A couple of weeks ago, my youngest daughter launched Risque—her fashion and fitness blog. While planning the event, she asked me who should be the chief guest. Without missing a beat, I said, “Hrithik Roshan.” It was the best fit on all levels—he is one of our fittest stars and he has launched his own sporty fashion brand. “Why would he do it?” she asked. Good question. I said, “Try. At worst, he will say no.” But he said yes. And the person most taken aback was me! So, here’s why.
During the tumultuous Kangana Ranaut-Hrithik Roshan public war, I had backed Kangana—rightly or wrongly. I was told Hrithik was most miffed, as was his father, Rakesh, someone I have known for decades. They asked for a meeting. We met. I had my own views. And there it ended. But the charges and counter charges between the two warring stars continued to fly around. I was done with the whole mess.
Hrithik stayed miffed.
I figured he had every right to be mad at me. So, the chances of Hrithik agreeing to support my daughter’s event were remote. But, hey, he totally disarmed me by accepting her invitation. Most stars in his shoes wouldn’t have bothered. He wasn’t getting paid for it. And he certainly doesn’t need more publicity. Once he had communicated his acceptance, the event was structured around his convenience. I expected the usual superstar nakhras. And a certain, “Look! I am doing you a huge favour, okay?” But his behaviour couldn’t have been more ‘normal’. Perhaps, ‘normal’ is an understatement. He was relaxed, generous and gracious. He overwhelmed us all with his words of praise and encouragement for Anandita.
Hrithik Roshan | AFP
Which brings me to our own misconceptions about movie stars. We expect them to be brats. And most of them definitely behave like one. We abhor their egotistical posturing—very few bother to hide it. Combine that with demands, tantrums and late coming, it’s a surefire recipe for a disastrous encounter. Then there are the exceptions, like Amitabh Bachchan. He shames us all with his uncompromising professionalism. Often, his hosts are taken off guard when he shows up on the dot of time for a function while they are still fussing over last-minute arrangements. Amitabh rehearses meticulously before any event, no matter how big or small. If he has to be up on a stage, he finds out how many steps he needs to climb in advance. He doesn’t leave anything to chance—even his throwaway remarks are thought through before he utters them in public. If he invests so much effort and energy into events, you can imagine how he must prep for his movies.
Hrithik Roshan fits into the same mould. He is a perfectionist and a control freak, according to those who know him well. No detail is too small for him. Which is also why I am hoping his new movie Kaabil does well. He has a lot riding on it. And, playing a visually challenged man, out to seek revenge, seems like a pretty demanding role to pull off for any actor. Press reports suggest Hrithik has given it his all, and trained diligently to get the nuances of the character just so. He is hoping this role will create better awareness about the visually impaired and sensitise audiences as to what that dark world is all about. He says it isn’t just about being ‘nice’ to someone with a white cane, it is more important to accept and understand the person minus judgments.
Years ago, at a posh dinner on the lawns of a billionaire’s mansion, I had jauntily ‘advised’ Hrithik’s father to find an agent in Hollywood for his talented son. Puzzled but curious, Roshan Sr had asked me why. I had replied, “Because Hrithik should be the next Bond. He has got it all!” We both laughed. But I was serious! I am still serious about the Bond thing.
Till that happens, I guess we will make do with Bollywood and Hrithik playing superhero in the Krrish franchise. But Bond is Bond. And whichever actor plays Bond makes cinema history. The role is still open, Hrithik. Craig is out. You could so be in! Go for it!
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