Keeping Time
Hrithik Roshan, brand ambassador of Rado for the past six years, discusses time, memory and why he isn’t big on nostalgia
What’s your idea of a good time?
I love to travel, to get away. But the one aspect in which I differ from others is that my good time is very strenuous. When I travel with my boys ( Hrehaan and Hridhaan), I wake them up at 7.30 am and we head to the garden or the beach and do lunges, abs and climb ropes. From then on it’s an adventure. If I can manage it, no cars are allowed. We are all on cycles even if it is to go and watch a movie.
What’s your earliest fondest memory?
I don’t go back to them actually. But one that sticks out is when my dad taught me how to cycle. I remember telling him to not let go off the seat because otherwise I would fall. I kept talking and cycling, and when I braked I turned and saw that he was still waiting at the starting point. That’s the day I realised that I can do things on my own.
So you don’t like to dwell on the good times of the past?
May be somewhere I have realised that attaching yourself to the past is a pointer towards victim syndrome. A lot of people get self- significance when they think about their story — how they went through this, and then feel like a hero. I feel that’s a negative way to empower yourself. I only look at creating my journey from here on. My story is what I am doing right here, right now.
Is there a watch that’s dear to you?
When I was a kid I used to see my father ( Rakesh) wear this classic Rado. I loved it because it made his wrist look thick and strong. I aspired to have a wrist and watch like that. I grew up and became the brand ambassador of Rado but I couldn’t manage to get that wrist ( Laughs). My father has kept the watch for himself. But I’m not complaining; I have 12 of my own now.
How do you like your watch?
I love watches that fit well and feel good. They have to have the essence of strength. They need to look very masculine. I look for weight. It’s more about the weight distribution.
Do you still use a watch to check on time?
It’s a cross between cell phones and a watch. It’s the watch’s responsibility to instil the desire to wear it because no longer will a person buy the watch just to read time. Rado has no issues on that front. That is why it is the only fashion accessory that I wear.