about. I was really introverted and at that young an age, I certainly didn’t think that I had what it would take to become a lead actor one day, with the sort of screen presence you expect from the heroes of Indian cinema.
 
How big is your fan base? Who would you say it’s mainly made up of?

I guess women probably make up the larger part of my fan base, although I try to be a role model for young people generally, in terms of following dreams and making a success of your life, whatever you choose for yourself. What I try to advocate is for individuals to believe in themselves. Others will try to knock you down, but follow your dream, equipped with a combination of faith, hard work, honesty, integrity and doing good, and you will certainly succeed if these qualities are part of your value system.

You’re married and have two children. What affects has been an actor had on your personal life?

I’m extremely lucky that my amazing wife is also part of an acting family, so she completely understands the pressures, the commitments, and so forth – she grew up surrounded by it herself, as her father and uncles were collectively actors, producers, directors themselves, and her brother is also an actor. Again, she supports me unequivocally. As much as possible, she and my sons will accompany me when I’m filming overseas. I miss them dearly when they’re not by my side. But we certainly work together to make things as stable and obviously as secure for our children and our family life as possible.
 
If you were given the chance to speak to fellow Indians working in the Middle East (which are suffering or being involved in the protests) what would you tell to them?
Firstly, to take care and to look after each other. There is a lot of change, unrest and uncertainty at this present moment. They should not forget that across the world, there are people who are wishing well and praying for them. It is important to stick together and demonstrate solidarity in the face of adversity. These are challenging times, showing selflessness and taking care of each other is so important.

In your own perspective what can actors like you can change the world?

I think actors can certainly leverage their global profiles to help highlight and raise awareness around various global issues. They can reach audiences and potentially drive support for good causes and inspire people to take action where they previously may have been unaware of certain issues.

If they choose too, actors can lend their support to and throw their weight behind global campaigns and causes. Actors that are role models and icons can generate support for causes as, to an extent, they have a level of influence among certain communities and networks. In fact, I think it is so important to do so. When you have been blessed with so much, it goes without saying that you have a duty and commitment toward your fellow human beings and to do whatever you can, in whatever capacity, to ensure the welfare of others. Not to do so would be a severe travesty and injustice.
 
What are the pros and cons of being famous?

You know, it’s a wonderful and extremely humbling by-product of being in the public eye. At the end of the day I’m an actor, and I’m so lucky to be doing what I love most. To experience the love and affection that fans show you is reassurance that you must be doing something right. These are the people whose approval I seek – who pay their hard earned money to see my films.
 
Yes, there can be tricky situations. Sometimes you just want to pop out for a quiet coffee or take a peaceful walk, but you adapt. I wouldn’t trade this for anything. I’m not one for courting attention though, and I try to keep my sons out of the public eye as much as possible. They are aware who their dad is, but I want them to grow up as grounded, hard-working and humble human beings.
 
Where would you like to see the Bollywood market go?

Hindi cinema has evolved to a huge extent over recent years, as a result of India’s changing socio-economic landscape. With the emerging middle class has come a demand for cinema that pushes the boundaries and audiences are much more receptive to cinema that more closely imitates real life. Consequently, very real issues are being explored in our films and no longer would you automatically link boundary-pushing films with independent, or ‘arthouse’, Indian cinema.
 
What do you think makes Bollywood different than Hollywood?

You know, the differences are decreasing and the similarities are becoming ever more evident. The lines that have until now differentiated our cinema from the mainstream are becoming increasingly blurred. Maybe this is a by-product of media globalisation, but mainstream Indian cinema is ever evolving, progressing and responding to changing audience expectations. There are certainly more similarities between Hollywood and ‘Bollywood’ today, than there were ten years ago and the crossover or collaboration process is finally evolving from theory to practice – not only in terms of the acting talent, but also on the production and studio level. 

Are we going to see you in the Middle East soon?

Never say never