Q&A with Hrithik Roshan
December 31, 2006
Indian Express has a Q&A session with Hrithik

We think you're Bollywood's Man of the Moment…
It's been a great year not just for me personally but also for our industry. All in all, there have been lots of happy endings. I'm just a small part of this great victory of the entire industry.

But your films, Krrish and Dhoom 2, have spread maximum smiles among distributors?
It's always the film that works. Sure, actors are the last link with the audience and they ultimately translate the director's vision but they can't do anything alone. That said, I'm happy that my distributors are happy.

How do you look back at 2006?
I don't look back because the only purpose it serves is that it inflates the ego. I always believe that I did almost enough for my films but from the feedback, it seems that I did more than enough.

Are you your biggest critic?
Unfortunately, yes. I'm still looking for the negatives to come from the outside source that I can depend on. That will be so convenient. I get more intrigued by the people who have found fault in my work. I keep them close to me.

Koi…Mil Gaya, Lakshya, Krrish, Dhoom 2 and now Jodha Akbar, all of them are about larger-than-life super guys, don't you want to play a common man now?
I've always been a dreamer. I feel that if something in your mind is possible to do, then that dream is not big enough. I'm intrigued to know what my true potential is. The only way I can find that out is by pushing myself. Cinema should make you feel like a child. I have this urge to break out and give something not seen before to my audience... stuff like time travel, futuristic fare and invisible man.

What was more challenging, Krrish or Dhoom 2?
Definitely Krrish. And that's because of the risk in the concept. Before we began Krrish, whenever we would tell anyone that the film is about a superhero who wears a mask and a cape, people used to laugh.

What does success mean to you?
It means to be in complete control of your senses and to live without fear of being what you are, no matter what it is. It means being evolved enough to work the hardest I can, purely for the love of it.

How do you explain the furore created by the kiss in Dhoom 2?
Did you like the kiss?

Yes, I think you were good but that doesn't answer my question?
If you enjoyed it then I rest my case. Perfect.

What about the obscenity case filed by a Bihar lawyer against you and Aishwarya Rai?
Even talking about that lawyer would be giving him undue importance but I guess I have to say this once and for all. The man does not even represent five or six people, it's just his way of getting the TV crews in his office.

Are you the most expensive star after your Rs 35-crore three-film deal with Adlabs?
Remuneration is relative to the worth you pay for. And if you are offered a price without demanding it, things are quite obvious, aren't they?

John Abraham says you're the most gorgeous man. Comment.
I guess I'd say thank you and gift him a thesaurus as a birthday gift.

Hrithik Roshan in 2007?
Well, he's on to another big challenge in with Jodha Akbar. We are also working on Krrish 3 and should start shooting by the end of next year.

How are you enjoying the role of dad to Hrehaan?
Oh, my best role ever. We call him Ray in the house. That's become his nickname.

Hrithik's year of fame and glory
December 31, 2006
Hrithik's achievements in 2006

Year 2006 dispelled the notion that Hrithik Roshan cannot give hit movies outside his home banner Filmkraft. Without a doubt Hrithik can be called the most successful Bollywood star of 2006. Although the year saw a hit movie each from Aamir Khan and Sanjay Dutt , but Hrithik's charisma and magic remained unmatched.

For instance, Hrithik was the backbone of this year's highest grosser Dhoom 2 . The movie's super success also proved wrong those detractors who claimed that Hrithik succeeds only when he is directed by his father. Speaking of which, Hrithik heralded a new Superhero craze in Bollywood this year with Krrish , in which he played a village boy gifted with extraordinary physical abilities.

In both films (Dhoom 2 and Krrish), Hrithik did awe inspiring stunts. He jumped from buildings, dived into gorges, took giant leaps and did many stunts that left him injured many times. Later in the year, Hrithik became the highest paid actor in Bollywood after a multi-crore movie deal with AdLabs.

Presently, he is working in Ashutosh Gowarikar's movie Jodha Akbar in which he plays Emperor Akbar. Quite a fitting role for him.

Ten things 2006 will be most remembered for
December 31, 2006
Hrithik is one of the Ten things that 2006 will be most remembered for according to TOI

Hrithik Roshan: Challenged international stardom with Dhoom 2 this year. He will go on to become India's first 20-million-dollar actor.

Hrithik the 2006 superhero
December 31, 2006
Hrithik voted Best Actor in the year-end poll by the Telegraph

2005 was all Bachchan, from Black to Bluffmaster! 2006 has been all Roshan and Khan. Hrithik with his two nominations for Dhoom: 2 and Krrish has garnered more than 40 per cent of the total votes messaged in by the readers. But it is his Mr A in D: 2 that wins Hrithik the Best Actor honours, with a handful votes more than Aamir. Hrithik for Krrish is not far behind and leaves the fourth-placed Shah Rukh far behind in the race. Reason enough for Roshan Jr to command a market price of close to Rs 12 crore for a film. The man will be seen next in Ashutosh Gowariker's magnum opus Jodha Akbar, where he will again be paired opposite Ash. Will the kiss be given a miss because of the 16th century time tag?

A global success for Hrithik in 2007
December 29, 2006
Varnika has typed up an article about Hrithik from a weekly Page 3 Tabloid paper in Delhi. It predicts a global success for Hrithik in 2007 and also indicates some harm to his body *touches wood and prays for his safety*

Hrithik Roshan is a superhero
December 29, 2006
One of the 10 things Money Control learnt this year is that Hrithik is a superhero

Hrithik is a superhero. I mean think about it. He turned two just about average films into moneyspinning blockbusters. Don't forget, both "Krrish" and "Dhoom 2" were watchable only for Hrithik's fantastic performances. Take Hrithik out of these films and what you're left with are two extremely amateurish films which have little to offer in terms of either plot or entertainment.

New Dhoom 2 stills
December 28, 2006
Sonia has posted some new stills from Dhoom 2

Top Actors & Films of 2006
December 27, 2006
More year end review of Top Actors and Top Films of 2006 from Rediff

#8 Krrish
Alright, so the script was really weak. But a million loopholes aside, this film needs to be applauded for taking Bollywood back into the land of superheroes. While Krrish isn't our first caped wonderboy, he's definitely our first superhit superhero, and that blockbuster mainstream success is a massive step for the tragically overlooked Fantasy genre in Indian cinema. As superheroes go, he isn't a top performer. Krrish is a weakly written, derivative character that has no reason to click. Except, he's played by Hrithik Roshan. Fuelled purely by his fierce screen presence, Krrish becomes a character you like, enough to indulge in. It's a great film for kids, and while those of us wanting our superheroes dark and brooding may feel let down, it's certainly a landmark film giving birth to a new, appropriately big-budget Bollywood genre.

#6 Dhoom 2
This isn't merely a very cheesy film, but so riddled with plotholes that it'll make your head hurt. D2 is a collection of random moments, and is decidedly more music video than movie. Dhoom: 2 is so unabashedly about style, it's ridiculous. Everything in the film is about The Look, as it leaps from high point to higher point with glee. And, with Hrithik. Alright, so Bipasha Basu, Uday Chopra and Abhishek Bachchan also officially star, but this is Roshan's vehicle, an astonishingly big-budget film focussing solely on that star and his undeniable coolth. And you can't blame the makers. Roshan fires up the screen with mad, effortless style, leaving women gasping breathlessly and men jealous, awed. From abs to Americanisms, Roshan has the X-factor down pat, and proves himself in a totally different league. The director must be applauded, though, for turning Aishwarya Rai into a jaw-droppingly hot woman -- we don't even notice her dialogue delivery, we're so busy staring at her legs. Add to that Bipasha Basu in a terrific range of bikinis, and everyone's happy. But then Hrithik already took care of that. Whoa.

Men of the moment
December 27, 2006
Hrithik is voted the sexiest star of 2006 in an SMS poll

S for success; S for sexy... There are still some men around who don't need to take off their shirts to tell the world how sexy they are. And Hrithik Roshan sure heads that special list. From the time he swayed to Ek pal ka jeena in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, he was oozing sex appeal from every pore of that netted bodyhugging number. Salman Khan, in whose gym Hrithik used to work out before his celluloid launch, says that Duggu did in two months what people take two years to achieve. And unlike Sallumiyan, Hrithik hasn't flaunted his sculpted abs in every frame. But our readers, of course, have seen enough of Hrithik to crown him the Sexiest Star of 2006. With a whopping 44.2 per cent votes, the man of the moment is miles ahead of John Abraham, who had won the crown last year. It was Krrish and, more importantly, Dhoom:2 which swung things in Hrithik's favour. While Krrish had Hrithik's rippling biceps in slo-mo close-ups, in D:2 he looked born sexy. Will he win the Best Actor too and make it a hattrick (along with Best Look and Sexiest Star)? Watch this space

Gowariker not worried about Ash-Hrithik's image
December 25, 2006
Currently shooting Jodha Akbar in Rajasthan, director Ashutosh Gowariker is not worried about the contemporary image Hrithik and Ash in Dhoom 2. Both Hrithik and Ash are undergoing the most gruelling and rugged outdoor experience of their life, learning horse riding and sword fighting he said.

After the successful pairing of Hrithik-Ash in Dhoom 2, Ashutosh Gowariker is recreating a significant chunk of Mughal history with the star pair in Jodha-Akbar. Shooting for Jodha-Akbar is expected to be over in March 2007. "We're releasing the film on October 12," informs Gowariker.

"That's the Eid week. And we're looking at a cross-culture of audiences to come for the film," he adds. Is he worried by the contemporary image of his lead pair in Dhoom 2? “Not at all. In Dhoom 2, they are Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai. In my film they are Akbar and Jodha. Their personas in Dhoom 2 are closer to what they really are. Not that I've changed their physicality. But audiences will see only the characters."

Gowariker thinks that Ash and Hrithik are not only immensely good looking but also hugely talented. "I've seen every film of theirs from Kaho Na Pyaar Hai and Kyun Ho Gaya Na to Dhoom 2. They always show an easy adaptability to the requirements of every director. Be it Chokher Bali or Raincoat for Aishwarya or Mission Kashmir and Fiza for Hrithik, they've transformed in front of the camera. They're both intensely dedicated."

The diligent filmmaker is all praise for the pairing. "Hrithik and Ash look really good together in my film. But the full impact will be discernible only when the film releases. The give-and-take between the two as they get into the character is amazing." This is Ashutosh's most expensive film. "Our budget is Rs 37 crore. But my co-producer Ronnie Screwwala and I aren't looking at the budget as a responsibility. Between us we've worked out the financial details, including what is required in production and marketing."

At the moment Aishwarya and Hrithik are undergoing the most gruelling and rugged outdoor experience of their life. But the horse riding and sword fencing were not entirely a culture shock for them. "We had several sessions in Mumbai, lots of riding and sword-fighting lessons, just so that they'd be attuned to their Mughal characters and know the right way of riding a horse or holding a sword. You know sword-fencing is a very western concept, whereas the way the talwaar (sword) was used in the Mughal times was very different."

"I had got Hrithik and Ash accustomed to the body language and attitude of those times from beforehand. Now all they’re doing is executing a vision they’re already aware of," says Ashutosh from his location in Rajasthan." -- Subhash K Jha

13th Annual Star Screen Awards
December 25, 2006
Nominations for the Star Screen Awards are out and Krrish has been nominated for Best Film, Best Special Effects and Best Action. Double nominations for Hrithik in the Best Actor category for Dhoom 2 and Krrish. Ash has also been nominated for Best Actress for Dhoom 2. D2 is also nominated for Best Choreography and Best Action. The awards will be given away on January 6 at MMRDA Grounds, Bandra-Kurla Complex.

Bollywood hits jackpot in US
December 25, 2006
Forbes magazine estimates Dhoom 2 to be the biggest grosser taking in $18.4 million, followed by Fanaa ($17.7 million), KANK ($17.5 million), Krrish ($15.2 million), Omkara ($14.7 million) and Lage Raho Munnabhai ($14.1 million).

Hrithik machaye dhoom
December 25, 2006
An interview with choreographer Shiamak Davar where he mentioned Hrithik

He's made Bollywood's top stars bend over backwards for him, (quite literally, we mean) and while he admits he's really fond of Abhishek and Ash and 'loves' Rani, it's Hrithik Roshan his heart really beats for. "I love Hrithik," he announces, plain and simple and the reason is obvious enough: "He is phenomenal. People say I make him look good, but the truth is he's the one who makes me look good!"

Year end reviews
December 25, 2006
Komal Nahta reviews this year's movies and their performance at the box office.

With the year coming to a close, it is now certain that 2006 belonged to Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan. Both the top stars had two releases each and all four of them hit the bull's eye. Hrithik, of course, must be rejoicing because he stars in the two biggest hits of the year. Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra's Dhoom 2 — starring Hrithik, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu — smashed all previous records to become the biggest grosser of the year. It surpassed Krrish which firmly established Hrithik as India's first super hero.

From The Telegraph

Krrish
Look up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman! No, it's Krrish. India's first homebred superhero soared high, and far and wide. It needed the super-heroics of Hrithik to pull it off despite a snail-paced narrative and a 70s-sounding score. In effect he made a superhero film a sequel to a sci-fi movie! And just like Lage Raho Munnabhai, Krrish did a Godfather by bettering Koi… Mil Gaya.

Dhoom:2
We had to stop counting the number of admits on December 19, otherwise D:2 could well have slipped into the top three. And why not? With so many Hrithik Roshans in the same film, storylines or characters or logic didn't matter. Plus, Ash with less flab and frills and Bips bouncing in Baywatch gear. Crazy kiya re, for sure!

From Apunkachoice

Year 2006 saw the reinvention of action genre in Bollywood. Hrithik Roshan raised the bar and set a new standard for action heroes by his death-defying stunts in films like Krrish and Dhoom 2 . And it seems less likely that any other Bollywood star will be able to surpass what Hrithik did in these films. He jumped down from dizzy heights, took great leaps, did sand-boarding, roller-skating, dived into a gorge and in the process of doing so he did hurt himself a couple of times. Along with blood and sweat, these stunts brought Hrithik the well-deserved title of a 'superhero'.

Sexy Roshan
December 22, 2006
Another interview with Hrithik from The Telegraph

The 20-something chicks are screaming for you after Dhoom 2.
I’ve noticed. The response has been pretty aggressive. The roars and shrieks and the handshakes are all a compliment for my work. I don’t let them inflate my ego.

A new phase has begun in your career with Krrish and Dhoom 2?
You think so? I’ve never had such responses before. I’m getting all kinds of feedback from every quarter. I believe Dhoom 2 is even bigger than Krrish. All of us are ecstatic. Uday and I’ve been together since Standard 2 in school. We feel we’re back in school and won a competition together. Abhishek, Uday and I are constantly calling each other for feedback. Thank God our childhood friendship never got lost in adult ambitions.

You’ve the whole nation by their vitals.
Ha! That’s funny. I take that as an impetus and motivation to go to another level as an actor. I don’t let it tamper with my sense of self. I won’t think about things that hamper my growth. I’d rather not think of myself as invincible. I’d rather think about the next challenge which is Jodha-Akbar. Anything beyond that would be detrimental to my dreams as an actor. An actor’s downfall begins when he begins to take the adulation too seriously.

Ashutosh Gowariker describes Dhoom 2 as a showreel for your abilities. Flattering thought?
He was being generous to an actor he loves so much. But I don’t think showreels work as movies. Even if Dhoom 2 is a fantasy caper there’s a thought, plot and emotion behind it, though it might not be immediately apparent. A showreel for my abilities? No way!

What about all those exotic sports and stunts?
Agreed, they’re an attraction. But I think what worked for my character is that I played a cool guy for the first time. I did play one in the second half of Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai. But that’s it. Otherwise I was relegated to playing goody two-shoes…you know, the consummate do-gooder with a sweet smile on his face.

We still think your best performance to date is in Arjun Sablok’s Na Tum Jaano Na Hum.
I need to look at that film again.

How does it feel to have finally got there right at the top?
Great! But it’s futile to do mental gymnastics about my box-office position. These are numbers meant to only inflate your ego. I’m enjoying it, yes. It’s very important for me to understand that people are only trying to make me happy by calling me Rock Star and No. 1, or whatever.

But there’s a growing feeling that you are No. 1.
I’d rather not waste my time thinking about this. I’ve done good work and Dhoom 2 worked. What made it work was that all of us in the film were on the same side. All of us — Abhishek, Ash, Uday, Bipasha and I — were trying to make the same film. That’s why we had such a happy ending.

Would you say your superstardom was somewhat stymied by the spate of setbacks after Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai?
No. I think what happened with my career was for the best. I got to see the high and the low very early in my career. It gave me a clear and balanced perspective on how to go about my career.I also learnt not to take labels like ‘Superstar’ seriously. It’s very easy to start believing in the persona that’s created for you in the media. Once that happens, you are finished.

Did the exuberant welcome and then the snide comments about being your dad’s resident hero after Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai caution you? No, it completely freed me from people’s expectations. I started doing things that came from my my heart. I chose the path that came naturally to me. Doing my best for all my roles is my only option. If during the low phase I had tried to live up to the labels that were given to me after my debut I’d have never done a Koi…Mil Gaya where I played a mentally challenged character. I’d have been too conscious of cultivating an image to try so non-sexy and unheroic roles. For all practical purposes it was a wrong career move. Being an actor is all about exploring all the personalities that come your way.

It’s about trying to be people who you are not?
Not really. I think every character I played, in Dhoom 2 or Yaadein or Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, had a bit of me. If I don’t connect with the character through my performances I’d end up hamming. Some unexplored, maybe unknown, side of your personality goes into every character. I’ve a bit of Rohit and Aryan in me. And yet they’re new people to me.

Women find you sexy after Dhoom 2, we believe?
After the nerd and the innocent Koi…Mil Gaya and Krrish it’s very reassuring to know I’m capable of jumping from one end of the image spectrum to another. As an actor it’s very satisfying.

People feel you’ve never looked better.
The entire credit for that should be given to the stylist Anaita who took charge of the film’s look. I can’t even begin to take credit for my look. Right from the conception stage Anaita led me into the look.

It’s believed that good-looking people don’t make great actors.
I completely disagree with that. In fact, I believe good looks are about extraordinary acting. If you’re a good actor you’re bound to look good. It’s the strength, confidence and composure that lend character and good looks to an actor. All these qualities make you sexy.

But a lot of ordinary looking actors are great actors!
The fact that they’re considered great actors makes them good looking. An actor may not be into gyming and slimming. He still has all the women lusting after him. How do you explain that? There’s a secret ingredient which you exude and radiate as an actor. That’s the quality that makes you sexy. -- Subhash K. Jha

Video Download: Crazy Remix
December 22, 2006
Yash Raj Films has posted special cut of 'Crazy Kiya Re', download here (right click and save), if that doesn't work for you download here or here

Krrish-crossed
December 21, 2006
A sweet story of a 6 year old boy, Ahaan Jain, who flies down from Delhi to get his picture taken with Hrithik for his Krrish Mania theme birthday party, very nice picture too. Lucky boy!

Hrithik Roshan may have a million fans around the world, but this little fan flew all the way from Delhi just to have his picture taken with Hrithik for his Krrish Mania theme birthday party.

Ahaan Jain, who celebrates his 6th birthday on December 23, has watched Krrish countless times and is a big fan of Hrithik Roshan. So it wasn’t surprising when he told his mother Monal, that he wanted a Hrithik Mania birthday party for his 6th birthday. But his grandfather Ashok Purohit had a tougher task ahead of him as Ahaan said, “Nana, I want to meet Hrithik Roshan as my birthday gift from you.”

Fortunately for Ashok Purohit, he is the owner of a number of multiplexes in Gujarat, which includes Gujarat’s oldest multiplex, City Pulse, in Gandhinagar. Rakesh Roshan had visited the multiplex after Krrish became a hit for an interactive session with the audience and had promised Ahaan whom he had met then that he’d bring Hrithik back for the 100th day of Krrish in City Pulse. However, since Hrithik was busy shooting he couldn’t make it and Rakesh Roshan came alone. So Ashok Purohit got in touch with trade analyst Komal Nahata who spoke with Hrithik and arranged a meeting with him.

Monal Jain, Ahaan’s mother, says, “I do a lot of interior work for the multiplexes. When I’m busy with that Ahaan watches the shows. I’ve lost count of how many times he must have watched Krrish. He knows all the dialogues and every scene by heart.”

* Hrithik was exceptionally sweet. Ahaan was very shy at first, so Hrithik talked with him and made him comfortable. — Monal Jain, Ahaan’s mother

About their meeting with Hrithik, she says, “We flew down from Delhi and went to Hrithik’s house. Hrithik was exceptionally sweet. Ahaan was very shy at first, so Hrithik talked with him and made him comfortable. Then he made him sit on his lap. Ahaan told him that he doesn’t like to eat and just like Krrish wants to only run and grows strong.

“Hrithik explained to him that it’s important to eat good food so that he can grow up to be a strong man like Krrish, and apart from watching movies, it’s important to study and be intelligent. That was really sweet of him.”

“He asked Ahaan why he was not being invited to the party. So we invited him and now we’re in the process of sending him the invitation card and a thank you note,” adds Jain.

Ahaan is now waiting for his party where he will be dressed as Krrish and will cut a Krrish-shaped cake. The invitation card has a picture of Krrish, saying, “I’m coming, are you?”

There will also be a Krrish corner where children can pose with a man dressed like Krrish for photographs and a river which a man dressed like Krrish helps the children to cross, informs Monal.

Well, here’s wishing Ahaan a fantastic Hrithik birthday and a big Krrish bash. -- Aditi Jayakar Kane

Dhoom time
December 21, 2006
It's official, Dhoom 2 is the biggest movie of 2006, Krrish a super hit and Hrithik the hero of the year

It's official. Dhoom 2, Yashraj's follow-up to the formula which fizzed hugely in 2004 — non-stop action carried out by bootylicious stars all dressed to kill — is the biggest movie of the year. Krrish's terrific performance, both in India and abroad, proved a couple of points. That Hrithik needed daddy's packaging to come up trumps again (the biggest films of his career have been Roshan Sr's movies). And that we are so starved for our own superhero that we will embrace anything we get, even a bad script, a silly heroine, and a Hrithik in designer mask. The light-eyed hero is by far and away The Hero Of The Year in terms of the box office: his electric if pumped-up presence in Dhoom 2 in which he plays a savvy thief dims everyone else in the movie, including the very sexy Aishwarya Rai, who must have been relieved, given how badly her much-hyped Umrao Jaan did.

Superhero creates Dhoom!
December 21, 2006
More year end review and praises for Hrithik

He looks like an international star. His dynamic personality makes the girls go weak in the knees. Children adore him and young men aspire to be like him. Yes, it is Hrithik Roshan, one of the most hard-working actors in the industry. When he is given a character, he makes sure that he lives it than just play it. As a young man, with extraordinary powers, Duggu set the box-office on fire in Daddy dear's 'Krissh'. 'Krissh' was seen as an Indian answer to western 'Superman'. Months later, he swept the nation off its feet in Dhoom 2, as a 'superb thief'. His breathtaking stunts and exceptionally cool looks impressed audiences so much that he stole the limelight despite the presence of none other than most good-looking Ash and ravishing Bips. Even Abhishek Bachchan went unnoticed against his towering personality. He has become the darling of box-office now.

RS Bollywood Awards 2006
December 20, 2006
Nominations for Radiosargam Bollywood Awards 2006 have been announced and as expected Hrithik has been nominated for Best Actor (Krrish) and Best Villain (Dhoom). Vote for Hrithik here

'To absorb so much flattery can be detrimental to your growth'
December 20, 2006
An interview with Hrithik from DNA

Since he flies like a restless bird from one continent and city to another, it’s surprising to actually find him at his eye-filling, tastefully appointed house in a meandering Juhu lane. Bankably well-mannered, he’s with me on the dot of the appointed minute. Evidently, he’s at peace with himself, since the response to his negative act in Dhoom 2 was vital to his career. Its major success has broken the myth that he clicks only under the direction of his father Rakesh Roshan. Here’s an actor who’s on a major upswing…which is why one asks..

What’s your state of mind at this very moment?
That I’m back to square one. Even my immediate past has no relevance to my present or future. I don’t rest on my laurels, I start from scratch all over again, like I’m doing with Jodha-Akbar.

Aren’t you relishing the tremendous appreciation for your Dhoom 2 performance?
I’ve been through this before. A lot is said to inflate an actor’s ego. To absorb so much flattery can be detrimental to your growth. I take as much from the compliments as I need to be charged for my next film. I try to strike a balance by attributing the rest to the magic of the movies.

Surely, you’re elated by the response to Dhoom 2.
I’m very elated, I was waiting to do a film like Dhoom 2 and a character like Aryan. I was feeling much too stagnated with my good boy roles, I needed to spice up my life, make a big leap from Rohit in Koi Mil Gaya to Aryan on the other end of the spectrum. I always thought I was more of Rohit, less of Aryan. Now, it’s the other way around..it was fun exploring that aspect of my personality.

Did you add that extra bit because of the competition around?
I put in as much as the project needed... as much as I did in Koi Mil Gaya, Lakshya and Krrish. No one was competing against the other in Dhoom 2. Friends were working as if they were back in school. Also, there was no question of overshadowing the other. If an artist paints a sunset, he may use more yellow than red..this doesn’t mean red is less beautiful than yellow. All of us were like colours in a painting.

Are you surprised that the kiss with Aishwarya Rai has been so widely discussed?
Look, the kiss was a moment of love between the characters. It all depends on your upbringing. In some cultures, even holding hands in public is scandalous. In the west, it is extremely normal to kiss. For me, it is a beautiful moment on screen..two people in love with tears in their eyes.. I’ve always wanted to see a moment like that on the Indian screen. I’m very happy with the way it turned out.

Can you confirm your three-film deal with Adlabs for the astronomical amount of Rs 30 crore?
Yes, I have. It seems huge because I’ve set the ball rolling. By the time the third film starts, I might be being underpaid. Five years ago, actors were earning 25 per cent of what they are getting now. In another three years it might scale up five times over. Till eight months ago, you’d be laughed at if you thought your film would cross the 100 crore mark. Now, you’re dissastisfied if your film doesn’t cross that. The market for our movies is growing tremendously. Also, this is the price one is offered, it hasn’t been demanded.

Others must be offering you huge money too?
(Smiles) I’ve got absurd offers which I’ve said no to.

How many scripts do you reject in a day?
I haven’t been reading too many scripts since the last six months. Either there’s a misconception that I’m not accessible or maybe filmmakers are just not thinking of me. Apparently, you take quite some time before accepting or rejecting a script. No, I’m instinctive. I hear a narration or read a script as the audience would. If it’s imaginative and explores another side of my personality, I say yes immediately.

Have you done films without hearing the scripts?
A lot of them.. just on blind faith.

How do you rate yourself on the ambition scale?
I’m not ambitious, I’m competitive. When I’m pitted against any other human being, I go ballisitic.

You operate from the mind or heart?
I operate from the soul.

Are you a big dreamer?
I dream with my eyes open. In a crowd, I’m as far away as Mars. That’s scary and embarrassing. As a kid, I’d miss out on lunch because I’d be dreaming.

Do you get enough time with your son?
Sure, the world stops spinning when I’m with Hrehaan.

What qualities do you want him to inherit?
To be his own person. I wouldn’t want to force anything on him. Children learn by observation and their environment. If Hrehaan grows up watching his parents do the right thing and being good people, I hope that’s what he’ll become.

On a different tack, how do you handle women propositioning you?
(Laughs) Since my marriage, I’ve never had to handle this.

How do you deal with on-the-sets flirtation?
Flirting without any ulterior motives is great fun. It’s exciting, energising it’s a great stimulant to the brain.

Does that happen with you?
Yes.

What if you weren’t recognised in public?
Recently, I thought a cab driver in London was pretending not to know me. But in the course of the conversation, I realised he really didn’t know who I am. I was embarrassed, I told him I was one of the biggest stars in India. And wanted to prove this to him desperately. God must have heard me. At a red traffic light, a group of Indian girls began screaming and pounding on the cab. (Laughs) I must have never had such a victorious smile on being accosted by fans. So, he didn’t take any money from me, only my autograph. I’m famous enough to be recognised. If someone pretends not to recognise me, then he needs to get a life.

Is there anything you aren’t perfect at?
(Chuckles) I’m not perfect, it’s just the magic of the movies. -- Nilufer Qureshi

I've never felt more alive: Hrithik Roshan
December 20, 2006
Hindustan Times has excerpts from a new interview with Hrithik.

Hrithik Roshan's popularity has scaled new heights with the success of Dhoom 2 and the superhero says in a matter of fact tone that he deserves it. "I'd like to believe no one gets what they don't deserve. I've to keep growing," Hrithik told IANS in an interview.

You've suddenly shot into the biggest league.
I'd like to believe no one gets what they don't deserve. I've to keep growing.

What preparations are on for Jodha-Akbar?
Swords are breaking. Horses are throwing me off (laughs). Thankfully, it wasn't a serious fall. The only thing was my leg got caught in the stirrup. I got dragged on the ground a bit. I suppose these things will keep happening.

But accidents keep happening to you quite frequently.
Yeah, I know. I think I've people's good wishes with me. In spite of these accidents nothing serious happens to me. The only way to perfection is to fall and rise. If you don't fall, you never know the pleasure of rising. A child needs to stumble before he learns to run.

But now you're a father too, hence the added responsibility.
Right. That's why I stretch myself a little more so I set a good example for him. It's more important to learn to rise after the fall than to not fall.

No what I meant was, the risks you take could affect your son if, god forbid, something were to happen to you.
Sure, I've to exercise that little bit of caution for Hrehaan's sake. I guess I fell off the horse during the rehearsals for Jodha-Akbar so it doesn't happen with the camera on....Looking at where I'm coming from - Koi Mil Gaya, Lakshya, Krrish - going to Dhoom 2 and Jodha-Akbar, it's like the whole spectrum. As an actor I'm getting to explore different areas. I'm truly enjoying myself. Jodha-Akbar takes me to a place where I've never travelled even in my imagination. The journey has already become very fascinating for me. I've been reading up books on the Mughal rulers. Rest of the research is being done by Ashutosh Gowariker. He's absolutely amazing.

A nice contrast for you and Aishwarya Rai after Dhoom 2?
Yes, people are already talking about how good we're looking together in Dhoom 2. That feels good, considering at one time we were considered a mismatch. With our light eyes and fair skin we were almost seen as siblings. I don't think I've looked better with any other actress. We've one more film together and we better look good.

You've entered a new phase in your life.
I've never felt more alive. I'm evolving with each step. People don't grow old. When they stop growing they become old. I never want to get there. You just have to keep evolving.

Earlier there was a criticism that you put too much intensity into every part...
Well, you evolve as an actor. You get better with every shot. I've given my best to every shot I've done. So, whatever I did at that time was right for back then. And I'll never look back with regret at anything I did. But yes, of course, I've become more casual before the camera. There's no better teacher than experience. It's only after seven-eight films that every actor begins to realise his potential. I think I've got there now. You know I grew up watching movies that gave me a supposedly ideal view of how a hero behaves. Somewhere that got stuck in my mind. Most of the initial work that an actor does is played out of reference. You've seen an actor hold a gun in a particular way. And you get unconsciously influenced into doing the same. Once those influences melt, you begin to discover your own individuality.

People used to say you clicked only with your dad.
People would find some way to give their own egos a boost, even if it means making such irresponsible statements. Please ask them to look at the collections of Krrish. It's the biggest hit of my career. And, if I've a director (father Rakesh Roshan) at home, who can conceive ideal projects for me, why shouldn't I make use of it?

Your dad's next superhero film?
He's going through various story ideas. Krrish will live on even if it isn't my next film with my dad. Yes we've thought of turning Krrish into a comic-book character, or an animation character. Dad is exploring various possibilities.

Your future plans?
Jodha-Akbar right away. Then Zoya Akhtar's film. Dates are in place.

You've been experimenting a lot with your looks.
All the compliments that have come to me for my looks in Dhoom 2 must go to my stylist Anaida. Not that I ever had a style. But yes, I've been changing my looks for all my films. You've to keep challenging yourself. I'll be changing my looks, clothes and entire stance for all my roles. It's part of my evolution as an actor. -- Subhash K. Jha

Krrish 2 to hit the screen in 2007
December 20, 2006
TOI reports that production for Krrish 3 will start in the second half of 2007

An ecstatic Hrithik says, "All I can say at this point is, I wish I could play the villain in Krrish 3. I'm really excited about the villain's role, so much so that I feel like giving up the super-hero's mantle to play the villain." If he's so enthusiastic about it he could play both the super-hero and the villain in Krrish 3? "No, no," shrugs Hrithik. "That would be a triple role, because I'll already be playing the father, son and the villain." "We intend to start shooting by the year-end. It all depends on Jodha-Akbar which I think will require two extra months of shooting, plus about 40 days of dubbing. In Dhoom 2 I didn't have that much to speak and I still took about 25 days to dub for it."

As for a clamour to have him back in the third part of the Dhoom series, Hrithik is all for it. "Well, I think Dhoom is a fabulous franchise. It has to move on. Whether my character Aryan will be back or not remains to be seen. Anything is possible in the movies. The challenge for every Dhoom and Krrish film is to be bigger and brighter than before. I think we're climbing the ladder very fast. Soon we needn't fear comparisons with our Hollywood counterparts." Hrithik is in a daring mood. "The point is to find new challenges. I only want to do make-or-break films. And Krrish 3 falls into that category."

Mr. Talented - Hrithik Roshan
December 20, 2006
Rediff reviews the big stars of 2006 and has nice things to say about Hrithik

2006 was Hrithik Roshan's year. With no film release in 2005 -- nothing after Farhan Akhtar's Lakshya in 2004 -- this year the actor came back with a bang with Krissh and Dhoom 2. Hrithik has proved his acting prowess in a variety of films like Koi... Mil Gaya, Lakshya, Mission Kashmir... and with each film, he has emerged as one of Bollywood's most dependable and respected stars. In Dhoom 2, Hrithik is a treat to watch. From his style, to the way he walks, the way he talks, the way he dances and of course the way he kisses -- which provoked an advocate in Indore to file a case for obscenity against him and Ash! One of Hindi film's most hard-working actors, he will next be seen in Ashutosh Gowarikar's ambitious project Jodha Akbar opposite Dhoom 2 co-star Ash. With a mammoth three-film contract worth Rs 35 crore with Adlabs, Hrithik Roshan is Bollywood's top gun of the year.

Video Download: GIFA and Pogo Awards
December 19, 2006
Video clips of Hrithik from the GIFA Awards and one from Pogo awards are up, thanks to the usual suspects, Himanshi, Yashika and Sarah for the clips. Those with broadband connection, Vani has uploaded the whole show that contains every clips of Hrithik, download here (45 mb)

Hrithik apologises to Sussanne
December 19, 2006
Poor Hrithik won't be able to spend his wedding anniversary with Sussanne this year (Dec 20) due to the shooting of Jodha Akbar. He returned to Rajasthan yesterday to shoot the movie and is expected to be back in Mumbai on Dec 29, in time to celebrate the new year with family.

Thanks to Ashutosh Gowariker, Hrithik has just had an unexpectedly long holiday. Says Hrithik , "I was let off for a couple of days during the release of Dhoom 2. But then I had another 5-day gap later in the shooting schedule. Ashutosh suggested I take those five days off now, so I could spend a longish period in Mumbai with my family. Hrithik returns to Rajasthan on Monday (18 December).

But there's bad news. "For the first time I won't be here in Mumbai with my wife for our anniversary on 20th December. I'm going to be in Rajasthan for Jodha-Akbar. And considering there's no access to a mobile network, no means of communication where I'll be shooting on location, I won't even be able to speak to her. This is the first time that such a thing will happen since we got married. "

But there's heartening news for Suzanne and Hrehaan. "I'm expected to be back on 29 December to spend time with my friends and family and bring in the New Year... It will be my son Hrehaan's first New Year and therefore special. I think that will somewhat compensate for my absence on the 20th. I hope Suzanne will agree."

Such a long shot!
December 19, 2006
Ashutosh wants his Jodha Akbar to be perfect that he took three days to shoot a scene involving Aishwarya and Hrithik.

Says a source, "The shooting has been going very smoothly, but Ashutosh has been taking a really long time. Last month, for a scene involving Aishwarya and Hrithik, he took three days. Right since the beginning, he has been canning one scene a day and at times, even one scene in two days." The unit, currently in Rajasthan, is filming the battle sequences. When contacted, Sunita Gowariker, Ashutosh's wife, and the executive producer on the movie, said that all directors have their own vision, and they work according to that. "I am sure every director is particular and so is Ashutosh. It is true that canning the best is always his aim," she said.

Nothing Bollywood about it
December 17, 2006
Times of India talks about Dhoom 2 saying that there's nothing bollywood about the movie.

With Dhoom2, the Hindi film industry has become truly international.

'Tis true that a swallow makes not a spring and then again, there is no denying that it heralds the beginning of a lovely season anyway. Likewise, there is nothing that spells 'Regular' or 'Bollywood' when it comes to Sanjay Gadhvi's Dhoom 2 — whether when you talk of the stars, their hairstyles, the accents (including a liberal sprinkling of the Queen's language) the acting, the stunts, locations (barring a few Film City or indoor studio sets), treatment or even more importantly — content. You also can't miss out on the song and dance, which is so integral to a Hindi film. They spell anything but....

It is also a trifle ironical that D:2 should have emerged from the portals of Yashraj Films — known hitherto for the typical 'Bollywood-ish' (read formula) film — the studio which has made its moolah on love stories like Chandni, Lamhe, Silsila and more recently Veer-Zaara. But the Hindi film tag for D:2 is purely incidental, even though its own maker Gadhvi refers to it as a 'typical formula film'.

If you watch carefully, the film could have been set anywhere in the world with an international star cast and worked just as well. And it certainly won't go down in Indian film history as "a love story between two thieves" as Gadhvi would have us believe. Nothing about Hrithik, Abhishek (despite his Mumbai cop routine) or Aishwarya — from their personal outfits to their accents speaks 'Indian'. They're not Shahrukh Khan or Kajol in Kucch, Kucch Hota Hai or a Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge who wear designer stuff and espouse Indian values. Neither are they Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan in Kal Ho... where they are set in alien environs but rooted to India.

It is not a film made for NRIs or even the homegrown desi who loves only family sagas like Baabul and Baghban. It is film consciously created and mounted for the international audiences and just as well. Says Gadhvi, "We've come to a stage in Indian filmmaking where the audiences (along with the filmmakers) are willing to experiment. It may sound cocky and arrogant in retrospect to say that we always intended for D:2 to be this kind of a film, but it is true. The intended treatment, the visual patterns, styling, the editing pattern, the dialogue of the film (more than half of which is in English) and the background everything was planned so."

And Rakesh Roshan who has been responsible for giving that 'international feel' (from Kaho Naa Pyar Hai to Krrish) in Hindi films to a large extent agrees: "I rely more on content and sprinkle SFX liberally throughout my films. And that has worked. Whatever you see in Hindi films is in today's context. You can style the films the way you choose. The (only thing is that) audiences will accept anything with an emotional connect. But you can't have pure stylisation without a storyline."

One also cannot discount that these films aren't apologetic to their audiences. They dictate their language and treatment and the audiences accept it. As was the case with Homi Adjania's highly experimental Being Cyrus. "I am not from any school of filmmaking or didn't have anyone to emulate. It was my perspective of things without being structured or tailormade." Notably, its success then denotes the evolution of the Indian audiences.

So, even though the makers may disagree (citing "too soon" as a reason) that Hindi cinema has arrived at par with 'international formula cinema' there can be no taking away that Hrithik Roshan (with his blonde looks, impeccable English and daredevilry in D:2) is tough competition for any hero in world cinema today. And that, this time round, you take the swallow with the spring. -- Manjula Negi

Hrithik Roshan gets a break
December 17, 2006
TOI epaper (Dec 16 issue) reports that Hrithik got an extended break from filming Jodha Akbar

What was supposed to be a couple of days break for Hrithik Roshan turned out to be a slightly longer vacation—all thanks to the perfectionist Ashutosh Gowarikar. Hrithik took a quick break to attend a function in Malaysia, and was supposed to rush back to Jodhpur where he's shooting for Jodhaa Akbar. But Gowarikar wanted to add finishing touches to the sets of the film, to bring more authenticity to it. Not that Hrithik is complaining, a little more bonding time with his baby boy Hrehaan is always welcome. Right, daddy Duggu?

John Players: Playing on the multiple faces of Hrithik Roshan
December 17, 2006
A review of Hrithik's latest commercial for John Players, if you haven't seen it yet watch here or download here

Sony to air GIFA on 17 December
December 14, 2006
The 2006 GIFA awards held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia recently will be aired on Sony Entertainment Television on 17 December at 8 pm. Hrithik won the Best Actor award for Krrish and dad, Rakesh Roshan was honoured with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema.

Krrish wins kids' hearts at POGO awards
December 14, 2006
The kids have chosen Hrithik as the Most Amazing Actor and Krrish the Most Amazing Film at the 2006 POGO Amazing Kids Awards held on Sunday. Priyanka Chopra also won the Most Amazing Actress award for Krrish. The show will be telecast on POGO TV on December 17 at 7.30 pm. Thanks to Meena over at the HR board for the tip.

Hrithik as good as Ford, Cruise
December 14, 2006
Stunt director Vic Armstrong rates Hrithik in an interview saying, "Hrithik is as good as any actor I have had the pleasure to work with. He is athletic, talented, brave and enthusiastic. I would rate him on a par with Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise, etc, and he was one of the pleasures of working on Dhoom:2."

Video Download: Krrish screening in Goa
December 13, 2006
Vani has uploaded clips of Hrithik in Goa for the screening of Krrish, they are from NDTV Night Out, IBN 7, NDTV Raat Baaki and Zoom. Thanks to Sarah, Yashika and Himanshi for the clips.

Kangana now a Hrithik fan
December 13, 2006
New comer Kangana Ranaut has become a huge fan of Hrithik after the GIFA Awards, she said, "In a world filled with dishonourable intentions Hrithik is such a thorough genteleman. He knows how to make a lady feel special. He spoke to me as if I was the best actress in the world. I think his wife is very very lucky…Where can I find a husband like that?" Speaking of GIFA, Smashits has some photos here

John Abraham loves D2
December 13, 2006
In an interview promoting Kabul Express, John Abraham said he has watched Dhoom 2 and loved it

As a film, I loved Dhoom:2, I loved all the characters. I think they were exceptional. The real hero of the movie was the styling. The stunts were beautiful and well executed. Hrithik was really good, so was Bipasha - she looked hot, and Aishwarya looks beautiful as always. Abhishek I am too fond of, I like him wherever I see him and Uday always does a great job as Ali. Everybody did a great job, the movie was completely entertaining to watch. I guess I feel a special affinity towards Dhoom:2 because I was part of the original Dhoom.

Filmy to honour 'Filmy Person of the Year'
December 12, 2006
Sahara One's Hindi movie channel Filmy has launched its search for the 'Filmy Person Of The Year 2006' and Hrithik has been nominated for the award along with Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan and Himesh Reshammiya. The award is to honour the one film personality for his/her outstanding contribution to the industry in 2006.

Dhoom 2 message: be cool, stay alive
December 11, 2006
The Mumbai police and the Yash Raj Films have agreed to air a PSA to motorists to ride and drive safely. The message by Abhishek and Bipasha will be shown in cinemas across the country.

Decoding Hrithik Roshan
December 11, 2006
Mandvi Sharma decodes Hrithik Roshan in this interview where Hrithik talks about his flops, Sussanne and Hrehaan

Love to drool over, is madly in love with his wife. Mandvi Sharma decodes Hrithik Roshan.

Kaho naa... star hai: I had no inkling that 14 January 2000, the day Kaho Naa... Pyar Hai was released, would turn out the way it did. I hit the bull's-eye on the first go, so never understood what I did to deserve this kind of a welcome. This was a little unnerving. It took me years and Koi... Mil Gaya to find mental peace. Nothing comes easy: But it is not as if I had not prepared for my movie career. I had a major stammering problem as a kid and was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 21. Doctors said I would never be able to dance and do all that a film actor does. But I never let it dishearten me, instead I concentrated on achieving my next little step.

Flops... lessons learnt: It is very important to fail because it is only then that you know the real glory of rising. I have had my share of flops. While accepting responsibility for them all, I also understand that one needs to push oneself and be out there to find out what you are really made of. If you always stay in the safe zone, you would never find out what is inside you. In fact, failure is the greatest teacher, so why fear it? She's the one: To have someone like Suzanne as my life partner makes me feel lucky. I think I am among those lucky ones who actually meet their soulmates. Commitment in my life is not a big thing. Suzanne is the most wonderful, levelheaded woman I have ever seen.

In fact, before my Dhoom2 kiss with Ash, my wife laid down only one condition – 'If you're going to kiss on screen, this better be the best bloody kiss in the entire world!' And it was a challenge I had to live up to! When she was going to see the preview, I was tense not about the kiss but whether it would live up to the high standards she had set for me. You could say I had performance anxiety. But she was fully satisfied... and quite proud of me. The legacy of the silent H: The legacy of the silent H continues.

I can't explain in words how it feels to have Hrehaan in my life. It is truly a wonderful feeling to be a father. My own best friend: I have no issues with anybody... Abhishek or any other actor. I think if you are comfortable with yourself, you can get along with anyone. It is your own awkwardness that makes you like a few and hate a few. But if you are completely egoless, then you will see people for what they are and not how you want to see them.

Madhoo bowled over by Hrithik
December 11, 2006
Actress Madhoo talks about Hrithik in an interview with Hindustan Times.

"I run a lot and dance all the time. I want to practice every new classical Indian step and every thing that Hrithik Roshan does. Of course, it's difficult matching steps with Hrithik but I love doing it," she laughs. She mentions watching Hrithik's latest action flick and admits to have been bowled over. "Actors who are not very consistent performers manage to stay longer in public memory. Hrithik is one of them. His performances are unpredictable. I have not liked him in films like Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon but he's stunned me with a Koi Mil Gaya and now Dhoom 2."

Will Akbar be bare chested?
December 10, 2006
Manish has posted a new interview with Hrithik from the Hindustan Times.

Hrithik won best actor award at GIFA
December 10, 2006
Hrithik won the Best Actor award at the 2006 GIFA Awards held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last night. He was there to accept the award. Dad Rakesh Roshan was honoured with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema but lost the Best Director award to Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra for Rang De Basanti. Lage Raho Munnabhai was voted the Best Movie. Some photos from Reuters. Watch a video clip from IBN.

Hrithik has gone ahead of Abhishek'
December 10, 2006
Sanjay Gadhvi talks about Hrithik in Dhoom 2

People were also surprised that it is so Hrithik-centric and that apparently, Abhishek got a short shrift.
I have received a lot of flak that Abhishek has been overshadowed by Hrithik in the movie. But how can I help it? Anyway, the Dhoom formula is heavily in favour of the bad guy. On paper, Hrithik's role is 55 per cent, but with his intense commitment, focus and hard work, he has made it a one-horse race. Hrithik's simply unbelievable in the movie and he's gone ahead of Abhishek. He owns the film.

How was your experience working with Hrithik?
Everyone talks about him being a perfectionist but he's beyond that. He treats every shot with equal importance and I think he's a great actor who's capable of a lot of variation. He has so far played the good guy and I think the audience loves to see an actor they love play a baddie. Just like Shah Rukh in Darr. The same way, Hrithik has been recast with Dhoom 2. -- Full interview

Video Download: 'Dhoom 2' DVD audio promo
December 9, 2006
Yash Raj Films has posted a clip (right click and save) of Hrithik, Abhishek and Uday promoting the Dhoom 2 DVD audio. If the link doesn't work for you, download here. Manish has posted a scan here

'Dhoom 2' is one of the best action films of the year
December 9, 2006
All Bollywood reports that Krrish and Dhoom 2 are the two best reviewed Hindi action films this year.

Hrithik Roshan has found his competition this year to be himself. The two best reviewed Hindi action films of the year have been Dhoom 2 and Krrish, with Krrish scoring a 66% with critics (out of 44 critics reviews) and Dhoom 2 scoring a 64% (with 45 critics reviews), both of which are good. Dhoom 2 has done better with critics than the first Dhoom, which had a 60% rating with the critics. Krrish is currently the 5th best reviewed major film of the year, while Dhoom 2 is the 8th. The top 20 films so far for 2006.

Jodha Akbar has nothing to do with Mughal-e-Azam
December 6, 2006
Ashutosh and Hrithik talk about Jodha Akbar

Hrithik while speaking on the subject of Jodha-Akbar was quick to stress the fact that this project had nothing to do with Mughal-e-Azam. "It goes into another period of Emperor Akbar and his Rajput wife's life. For me the challenge of doing my first costume drama is to look convincincing in the old-world costumes. I'm r eally looking forward to my first period film…though a bit afraid of the unknown." Hrithik saw Jodha-Akbar like no other costume drama. "I suspect Ashutosh will see the theme in a different light. I don't think my Akbar will be like anything you've seen. You know it always helps to have a director who knows more than you. The minute you feel you know more about the script than the director the project is cooked." -- Full interview

Much ado about muaah
December 6, 2006
Karan Johar's comment on the court case against Ash and Hrithik for the kissing scene in Dhoom 2

"I think it's so ridiculous, It's true what they say: idle minds make a great devil's workshop. These people have nothing better to do with their time so they pick on a big film with an all-star cast," he said of the PIL filed against the film. He insists the furore will only benefit the film. "The end result of all this will be to increase the box-office for Dhoom 2, which is fantastic," Johar said. "Plus it's a really, really good kiss."

'Dhoom Again' is the craze now
December 6, 2006
The 'Dhoom Again' song has overtaken 'Crazy Kiya Re' in the last fortnight. The song picturised on Hrithik in a solo and then with both Hrithik and Ash during the end credit is the talk of the nation now. Thanks to the dance moves by Shiamak Davar.

Striking a balance
December 6, 2006
Sanjay Gadhvi talks about Dhoom 2, defending the movie and the kissing scene

Dhoom 2 got a mixed response from the audiences
There is no denying that people were looking forward to the film and a large number have even liked it. For Dhoom, it was word of mouth that worked. While the collections of Dhoom 2 are fantastic from the word go. I would say Dhoom was a punch, Dhoom 2 is a karate chop.

Many felt that the film lacked a good script.
Every script has its share of flaws, loopholes and liberties taken by the scriptwriter. People who feel that it lacked a good script must equip themselves a little more on scripts. If a film has high impact, then it's true that the film had a clever script.

The film failed to meet the hype it generated.
Please bring me one person who says that anyone at Yashraj even attempted to create hype. None of us did that.We did minimal publicity for the film before the release. It's the press, the media that created the hype. Not that we didn't want it, but we didn't ask for it, or make a conscious attempt at it. After creating hype, the media says the film didn't meet the hype. Isn't that funny?

The music didn't live up to expectations either.
Dhoom 2 has better music than Dhoom. The idea was that the music picked up after the film released. The music usually takes time to make its mark. The music album of Dhoom was successful only 6 months after its release. Pritam has done a marvelous job. If too much is expected then you can't help it. In fact the music sales have gone up after the release.

The film doesn't hold without Hrithik.
No Dhoom would ever hold without a villain. It relies completely on the villain. Agar chor chori nahin karega, to police kya karegi. We wrote the script, the character only after Hrithik accepted the role.

The kiss and Bipasha Basu in the bikini were not really required
I don't think we did anything that was not necessary. I call the kiss scene the gun scene. The kiss was the culmination of the shot. It was an emotional moment between the two characters. There's no better way to show love between them, than a kiss. If I didn't have that scene, the climax wouldn't have made sense. It was Hrithik's idea to shoot it that way. I shot it aesthetically so that I'm not embarrassed if my daughters saw it with me. As far as Bipasha in a bikini was concerned, we had given Esha a makeover in Dhoom.We just continued with the trend of showing cool bodies and hot women.

The basketball scene lacked originality.
We are one community. We've all experimented with ideas to make life easier for one another. At the end of the day, all the directors think alike. I was able to use the basketball sequence in my film because I knew that people would relate to it. If Karan Johar had not used the basketball idea in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, I would have had to think of something different.

Refused to make Dhoom 3
If Aditya Chopra plans to make it immediately next year, then I will not be directing it because the film will not have anything new, creative and exciting for me. It's their franchise, they will make many more Dhooms. I want to do something different. If they make the next Dhoom 2-3 years later, then I'm open to directing it.

Dhoom 2 collected Rs. 18.3 crores in 10 days
December 6, 2006
Box office update on Dhoom 2 performance at the box office worldwide.

Dhoom 2 is the fastest money spinner in the Overseas territory as well. In U.S.A., the film has crossed $ 2 million in 11 days; in U.K., it's nearing £ 1 million mark; in Australia, it's speeding towards Aus. $ half-a-million mark. Converted into Indian Rupees, Dhoom 2 has touched Rs. 18.3 crores in 10 days from these three markets alone. And if you add New Zealand as well as Netherlands [opened this week], the film has crossed [gross] Rs. 18.75 crores. Full details

'Dhoom:2 works on a James Bond format'
December 6, 2006
Dhoom 2 writer, Victor, talks about the movie and the characters

How did Dhoom happen?
I was not a big Hindi film buff. A friend of mine was assisting Sanjay Gadhvi. He told me that Yash Raj wanted to do a lighthearted film. I suggested some ideas about how that film could be a buddy flick, which Sanjay liked. They had an idea about this cops and robbers thing, and a biker guy who helps the cop

When Dhoom released, neither John Abraham nor Abhishek Bachchan were stars. Ditto for Rimi Sen, Esha Deol and Uday Chopra. And Sanjay Gadhvi's previous film, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai hadn't done well either. So how did you think of an unconventional idea with a cast like that?
Dhoom worked because it was an unconventional movie. When the audience came in, there were no expectations. One did not know what one was getting into. It didn't look like a Hindi film. We decided the strength of the film would be that it had no story.

The story credit for Dhoom:2 has gone to Aditya Chopra.
The story idea is his. The Sunehri-Aryan (Aishwarya Rai, Hrithik Roshan) love story was also Adi's idea.

How much tougher was Dhoom:2?
It was tougher because it was a sequel. People would come to watch Dhoom:2 with some expectations and the idea was to belie those expectations. Besides, the film was supposed to have enough dum to stand on its own.

Were you told to give more attention to a particular character? Dhoom:2 is very Hrithik-centric.
No. That seems to be a general perception but honestly, Jai is one of my favourite characters; and Abhishek Bachchan, one of my favourite people. I also loved writing Ali; he is the soul of Dhoom. Jai and Aryan were my tribute to Salim-Javed. I've grown up watching them.

Adi said that they should like flip sides of the same coin. There was no villain, just a hero who is a thief. Dhoom:2 works on a James Bond kind of a format -- the stronger the villain, the stronger the hero.

Hrithik is a guy who makes a living stealing. And he does it with so much style that it brings him on par with the hero, who again has his own style. Jai is like a huge gambler. He is planting the girl, forging a robbery and trying to con the thief. I don't think Abhishek was smaller than Hrithik. If they meet in this neutral space, they could be friends.

In the film, there is a scene at a caf?, where Hrithik and Abhishek introduce each other as Amit and Vijay. Are you a Bachchan fan?
Oh yeah, a huge fan.

And your name is also Vijay. Yes, I'm a child of the 1980s. If there is a Bachchan fan club, I should be its president. I've grown up acting like him in front of the mirror.

Dhoom:2 had quite a few incomplete plots.
That's because there was just no space for them in the film.

Your favourite character?
No favourites. But the character I was very happy with was Sunehri. This girl from Andheri is a wannabe, but somewhere she manages to go beyond herself. She was talkative like Sholay's Basanti. Her moral world is ambiguous and you don't know what she would do next.

Dhoom:2 had a bit of a Bunty Aur Bubbly flavour to it, particularly towards the end (when Amitabh Bachchan's cop character lets go of the two robbers).
Ahhhhh! I think, yes, the fact that Jai lets them go. It's close.

Is there a Dhoom:3?
Maybe. I think they should definitely make it. There should be a Dhoom every one and a half years.

Hrithik's really god's child
December 5, 2006
Actor Sunil Shetty named Hrithik as one of his favourite actors and Krrish his favourite movie.

Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham : From the present generation, I have to name all three. They are responsible for our action sequences being at par with international standards. All three are very focused and aware about the happenings. They want to better themselves with every film. As a viewer they have me glued to the screen, I don't know what they will do next.

Krrish : The best action film in recent times. Hrithik's really god's child. The boy is extremely dedicated. He gives his best to every scene and makes them breathtaking. The shot where he flies is marvellous. So are all his other stunts. Hrithik has done even the emotional scenes so well. He is truly a superhero. For me, after Krrish, he is the Indian James Bond.

Video Download: Headlines Today interview with Hrithik
December 2, 2006
Shen has captured Hrithik's interview on Headlines Today where they talked about Dhoom 2 and the kissing scene among other things. Download part 1 (15.5 mb) and part 2 (16.2 mb). Vani has uploaded a slightly higher version here (31.3 mb) and here (29.9 mb)

The reign of Roshan
December 2, 2006
An article about Hrithik and his achievements with quotes from trade analysts and directors he's worked with

Hrithik is unbelievable in Dhoom 2
December 2, 2006
Rohit Roy has all praises for Hrithik after watching Dhoom 2

After watching Dhoom 2 recently, Rohit Roy came out of the screening speechless. The only words he had were for Hrithik Roshan, when he said, "Hrithik is unbelievable in the film. I think he's the only actor in the industry who can dance, act and fight as well as he does." Roy even lauded Hrithik's efforts to take up rollerblading lessons. "I heard that he'd wake up 5 am and go for training. That's what I call hard work and dedication. Never take your success for granted."

My wife and I loved that kiss: Hrithik
December 2, 2006
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Hrithik talks about the kissing scene in Dhoom 2 and was amused when Abishek called to say that his children are named Hrithik and Roshan in his upcoming movie, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. Hrithik also did a TV interview on Headlines Today, will have a clip available for download soon.

Obscenity case filed against Ash, Hrithik
December 2, 2006
DNA reports that a case has been filed against Hrithik and Ash for an alleged obscene sequence Dhoom 2, so ridiculous *rolls eyes*

The case was filed in the court of judicial magistrate first class RK Batham by advocate Shailendra Dwivedi under Sections 292 (vulgarity) and 509 (derogatory to women) of the Indian Penal Code. The complainant alleged that women felt offended after watching the scene and it promoted vulgarity in society, especially among youth. The court has fixed December 11 for recording evidence in the case.

Dewan back in action with Jodha Akbar
December 1, 2006
Action director, Ravi Dewan will direct the action for Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodha Akbar, says Dewan excitedly, "I could not refuse this offer. I have worked with Ashutosh in his debut film Pehla Nasha. This is a historical as well as a war saga. I am even using the support of computer gadgets in this film. Ashutosh has given me full liberty in this film, shooting for which is already in progress in Jaipur."

Rakesh Roshan honoured at IFFI
December 1, 2006
Another report on Hrithik and Rakesh Roshan in Goa, will have a clip available for download soon. Update: Some pics from the event, for some reason some of the pics are not showing, try again later.

Abhishek to play Hrithik Roshan's father
December 1, 2006
LOL!! this is gonna be one funny scene, Abishek will play Hrithik Roshan's father in his upcoming movie, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.

Yes, you read it right! Abhishek Bachchan will be playing father to Hrithik Roshan in his upcoming Yashraj project Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. Only this time Hrithik Roshan isn't a single person but two of them. Ok let's clear your confusion. The fact is that Abhishek plays father to twin boys in the film directed by Shaad Ali. And these twin boys are named Hrithik and Roshan. Currently shooting for a commercial in Paris, when Abhishek informed his pal Hrithik Roshan about the same, Hrithik was obviously amused.

Hrithik and Ash on JA set
December 1, 2006
Rediff reader, Jigar, sent a picture of his niece with Hrithik and Ash taken at the Le Meredien hotel in Jaipur.

Akbar Jodha in legal tangle
December 1, 2006
The Rajput Sabha is taking Jodha Akbar to court, claiming that director Ashutosh Gowarikar is distorting history by projecting a romance between Akbar and Jodha bai. The case will be heard in Jaipur's district court on December 6. What's a good movie without a controversy eh?

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