May News 2008

Hrithik signed as a goodwill ambassador for NDTV Imagine's new show
May 29, 2008
Hrithik has been signed on as the goodwill ambassador for Junoon… Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka, a new musical show on NDTV Imagine. He will lend his support to the participants of the Sufi, Folk and Filmy genres on the show. See stills from the show.

Announcing Hrithik's association with the show, Shailja Kejriwal, EVP Content, NDTV Imagine said, "We are very excited as this is the first time that a channel has associated with a celebrity at this level. Hrithik's role is very unique - he is not a host, judge or performer. He is here to lend his support to the participants. What makes this association special is that we truly believe that he embodies the spirit of Junoon and epitomizes the passion which is present in all the talented artists that are part of the show! He symbolizes the personality of the show brilliantly!"

Even Hrithik seemed all excited on being associated with the show. The talented actor said "I am very pleased to be associated with NDTV Imagine and Junoon. I can identify with the participants and their desire to achieve success with their god-given talent. I relate to their positive and exuberant spirit because I believe that I have a similar Junoon - be it my work or my personal life." Junoon… Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka is an exciting new musical show that will decide the country's most popular genre of music, namely Folk, Sufi and Filmy. Each team will have 6 contestants and will be mentored by an eminent personality from the music industry, namely, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for the Sufi Team, Ila Arun for the Folk Team and Anand Raj Anand for the Filmy Team.

Video Download: Bright Ad Anniversary celebration
May 29, 2008
Indiafm has a short recorded message from Hrithik for Bright Advertising anniversary celebration, download here.

I can't imagine my family without my sons: Hrithik
May 29, 2008
Hindustan Times has an interview with Hrithik where he talked about his sons, the IPL and Kites among other things.

"Being a father is absolutely wonderful. I can't imagine my family without sons." He said he named his second son, a name that means 'one who gives from the heart'. The reserved star said he was not the type to seek publicity. "I talk when I have stuff to talk about not just for the sake of it. But for the sake of talking I just don't feel the need". His comments come at a time when other Bollywood stars are slanging it out in public, using their blogs and interviews to needle each other but the star refuse to comment on it.

Hrithik's absence from IPL matches has been most noticeable but, said the actor, he plans to attend the semi-finals. It does seem that the brand ambassador for the Mumbai IPL team is also the lucky mascot as his presence helped the team to victory after a series of defeats. "My full support is with them and they have played terrifically. I congratulated the Ambanis as soon as I was back," said Hrithik. He also said he was happy for the team: "I love the (team) name. It's the only title not trying to cater or is not influenced from the West. It's not trying to be cool it's a perfect blend of both the emotions, towards your city and towards your country."

Hrithik also spoke frankly about rumours that he had decided to stop doing intimate scenes in movies because his dad Rakesh Roshan did not like them. "That's rubbish, I wonder where such news come from. If it's the need of the script then I don't have any reasons to be hesitant." He is believed to be doing a kissing scene with costar Barbara Mori in Kites. He would not reveal anything more about the film. Commenting on the spat between Ambumani Ramados and the film industry over the Health Minister's calls to ban smoking and drinking in movies and of course junk food and colas, Hrithik said: "the approach is irrational. One cannot put a full stop over things, moderate intake is never damaging. Addiction to something good is also bad."

Video Download: Hrithik promotes Coke
May 26, 2008
A couple of clips of Hrithik during his promotion for Coke from IBN and NDTV, download here and here.

Hrithik was in the Capital to promote a leading soft drinks brand, Coke. Although there were many questions coming his way during the event, his lips seemed locked some of the issues. About the much hyped about kiss with his co-star Barbara Mori, which Rakesh Roshan objected to, Hrithik says, "Kites is far away even in terms of shoot. You will have to wait a year and then I think you will be happier." On Health Minister Ramadoss's request to Bollywood stars not to endorse unhealthy products like cigarettes, chips and aerated drinks, Hrithik Roshan says, "I do not agree. I do not think it is right to put full stops. What we have to teach is moderation. Addiction to anything…even to something good is bad." Although it is difficult to say what Hrithik is addicted to, but one thing that remained constant in the event was his hundred-watt smile.

I was once addicted to the gym: Hrithik
May 26, 2008
Hrithik talked about his endorsement for Coca-Cola at the launch of the Coca Cola's Fridge Pack.

"I think both Coca Cola and IPL support sports, which shows their commitment to a healthy lifestyle. I also feel sports is the common factor between Coca Cola and me," Hrithik, who was in the capital to launch Coca Cola's Fridge Pack, told reporters Friday. When asked about Health Minister Ambumani Ramadoss' threat to ban junk food, Hrithik said: "Our young generation is health conscious and I don't agree with this statement. You have to be practical and realistic. You don't have to be addicted to anything.

"For instance, I was once addicted to the gym. After a certain point I realised that I am hurting myself by overdoing it. So, any addiction is bad for health." At the same time, he remains health conscious. "Yes, to some extent, I work out on a regular basis," Hrithik maintained. The actor, who was last seen in Ashutosh Gowariker's historical romance "Jodhaa Akbar", refused to comment on his next film "Kites" that is being made by his father Rakesh Roshan. "The film is still about a year away, so it is premature to comment on it," Hrithik said.

'I have already started working on Kites'
May 22, 2008
Prashant Rasaily will assist Anurag Basu in Kites, he said he has started working with Anurag on the film and it's still on the pre-production stage.

Flying kites worldwide
May 21, 2008
Rakesh Roshan talked about Kites and mentioned that shooting for Krrish 2 starts next year.

"Kites will be a big, expensive film because I want to sell it in the international market," discloses Roshan Sr. "We're making it on an international scale, it will be top quality entertainment with no compromises. The action sequences will match international standards." His big plus is that Kites is a subject where the lingo won't matter. It can be seen and understood anywhere in the world. "The boy (Hrithik) and girl (US-based Barbara Mori) don't understand each other's language. She speaks only Spanish while he could speak any language — English, Hindi, Bengali, French, anything, since she won't understand him any way. And then slowly they begin to relate to each other because ultimately it's all aami tomake bhalo baashi!" laughs the producer.

"We'll be shooting a long spell of about 70-80 days in Las Vegas and New Mexico from this July," says Rakesh Roshan who retains the infectious enthusiasm of a first-timer when he talks of his films. "I've already done a recce, not once but twice." With a flair for also having a good time, you may be sure that it was a recce and recreation for RR! By the way, Hrithik Roshan will finally get to rest his knees and generally relax this year. The only film he is getting ready to shoot for in 2008 is his own production, Kites. "The action sequences will be car chases and stuff like that," explains Rakesh Roshan. "So Hrithik doesn't have to undergo any intensive training like he did for Krrish." Or Dhoom:2 or Jodhaa Akbar, all of which were physically very strenuously demanding films. "Hrithik can relax a bit this year," says dad. "Until I start Krrish 2 with him next year. And then it'll be back to gruelling training for him!"

Hrithik takes a break
May 21, 2008
Shooting for Kites won't start till end of July so Hrithik is taking the time out to bond with Hridhaan.

Meanwhile, while the other Bollywood regular were busy shooting, attending award shows and IPL matches, Hrithik Roshan has decided to take a well deserved break. He is taking a break from his shootings and all other fimli jhamelas in order to spend time with his wife and the new born baby. "It's bonding time for the Akbar and his new born baby boy and both of them are inseparable," says a friend. This one is one happy family who remains connected through out the year!

Bollywood star wives to dazzle small screen
May 21, 2008
Zeenews reports that Sussanne is in talks with Discovery Travel and Living, to host a show on homemaking. According to reports, Susanne is not ready for the show to start off due to her second go at motherhood.

Role-in-the-hay
May 17, 2008
Mumbai Mirror reports that Hrithik is being given a new steamy image in Kites.

In Basu's Kites, Hrithik apparently has a lot of roll-in-the-hay scenes. According to a source the film is actually an adaptation of Woody Allen's film on a lust-quadrangle, Matchpoint, about an ambitious working-class man who marries into huge wealth and then keeps stealing back to his girlfriend, who comes from an objectionable background, for some livewire excitement on the sly. According to the source, "Kites will show Hrithik as never before. And the girls chosen to play Hrithik's wife and mistress are Kangana Ranaut and Barabara Mori who have been briefed about the steamy sensuous scenes in the film. Neither of the two ladies is known to be particularly coy. Kangana and Barbara are more than willing to go with the script."

Hrithik can't wait for Kites to begin
May 16, 2008
Hrithik talked about Barbara Mori and Kites.

Happy Mother's Day
May 11, 2008
Hrithik talks about his mom Pinky on Mother's Day.

My mother is the Bourn vita of our family-her sheer presence makes all the difference to our lives. Mother's Day this year is even more special with two mothers in our family-my mother and the mother of my two kids, Suzzane. Generally it's Suzzane who take scare of all the arrangements for a celebration. But since this day is meant for my mom and her, so I guess the males have to tie up their aprons to please the ladies of the family.

It's Hridhaan Roshan
May 7, 2008
According to Mumbai Mirror, Hrithik and Sussanne have named their second son Hridhaan, which means 'great heart', here's a photo.

Hrithik Roshan and Sussane's six-day-old son has been named Hridhaan. The atmosphere at the Khan household is a happy one as Sussane came home with the baby yesterday. Says grandfather Sanjay Khan, "Hrithik and Sussane's bundle of joy is called Hridhaan. The name means 'great heart'. By God's grace, both mother and baby are doing fine." Speaking about Hrehaan's reaction to his baby brother, he says, "Hrehaan is extremely fascinated and curious about his little brother. He is very protective about the baby and keeps telling everyone to look after him."

Sussane and Hrithik have given names to both their children which are a combination of their own names. Hrehaan which means God's chosen one is an Indian variation of the name Rehan, which is originally Arabic, meaning 'fragrant one'. Hridhaan is an Indian name meaning 'great heart'. Sussane, which is a French name, means Lily while Hrithik which is Indian name means 'from the heart'.

Hrithik Roshan hasn't met her yet but he is most kicked about working with Latin American sizzler Barbara Mori. She features with him in his father Rakesh Roshan's next production, Kites, directed by Anurag Basu. Barbara is expected in Mumbai soon for her costumes and make-up look. Says Hrithik, "She is simply amazing. I have seen her in the Spanish film La Mujer De Mi Harmani (My Brother's Wife). She attracted a lot of eyeballs in it. We begin shooting for Kites in July in the US."

Hrithik also gets to romance Kangana Ranaut in Kites. "But I can't tell you whether that was the role Sonam Kapoor was offered. It was all speculation." The actor is eager to sign more films. "The holy books say ask and you shall receive. I've asked. Let's see when I receive. At the moment, I've one other commitment a cameo in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance."

Later, Hrithik goes into another film with his father though he isn't sure it would be another Krissh. "It all depends on the script. We need to make sure it's made for the right reasons and not just to encash on the brand. What we have right now is mindblowing but we want to go further. At this stage of our careers, we can't do another Krissh just for the action. We can't have just good and bad and all that jazz."

Hrithik can't wait for Kites to begin
May 6, 2008
Hrithik talked about Barbara Mori and Kites.

Hrithik Roshan hasn't met her yet but he is most kicked about working with Latin American sizzler Barbara Mori. She features with him in his father Rakesh Roshan's next production, Kites, directed by Anurag Basu. Barbara is expected in Mumbai soon for her costumes and make-up look. Says Hrithik, "She is simply amazing. I have seen her in the Spanish film La Mujer De Mi Harmani (My Brother's Wife). She attracted a lot of eyeballs in it. We begin shooting for Kites in July in the US."

Hrithik also gets to romance Kangana Ranaut in Kites. "But I can't tell you whether that was the role Sonam Kapoor was offered. It was all speculation." The actor is eager to sign more films. "The holy books say ask and you shall receive. I've asked. Let's see when I receive. At the moment, I've one other commitment a cameo in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance."

Later, Hrithik goes into another film with his father though he isn't sure it would be another Krissh. "It all depends on the script. We need to make sure it's made for the right reasons and not just to encash on the brand. What we have right now is mindblowing but we want to go further. At this stage of our careers, we can't do another Krissh just for the action. We can't have just good and bad and all that jazz."

He has Hrithik's eyes
May 5, 2008
Zayed Khan said his new born nephew has Hrithik's blue-green eyes [faints]

"First (his son) Zidaan, who has brought me so much luck and now Hrithik-Susanne's new kid…. He's so cute. He has Hrithik's blue-green eyes. I think the child will look more like Hrithik than Susanne. I'm so happy to see a new generation of kids coming up in our family. Hopefully, there will be more actors coming from the Khan family."

Boy mil gaya!
May 5, 2008
Grandpa Rakesh Roshan's reaction to the birth of his second grandson.

Second-time Grandpa, Rakesh Roshan is in the US scouting for locales for his upcoming film Kites, starring Hrithik and Kangana Ranaut. Speaking to us from LA, an ecstatic Roshan said, "I am in Los Angeles. I was woken up with the good news and I'm ecstatic. It is one of the happiest days in my life." When asked whether Hrithik and Sussanne wanted a daughter since they already have a son, Roshan Sr replied, "Aisa kuchh nahin tha. We didn't try to find out if it was a boy or a girl. God has been kind and we are very happy." Doctor Kiran Coelho, head of Gynaecology Department at Lilavati performed the C-section on Sussanne. A source, who was present in the hospital, says, "Hrithik's mother and sister along with Sussanne's parents, two sisters and her sister-in-law were present at the waiting room throughout the delivery."

Hrithik Roshan's notes to his son
May 5, 2008
Hrithik still getting congratulatory wishes for his performance in Jodhaa Akbar.

He's become dad all over again only recently, and the congratulatory messages coming his way are many. But never mind fatherhood, the actor, funnily, is still getting congratulatory wishes for his performance in Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar. And Duggu doesn't mind it one bit. In fact, he just hits the ceiling with joy if you comment on how brilliant he and the film were. "The compliments coming my way for Jodhaa...haven't stopped," he tells us, wide-eyed. "I gave the film my every thing. There were several doubts and anxieties that crossed my mind while shooting for it.

While performing some scenes, I wondered if the audiences would throw eggs at me. You see, one is never too sure how a film is going to be perceived, and when you have compliments in the superlative coming your way, you breathe a sigh of relief. But that's the law of nature. You give something your best shot, go on no matter how hard it gets, and chances that you'll fail are minimal," philosophies Hrithik. Well, looks like Papa Roshan has the right attitude and some great lessons to teach his new-born beta!

Sanjay Khan on Hrehaan
May 5, 2008
Sanjay Khan talks about his grandson, Hrehaan.

Speaking about his eldest grandchild, Khan says "He looks exactly like Suzanne but has all of Hrithik's habits! Hrehaan is wonderful, gifted child who loves drawing and asks questions all the time. He wants to know everything. His favourite line is story batao. Whenever he comes home, he rushes into my lap or his Nani's lap or Zayed's lap and says story batao!" So does being the first grandchild mean Hrehaan gets away with almost everything? "No.. he is loved a lot but definitely not spoilt. Suzanne does not give chocolates to Hrehaan. We do not spoil our children. If Hrehaan falls, no one will look at him or go to help him. We all start laughing so even he starts laughing and gets up on his own. He must learn to rise on his own. He is not a cry baby!" says the beaming nana.

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