March News 2008

Video Download: Interview with Hrithik on Headlines Today
March 31, 2008
Manish has captured an interview with Hrithik on Headlines Today where he talks about Jodhaa Akbar and his item number for Krazzy 4, download here.

Hrithik in Bhansali's next
March 31, 2008
Rumour has it that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is in talks with Hrithik and Ranbir Kapoor for his next project.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is planning a film with Hrithik Roshan and his Saawariya hero, Ranbir Kapoor. It is reliably learnt that the filmmaker is in talks with both the actors. Says a source, "He was meant to start his Heera Mandi project after Saawariya but now he wants to put that on the backburner. He has a two-hero, one-heroine script ready and that is the one he wants to start early next year." The source adds, "Bhansali has already sent a copy to Hrithik Roshan." Says Ranbir Kapoor, "I have not been approached." Rakesh Roshan simply said, "I have no idea about any such development." The source further adds, "The concerned parties are not supposed to reveal anything till it is finalised."

Underwater theme for Hrehaan's birthday
March 28, 2008
Hrehaan turns two today and he will have an underwater theme birthday party to celebrate his birthday.

Hrithik and Sussanne are heavily involved in the preparations; they have mapped out everything. The story goes that Sussanne has been planning a party for over two weeks now, and she had initially wanted to have a Jungle-Book-themed birthday party. Later she settled for an underwater theme, as son Hrehaan has just started getting into the swimming pool and simply loves it. "My little Hrehaan loves the pool but he is too small to start swimming. All our grandchildren get together on Sundays and hit the pool," says maternal grandmom Zarine Khan. She further adds, "Hrehaan is a wonderful child and he resembles Sussanne more than Hrithik. But his structure is more like Hrithik's." Ask her about the gift and she says, "Their house is being renovated at the moment, so we are not getting him any big present. We are giving him something that can go directly to the bank." The venue will be dotted with illustrations of Nemo, over-protective clownfish father Marlin, sea turtles and colourful balloons. The big birthday cake resembles an aquarium and is topped with various fishes and sea creatures. We hear that papa Hrithik wants to install mini waterslides with inflated rafts et al. As far as games are concerned, the Jodhaa Akbar actor has made arrangements for magnetic fishing game, edible sand art and ocean treasure hunt.


Video Download: Hrithik's Krazzy 4 item number promo
March 27, 2008
Indiafm has a promo clip of Hrithik's Krazzy 4 item number, download here here

SRK-Hrithik: The highlight of 'Krazzy 4'
March 27, 2008
The promos for Hithik's item number in Krazzy 4 will start airing this week, see some stills at Indiaglitz, Glamsham and Rediff

"Call me item boy or anything else, I really don't care. I haven't danced for years. I was busy shooting for a film in which I didn't get to dance at all and then I got injured. I'm only too glad to put on my dancing shoes and be able to groove to one of the best dance tracks I've listened to in a long time," states Hrithik enthusiastically. "A lot of people have complimented me on my dancing. But I was never too sure, nor satisfied; I wanted to do better," explains the actor who received huge praise for his performance in Jodhaa-Akbar . "I always took my body for granted. Then I injured my knee and was on crutches for a month. There was a possibility that I wouldn't dance ever again. I'm grateful to God that I recovered and recuperated only to return to the dance floor for my dad's film. I've never enjoyed dancing so much.


Interview with Hrithik
March 24, 2008
Hrithik talks about life after Jodhaa Akbar, his latest ad, and his upcoming film, Kites in an interview with Rediff. Update: Another interview from Hindustan Times

Video Download: Cinthol full ad
March 20, 2008
Indiafm has the full Cinthol commercial as well as the making of the ad, download here and here

Video Download: Interview with Hrithik on Aaj Tak
March 24, 2008
Manish has captured an interview with Hrithik on Aaj Tak where he talks about Jodhaa Akbar, the Cinthol commercial and future projects, download here.

Video Download: Making of Krazzy 4 Item number
March 24, 2008
Indiafm has a clip of the making of Krazzy 4 item number, here

Video Download: Watson Fitness Centre launch party - Zoom, NDTV & Glamsham
March 24, 2008
Himanshi has captured more clips of Hrithik at the launch party of Watson Fitness center from NDTV and Zoom and I've grabbed another one from Glamsham, download here

Hrithik's Knee-Deep Work
March 24, 2008
Contrary to reports, Hrithik is not undergoing any surgery for his knee, he is in Mumbai editing his item song for Krazzy 4

Hrithik Roshan is literally knee-deep in work. The actor, who has been advised three weeks of rest for his injured knee, is editing his item song for his home production - Krazzy 4 - from his Juhu residence. The item song, which is going to appear with the film's end credits, is reported to be Hrithik's best dance performance so far. After having shot the song a few days ago, the actor wanted to personally supervise the editing. A crew member informs, "Yes, Hrithik is editing the song from home, and it's almost ready. It's the same title track sung by Vishal Dadlani for Shah Rukh Khan's item number in the film. Hrithik is trying to be at home as much as he can as he is nursing his knee injury."

Despite having damaged his ligament and muscles while filming for Dhoom 2 followed by Jodhaa Akbar, the actor put in a spirited performance for the Krazzy 4 song. The story goes that the actor used to give his shot and then rest his legs in an elevated position on the sets just to avoid over exhaustion. Our source further informs, "For the next three weeks, Hrithik can neither dance nor do any stunts. He keeps his legs in an elevated position whenever he is sitting." However, contrary to reports, the actor is not heading to Geneva for a knee surgery yet. Papa Rakesh Roshan says, "Hrithik is very much in Mumbai and he is not undergoing any surgery for his knee."


Video Download: Cinthol ad clip
March 20, 2008
IBN reports that Hrithik is currently nursing a bad knee and had to skip the launch of his new ad for Cinthol. He's off to Greece to attend to his knee. Watch and download a clip of the ad here

Video Download: Jodhaa Akbar press junket - Lehren
March 20, 2008
Grabbed another JA junket straggler from Lehren, download here

Jodhaa Akbar grosses Rs 1.20 billion worldwide in 31 days
March 20, 2008
Jodhaa Akbar has grossed Rs 1.20 billion (Rs 120 crores) in 31 days worldwide. Of this, Rs 900 million (Rs 90 crores) is from India and Rs 300 million (Rs 30 crores) is from the overseas box office.

Hrithik is brand ambassador for new and improved Cinthol
March 20, 2008
Hrithik was announced as the brand ambassador of the new, improved Cinthol range of soaps, talc and deo at a function in Mumbai yesterday.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs Tanya Dubash (Executive Director and President-Marketing of Godrej Industries), said "The new Cinthol range stands for confidence of achievers who constantly strive to realize their aspirations without stopping. Cinthol gives them '24-Hour Confidence' and enables them to lead a 'Don't Stop Life'. Hrithik Roshan was chosen as the brand ambassador as he exudes confidence and doesn't stop till he meets the high benchmarks he sets for himself" Hrithik added, "It's an honour for me to be associated with a brand like Cinthol which has such a strong legacy. As Cinthol is all about '24- Hour confidence', energy and a 'Don't Stop Life' attitude, it was very natural for me to associate with this brand. Its in perfect sync with my lifestyle and attitude" So, get ready to see Duggu flaunt his macho look for this commercial soon.


Video Download: Watson Fitness Centre launch party - Indiafm
March 17, 2008
Another clip of Hrithik at the Watson Fitness Centre launch party from Indiafm, download here

Video Download: Jodhaa Akbar press junket
March 17, 2008
Grabbed another press junket interview with Hrithik from Smashits, download here


Video Download: Watson Fitness Centre launch party - Lehren & Media curry
March 16, 2008
Hrithik attended the Watson Fitness Centre launch party on Thursday, see photos from SAWF, Now Running, Indiafm, Indiaglitz and Smashits. Download video here and here, thanks to gidgetong for the tip.

Hrithik Roshan can't thank Shah Rukh enough
March 16, 2008
Hrithik talks about his item number in Krazzy 4 and his next film with Anurag Basu.

"I'm doing the song for my own home production. But Shah has gone out of his way to accommodate the project because he respects dad. His gesture has touched all of us. It's very kind of him. He doesn't need to dance." Hrithik can't stop raving about the item song. "It's the best dance track I've ever performed. My uncle Rajesh Roshan has outdone himself. And Vishal Dadlani who has sung the number has also been extremely gracious. He didn't accept the cheque that my dad gave him after the song. He did it for my dad and uncle. As a family we Roshans are overwhelmed by the respect that has been shown by everyone associated with the item song."

Tell him it's because of the respect his dad's banner commands and Hrithik corrects me. "No I think it's more to do with the kind of person my father is. If he wasn't the person he is, Shah Rukh, Vishal and everyone else wouldn't have gone out of their way to accommodate us, no matter how successful we may be. I think my dad has earned the respect he gets. He doesn't command it." Hrithik further informs, "Shah Rukh's version of the song will be part of the main movie, while mine will be used in the end titles, also on MTV, Channel V and other promotional campaigns for television."

The triumphant Jodhaa Akbar behind him Hrithik is now looking forward to starting his next film with Anurag Basu. "That's one film I'm really looking forward to. I'm a big fan of Anurag's cinema. I think he's a very sensitive director. He's really going to be doing something different with me. I can't say much about the subject. But it will be a different experience for me, though something right up his alley."

The industry was abuzz about Sonam Kapoor being Hrithik's leading lady in Anurag's film. "Both Dad and I think Sonam is wonderful. But she was never considered for Anurag's film. The role requires someone from abroad. So yeah, I'll have an international co-star in Anurag's film."

Hrithik and Aishwarya looked pretty international in Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa-Akbar. "I can't dispute that. It's so true. Ash and I share a fabulous rapport. It's always fun to work with a co-star who isn't selfish. We both gave so much of ourselves to Jodhaa Akbar. Aishwarya has been one of my most helpful co-stars. I really cherish working with her. She is an incredible actor and an even better co-star. And since all three of us-Abhishek, Aishwarya and I-are friends; we've great fun even when not shooting."

Hrithik craves for the perfect chemistry with his co-star. "I don't think it's possible for me to give my best if my co-star isn't doing the same. I try to surround myself with like-minded people. And I think I've found the right people operating at my frequency to work it, be it Ashutosh Gowariker, Sanjay Gadhvi, Aditya Chopra or my dad. I'm fortunate, I guess."

Video Download: Both SRK and Aamir are number one
March 16, 2008
Hrithik talks about Amir and SRK, download here

The diplomatic Hrithik refused to be drawn into the number one controversy and said that both Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan are number one. In the on going battle for top status in Bollywood, actor Hrithik Roshan entered the fray and commented on the war of words between the two Khans. The two Khans were seen taking potshots at each other over the past few days. When Hrithik was quizzed about who he felt held the number one position in Bollywood, he said that, "Everyone is good and I get completely inspired with every actor in the industry." He also diplomatically said that both the Khans are number one and he does not even figure in the top names.


Jodhaa Akbar crosses 50 Cr. mark in India
March 12, 2008
Jodhaa Akbar has crossed Rs. 50 cr. mark in India, after its fourth weekend.

Jodhaa Akbar has crossed Rs. 50 cr. mark in India, after its fourth weekend [24 days]. This, despite the film running in 3 shows at single screens and facing oppositions at several places. Also, the film hasn't released in Rajasthan and was discontinued in two other states after the release. But a good film works. Period. Here's the breakdown of the film's domestic business.

Hrithik is a super dad
March 12, 2008
Rakesh Roshan talks about Hrithik and grandchildren

"I'm not bald, but shave my head everyday," insists Rakesh Roshan responding to the first question about bald men and shiny pates. He lets me in on his 'bald' story, before going on to talk about Hrithik and his historical movie — another conquer of sorts for Duggu. And, people thought Hrithik did well only in papa Roshan's films.

"He proved himself in Lakshya, Dhoom , and now has done extraordinarily well as Akbar. His performance took me by surprise," says Rakesh. "I knew Hrithik can fit into any role, but I wasn't so sure of him as Akbar. I'm glad he waived off my uncertainty. Today, I proudly say that Hrithik is a good actor." Busy raking in the moolah having produced and directed blockbusters, complemented with a successful actor-son, two lovely grandchilden, Hrehaan and Suranika, and with one more on the way, life seems to be as rosy for Roshan Sr as his naturally flushed cheeks.

"There are moments and there are moments," says the filmmaker, "You have the ups and the downs. Filmmaking is a labourer's job. The energy and hardwork that goes into making a film cannot be fathomed." Talking about the 'downs', not many know of Rakesh's elder daughter Sunaina's fight against cervical cancer. "She's a fighter, today she is up and about helping me with the production of my film Krazzy 4 ." About how he coped with the unfortunate occurrence as a father, Rakesh says, "We Roshans are very family oriented. And, while she claims to have got her strength from the family, I got mine from there, too."

With the conversation having gone the 'family way', is Rakesh looking forward to Hrithik's second one, and becoming grand daddy all over again? "You see, I became a father when I was very young, and now I'm a young grand father, too. It's a good thing as you are constantly complimented with. You don't look like a grandfather at all! So, yes, additions to the family always bring joy. More the merrier, I say!"

How is Hrithik as a father? "Hrehaan looks more like Sussane," informs Rakesh, "But, he is completely daddy's boy. Hrithik doesn't allow him to eat chocolate, and has explained to him that it isn't good for him in such a way that Hrehaan will never go near one. Hrithik makes a great father. He isn't strict or stern but has a knack of dealing with children. Offer Hrehaan a chocolate and he'll say, "Chocolate na, daddy pat-pat!" laughs Roshan

Jodhaa Akbar crosses 50 Cr. mark in India
March 12, 2008
Jodhaa Akbar has crossed Rs. 50 cr. mark in India, after its fourth weekend.

Jodhaa Akbar has crossed Rs. 50 cr. mark in India, after its fourth weekend [24 days]. This, despite the film running in 3 shows at single screens and facing oppositions at several places. Also, the film hasn't released in Rajasthan and was discontinued in two other states after the release. But a good film works. Period. Here's the breakdown of the film's domestic business.


Hrithik is a super dad
March 11, 2008
Rakesh Roshan talks about Hrithik and grandchildren

"I'm not bald, but shave my head everyday," insists Rakesh Roshan responding to the first question about bald men and shiny pates. He lets me in on his 'bald' story, before going on to talk about Hrithik and his historical movie — another conquer of sorts for Duggu. And, people thought Hrithik did well only in papa Roshan's films.

"He proved himself in Lakshya, Dhoom , and now has done extraordinarily well as Akbar. His performance took me by surprise," says Rakesh. "I knew Hrithik can fit into any role, but I wasn't so sure of him as Akbar. I'm glad he waived off my uncertainty. Today, I proudly say that Hrithik is a good actor." Busy raking in the moolah having produced and directed blockbusters, complemented with a successful actor-son, two lovely grandchilden, Hrehaan and Suranika, and with one more on the way, life seems to be as rosy for Roshan Sr as his naturally flushed cheeks.

"There are moments and there are moments," says the filmmaker, "You have the ups and the downs. Filmmaking is a labourer's job. The energy and hardwork that goes into making a film cannot be fathomed." Talking about the 'downs', not many know of Rakesh's elder daughter Sunaina's fight against cervical cancer. "She's a fighter, today she is up and about helping me with the production of my film Krazzy 4 ." About how he coped with the unfortunate occurrence as a father, Rakesh says, "We Roshans are very family oriented. And, while she claims to have got her strength from the family, I got mine from there, too."

With the conversation having gone the 'family way', is Rakesh looking forward to Hrithik's second one, and becoming grand daddy all over again? "You see, I became a father when I was very young, and now I'm a young grand father, too. It's a good thing as you are constantly complimented with. You don't look like a grandfather at all! So, yes, additions to the family always bring joy. More the merrier, I say!"

How is Hrithik as a father? "Hrehaan looks more like Sussane," informs Rakesh, "But, he is completely daddy's boy. Hrithik doesn't allow him to eat chocolate, and has explained to him that it isn't good for him in such a way that Hrehaan will never go near one. Hrithik makes a great father. He isn't strict or stern but has a knack of dealing with children. Offer Hrehaan a chocolate and he'll say, "Chocolate na, daddy pat-pat!" laughs Roshan


Video Download: JA premiere in Hyderabad
March 7, 2008
NDTV has a clip of Hrithik at the premiere of Jodhaa Akbar in Hyderabad, download here, some photos here

Video Download: JA celebration at Neeta Lulla's store
March 7, 2008
Indiafm and NDTV have clips of the cast and crew of Jodhaa Akbar celebrating the movie's success at Neeta Lulla's new store in Khar, Mumbai recently, download here and here. Update: Himanshi has captured another clip from Zoom, download here

Video Download: Gr8 Awards
March 7, 2008
Indiafm has a clip of Hrithik at the Gr8 Awards held last month, download here

Rakesh Roshan signs Barbara Mori for 'Kites'
March 6, 2008
Indiaglitz reports that Rakesh Roshan has signed latino actress, Barbara Mori to play opposite Hrithik in "Kites"

Rakesh Roshan signs the top Latin actress "Barbara Mori" as the leading lady of his upcoming film "Kites" opposite Hrithik Roshan. The film is also starring Kangana Ranaut and is set to be directed by Anurag Basu along with the amazing musical composition by Rajesh Roshan. The remaining cast and credits are currently being finalized. The casting is taking place in Bombay & Los Angeles. "Kites" is to be shot in New Mexico, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The film is another Film Kraft Production's presentation and is scheduled to go into production by the end of July 2008.


UTV wins case, Jodhaa Akbar to be screened nationwide
March 4, 2008
The Supreme Court has lifted the ban on the screening of Jodhaa Akbar not only in UP but nationwide till 14 March. "Even in the smallest local areas and regions the film can be screened now. We have won the case in the Supreme Court and as per the verdict, the film will be immune to any ban anywhere in the country," said UTV Motion Pictures director Siddharth Roy Kapur.

Actress and chairperson of the censor board Sharmila Tagore has commented on the controversy saying, "As an actor I don't think this kind of controversy is justified. Bollywood is an entertainment industry and it should be viewed as such, and not as a text book to gain knowledge. We are showing fantasy and it's all history, but the film does not offend anyone's sensitivity." Adding that such incidents are nothing but a dampner for the film fraternity, Tagore rues, "We actors, producers, directors and so many other people involved in the making of the film put in so many efforts. So, when such a thing happens it is very disheartening."

A big reason, according to Tagore, why films and their makers should be taken more seriously now is that, "They get so much revenue, recognition and awards for the country and yet they are not given their due respect, which is unfortunate. Our actors and directors are applauded the world over, and when their abilities are questioned back home, it discourages everyone immensely."

Hrithik Roshan: The new emperor of Bollywood
March 4, 2008
Another nice article on Hrithik, this time from Merinews.

Roshan, on the other hand, has excelled in all sorts of roles. Starting from his first movie Kaho Na Pyar Hai (KNPH) to the latest Jodhaa Akbar, he has essayed roles that are as diverse and wide as the gamut of emotions and acting skills that he is capable of exhibiting. Just take a look at the range of roles that he has played in movies like KNPH, Fiza, Mission Kashmir, Yaadein, Koi Mil Gaya, Lakshya, Krrish, Dhoom-2, and Jodhaa Akbar, and you will understand what I mean.

Be it any role - a romantic hero Rohit/Raj in KNPH, where he made his stunning debut and caught the imagination of the nation, or a convincing portrayal of a terrorist in Fiza, or a mind-blowing interpretation of a growth retarded man-child in Koi Mil Gaya, or a fantastic Indian superman avatar in Krrish, or a dazzling depiction of the mysterious Mr A in Dhoom-2, or a regal rendering of the role of a majestic and conscientious emperor in Jodhaa Akbar - Roshan has displayed an amazing repertoire of histrionics and breathed life into his on-screen personas so much so that you get to see the reel characters and not Roshan, the actor.

No wonder that Dilip Kumar, the legendary actor who played the role of Akbar's son, Salim, in the magnum opus Mughal-e-Azam, has reportedly said, "After watching Hrithik play Akbar I was reminded of my film Mughal-e-Azam and the role of Salim that I essayed. Besides, he plays any role to such perfection that he metamorphoses from being Hrithik playing a role to the actual character in the film going about as himself." Full article


Lavish premiere in Hyderabad
March 3, 2008
Hrithik and the principal cast and crew of Jodhaa Akbar will attend premiere of the movie at PVR multiplex in Hyderabad on Thursday. UTV is having an extensive release in these two versions: 75 prints in Telugu version and 60 prints in Tamil version.

Jodhaa Akbar celebration
March 3, 2008
The JA cast and crew celebrated the success of Jodhaa Akbar on Saturday, 1st March at Neeta Lulla's new store in Khar, Mumbai, some photos from SAWF, Smashits, Indiafm, India Target and India Times

Hrithik the super hero…
March 3, 2008
India Times has a nice article on Hrithik.

But it was as Akbar in Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa Akbar that the true magnificence of Hrithik can be envisaged. Hrithik as Emperor Jalaluddin Akbar looks absolutely larger than life. The film made by Ashutosh Gowirakar is today hailed as one of the best historical films made. Apart from this, the performance of Hrithik has left not only the audience but the critics as well spell bound. The notable fact with this film is that Hrithik played his role with such aplomb that we just cannot imagine anyone else of today's generation who could even compare to his persona. It was like he put the jaan into Akbar. Full article


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