Hrithik’s truth will shock everyone: Rakesh
From Kaho Na Pyaar Hai (2000) to the Krrish series, Rakesh Roshan has made many successful films with his son, Hrithik Roshan. Time and again, the film-maker has been asked why he chooses to work only with his son. He justifies the move by saying that with a “talented” son like Hrithik, he doesn’t feel the need to look outside his family. “I am not only a father, but also a film-maker. I look at Hrithik as an actor,” says Rakesh in a candid chat with HT Café. Here, he talks about his equation with his son, his upcoming film Krrish 4, the Kangana Ranaut controversy, and more.
Why did you decide to make Krrish 4?
During Ganeshotsav, my wife (Pinky Roshan) showed me a pictureit off LordLd GaneshaG h dressed liked Krrish. It was a tweet that she had received. It gave me the confidence to believe that people are still interested in the series.
Do you think Indian superhero films can match up to the Hollywood ones?
We can match up to Hollywood, but we don’t have that kind of budgets. They make projects worth $300 million. That is something we can’t do. We have to rely more on our content for such films.
Hrithik was embroiled in a major controversy with Kangana Ranaut earlier this year…
Hrithik is different. Even when someone [Kangana] was spreading lies about him, he chose to stay calm and dignified. If he does choose to come out with the truth, it will shock everyone.
Why hasn’t he spoken about it yet?
HeH is busy with his upcoming movie. Once he gets free, he might speak about it. It is his choice.
Your daughter Sunaina Roshan, too, has had her own share of struggles,s as she was diagnosed with cancer. As a father, what is the most important piece of advice you have given to both your kids?
I haven’t given them any advice. However, they have seen me grow from my struggling days. They know the kind of person I am. They aare following the same path — to work hard, believe in God, and sort out one’s karma.
Your upcoming production is clashing with a movie starring Shah Rukh Khan…
I had announced my film in February last year. A sudden announcement about the release of another movie is a little unethical. However, I can’t stop any film from releasing on the same day.
Reportedly, Shah Rukh and you reached an understanding...
We have met a couple of times. I have told him that nobody is going to gain [anything] out of this clash. I have also explained to him that I can’t shift my film’s release date, as I am a little superstitious. I would have changed the date had I not announced the film. I don’t have an ego.
Even when someone was spreading lies about Hrithik, he chose to stay calm and dignified. RAKESH ROSHAN, FILM-MAKER