July News 2008

Kites director: I've got Budget No 1
July 30, 2008
Director Anurag Basu talks about Kites, thanks to diva_supremacy for the tip.

Director Anurag Basu is pensive about handling his latest project that has Hrithik Roshan and a 50-crore budget."For me it's a huge responsibility to get Kites to live up to the hype it's generated," says Basu, "the budget of the film is very high - Rs 50 to 60 crore and this would make it the biggest Bollywood film project. The schedule is 80 days and we're shooting in New Mexico, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. New Mexico has a vast landscape and is famous for its geography. Since the film's name suggests a wide area, this is perfect for us. For the city shots, we'll be filming in Albuquerque."

Kites will be released in English and Hindi and Hrithik will romance two women: 30-year-old Uruguayan actress Barbara Mori and Kangana Ranaut. "Hrithik's character will be dashing and energetically crafted," says Basu, "I think after his ethnic look in Jodha Akbar this look will be also be remembered by all his fans. He plays the role of a smart Las Vegan boy who can defraud anyone. His look will be European and will be seen mostly wearing hats." Basu postulates confidently that "Kites will be the hit of 2009."

Hrithik's fight for fitness
July 27, 2008
Hrithik talks about his fitness regime.

The electric dancer stuns you with his body language. But few people are aware that doctors had written his health off not too long ago for a profession like acting, leave alone dancing. It is sheer will power that has made Hrithik Roshan what he is today.

Shares the actor, "I was very young then; in college to be precise. I wanted to be an actor like my father. But I was told often by various doctors that my health needed attention. Then we went to a specialist. I used to have a bad back problem, a disc that slipped among other issues. The doctor said that I can never dance all my life. I was told that I could not do things that were needed to be an actor and should concentrate on something else. My parents were also told that they should not encourage me in this profession as it was beyond my capabilities."

But that did not deter the lad who like many others would have lost the will to do better things in life. "That is what one can call inner strength in human beings who want to break the norm. I was aghast, upset, shattered. But I was determined to be an actor. I thought I would do everything possible and try and be what I wanted to be. At that time, there was just one person who stood by me - Susanne. She has been my childhood love and she was by my side egging me on that I should get my goal. My parents were a little wary because they did not want me to do anything that could hurt me too badly physically. But I started working on my back on my own. I did various kinds of treatments to myself and got into the shape that I have got today," he says.

The mystery healer that he is, Hrithik also says he will share his secrets with people who need his help. "Why not? But I think one should try and help himself or herself on their own. I did that. A lot of people are not aware that I have a slipped disc as well. I was doing a series of shows abroad when I had a slipped disc. I fought that and trained my body to withstand the pain and I have become used to it now.

"I did a lot of stunts in Krrish as well after that. I was suspended by safety cables and thankfully fell on top of a shop and didn't get hurt. I did get hurt during Jodhaa Akbar though. Even during Dhoom I did stunts on bikes and did rollerblading as well. From snow boarding to water sports, everything was possible only because I have learnt to conquer pain," he says.

The actor then proceeds to share the routine that helps him look like a Greek god.

"I don't have a great body as you guys think. Cinema always makes people look bigger. I have a thin frame. But I workout for a week before I need to shoot a scene showing my body. Then I put a spray so that the muscles look enhanced," he laughs. "Don't think that Hrithik Roshan is into body building. I am not. I also don't have the fittest or the best body in Bollywood. Everyone is making me out to be a Greek god, who I am not," he candidly admits.

"I do stuff like bench press and a lot of cardio. Then I do some weights once in a while. I do a lot of exercise for the whole body and not more for my biceps and triceps. At times there seemed to be an imbalance with big biceps and triceps and a thin body. I am not very well built and do not have a lot of tendon. That could explain why I look muscular in some scenes and why I look thin in some frames in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. But I have sort of evened it out now," explains Hrithik.

But then the muscular chiselled body that one saw on screen also metamorphosed into a fitness boom in India. "It is a fallacy to presume that I have got a lot of muscles. You can see that in my films too. The truth is that I have very little muscles. My schedules are so tight that I do not have the time to build muscles. You need enough time in a day to build muscles. Normally, I just do my routine exercises when I am running about. Otherwise I need to do the full routine.

"I do the regular bench press and some weights. I do not workout for more than 40 minutes in a day before I go to sleep. My schedule is such that I return home pretty late. Hence I need to workout only then. It is only when I am in India that I catch up on an hour of exercise. This happens between 12.30 and 1.30 in the night. I sleep after that. If I do not workout, I cannot sleep. Workouts also put me to sleep. I usually workout with Uday Chopra, Jugal Hansraj and a few of my friends," he says.

New 'Wanna fight' Hide n Seek ad
July 23, 2008
Manish has captured Hrithik's new Hide n Seek 'Wanna fight' commercial, download here.

Kites shootings in New Mexico
July 23, 2008
New Mexico's Gov. Bill Richardson's office confirmed that Kites will be shot in Albuquerque and Santa Fe from July 28 through September 15. More than 100 local actors are expected to be hired.

Yaara da Roshan
July 23, 2008
Hrithik may be in the US to shoot Kites but that doesn't stop him from sponsoring a mehendi function of one of his close friends Sooraj Bhalla, who got engaged on Monday.

Hrithik Roshan knows the value of friends. He hasn't forgotten his buddies after becoming a star. The actor who has a close set of friends, will be sponsoring the mehendi function of one of his close friends Sooraj Bhalla, who got engaged on Monday. Hrithik's pal is getting married to Priti Sahijwani at a posh suburban hotel in October.

The actor, who is already in New Mexico for the shooting Anurag Basu's Kites, has decided to host the mehendi event for his buddy. Though the actor will only return in October, the plans for the event are still on and Hrithik will do the needful from New Mexico. Sooraj is the younger brother of Gurudev Bhalla, who produced the Abhishek Bachchan starrer Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost.

The source further adds, "Hrithik is very close to his friends and makes it a point to connect with them despite his busy schedule. Although he is busy with his shooting schedules, he manages to make time for his friends and is part of all important days in their lives from birthdays to weddings. Since the bride-to-be is also known to the actor, he decided to host the mehendi function."

Hrithik sings in Kites
July 22, 2008
Mumbai Mirror reports that Hrithik has recorded a song for Kites.

Kites will have Hrithik singing an English song. Says a well-placed source from the industry, "Hrithik finished recording a song for Rajesh Roshan last week for his film, Kites. It was Anurag's and Rajeshji's idea to persuade Hrithik to sing. Hrithik, known to experiment and go for anything new, loved the idea and agreed immediately." However, the king of perfectionism, underwent rigorous training before recording the song. According to our source, just as he had undergone training to get the Urdu diction right before playing Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar, for his character in Kites, he learnt to speak English with an American accent and to sing with that accent too.

Adds our source, "Once it was decided by Anurag, Hrithik and Rakeshji that Hrithik would sing in their film, Hrithik went through a systematic training for voice modulation. He hasn't been shooting for any film so he had enough time to devote to these sessions and he made the best of them." Hirthik has left for Mexico to shoot for the film to be produced by Rakesh Roshan. His uncle, Rajesh Roshan, is the music director. The movie tells the story of a cosmopolitan man torn between his wife and his mistress.

Hrithik`s floored by a Delhi fan
July 22, 2008
Hrithik is floored by his fan during his visit in Delhi recently.

Hrithik Roshan, who was in Delhi recently, met a diehard fan of his during the visit. The young admirer showed him a scrapbook full of the photographs that he has been collecting for years. The book had photographs that trace the journey of the actor since he started his career in Bollywood. Looking pleasantly surprised, Hrithik exclaimed, "I myself don't remember what I used to look like when I started my stint with the industry. I am completely floored by the effort that must have gone into making such an exhaustive compilation of photographs."

What caught our attention was the blue bandage on the actor's right wrist and hand. The actor who had recently undergone a knee surgery, revealed, " Arre, you know me na, just got hurt while shooting." Though his wrist will get better soon, Hrithik will not be seen doing the superb dance that he does quite often because of his knees.

Hrithik is in the US currently, where he is shooting for his next film, Kites, directed by Anurag Basu. Delhi-based designer Suneet Varma is styling Hrithik's look for the film. "Hrithik is superb to work with. He is highly professional and very particular about his looks and styling," said Suneet. We are sure the Delhi touch will stay with the actor for a long time!

Hrithik and SRK in Luck By Chance
July 22, 2008
Hrithik and SRK will have a guest appearance in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance, the film will be co produced by Farhan Akhtar who will also be playing the lead role opposite Konkona Sen Sharma. Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia will be in supporting roles.

Kites character description
July 17, 2008
Glamsham has a description of the main characters in Kites.

First up is the lead actor, Hrithik Roshan. He essays the role of a street smart scamster, albeit a lovable one, who resides in Las Vegas. He will be seen sporting formal, European style linen suits, cut close to his body and hats (specially designed by a hat maker in Hong Kong). The South American beauty, international actress Barbara Mori, who has an incredible body, will be dressed in colourful dresses in a very casual look (as per her character), with lots of layering.

Last but not the least, since the Gangster girl Kangana Ranaut plays a rich and sophisticated lady, or in other words a siren in Kits. She will be seen wearing elegant ensembles in longer silhouettes, which will provide grace and poise to her character, as required for the role. After Kites, people will see Kangana in a totally different light. We must add here that these are the tentative plans of the dress designer of Kites, Suneet Varma.

Hrithik's doing the Salsa in Kites
July 17, 2008
Director Anurag Basu has quashed recent reports about Hrithik not doing any dancing in Kites due to his knee surgery.

Hrithik is going to dance in Kites and its going to be mainly Salsa. The dances are a very important part of the storyline, so it is impossible that Hrithik will not dance in Kites. We start shooting on 25th July," he reveals. His spokesperson tells us, "Hrithik is currently recuperating from the knee treatment he underwent in Singapore and LA. He has been advised not to dance for the next couple of months. He is to steer clear of any lower body activity that will stress his knees so he is staying away from dance and action sequences to allow his knees to heal completely."

Otherwise, Hrithik is very excited for Kites. Adds the spokesperson, "Hrithik is currently preparing for Kites. He is supervising the styling of his outfits and going for fittings. He is very prepped up. He is also shooting some ads for the products he endorses before he flies out on the 15th of July." Is Hrithik really learning the American twang for Kites? "Kites is an international project, Barbara Mori is from Mexico and the movie is set in the States. Hrithik's character needs to speak in a different accent so he is polishing his American accent," the spokesperson confirms.

'Kites has a three month long schedule in US followed by a 2 month schedule in Mumbai. 2008 has seen Hrithik doing daredevil commercials, driving us crazy in the slick Krazzy 4 item number and wooing hearts as majestic Emperor Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar. Once Kites wraps up, Hrithik will probably shoot for Vishal Bhardwaj's Hamlet or an untitled YRF venture with Vidya Balan.

Hrithik unveils the new look of Magic Moments brand of vodka
July 17, 2008
Radico Khaitan Ltd, one of India's largest liquor company, launched its new 'M2 - Magic Moments Vodka' with Hrithik as the brand ambassador.

Speaking on the occasion Hrithik Roshan said, "I am happy to be here for two primary reasons. One, Magic Moments promises everything that a great life should have—fun, enjoyment, zest and, above all, ZING! Two, as you will see, Magic Moments embodies an excitement in and for life. Its promise and call for 'Zing up life' gives the brand a different attitude and a mindset every youngster can identify with." Magic Moments Grain Vodka is targeted at the young and the young at heart. Mr. Abhishek Khaitan said "I am extremely delighted to have Hrithik Roshan with us and I am sure that this is one clear case of being an eminently accurate personality fit. The energy and stylish modern appeal of Hrithik fits well with the international, young, energetic Magic Moments Vodka brand and the experience that it promises its customers.

2008 Mid Year - Top - 10 actors
July 4, 2008
Indiafm takes a look at first half of this year's Top 10 actors which includes Hrithik

Hrithik Roshan [Jodhaa Akbar]
From sheer effort perspective, Hrithik would lead the charge for giving his all to make sure that his 'Akbar' act looked convincing enough on the big screen. It is quite a difficult task to leave behind an image created by a Krrish or a Dhoom 2 but Hrithik still managed to achieve that and the results were seen. Hrithik worked hard on his diction, body language and presentation and succeeded well. Second half of the year could see numerous good performances coming in but Hrithik would still find himself as one of the Top-5 contenders for the Best Actor.

From Junior to Junior Hrithik books VO
July 3, 2008
Viviek Oberoi talks about his friendship with Hrithik, the latter had sent him a book called The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, written by Eckhart Tolle and Viviek says it has helped him in pulling his life together. I want to add that everybody should get this book and Eckhart's new book called A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose which is equally enlighting. If you buy "The Power of Now" get the companion copy called Practicing the Power of Now which is a guide on how to use it in your daily life. Trust me! pick up these books, they will change your life for the better.

Actors are normally fierce competitors but here's one case of one actor supporting and encouraging the other. When Vivek Oberoi was going through a slump, Hrithik Roshan gave him a book, Power of Now A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment, written by Eckhart Tolle a book that VO admits has helped him in pulling his life together.

Vivek admits that Hrithik's gift has changed his life to a large extent, "Hrithik is one of my dearest friends. He's always been supportive of me in my most trying times. I was going through a very low patch professionally and personally and especially low in self-confidence when he gifted me this book. Hrithik told me 'I know it sounds cheesy but it has really changed my life.' He told me he had applied to his personal life and it had helped him a lot." When Vivek first saw the cover of the book he started laughing, "I thought it was cheesy but gradually, when I started reading it helped me hugely and changed my life. The book is about a spiritual journey to find one's true and deepest self and reach the ultimate in personal growth and spirituality."

Hrithik's gesture is not limited to the book, Vivek adds. "Many a time, when Hrithik has seen me in my lowest ebb, he has hugged me and offered me support. He's one of the few friends I can always count on to be always there for me. I love that despite being so young, Hrithik is so wise and zenned out peacefully blissful. Recently, Hrithik couldn't attend the IIFA in Bankok and watched VO's performance during a telecast and sent the Company actor an encouraging SMS, saying that he'd done a good job. "I was thrilled at such a compliment coming from him as I consider him the God of dancing."

Video Download: Making of Magic Moments ad
July 1, 2008
Flexy Studio has posted a behind the scenes look at the making of Hithik's Magic Moments ad, download here.

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