“I was quite sure that ZNMD would work” – Hrithik Roshan

By Devansh Patel -

August 10, 2011 - 4:49 AM IST

In the last few years, Hrithik Roshan has made girls jump over tables, print their kiss marks on his posters, fight with their boyfriends on questions like - who's better? That Khan or that Roshan? And of course, demand to go shopping, with their boyfriends, swiping the plastic and girlfriend buying the same chequered shirt that Hrithik pulled off with ease in ZNMD. The stories are endless. So if there is ever a mainstream cult in Indian cinema, it has to be Hrithik Roshan. For those who thought the actor would never be a part of such ensemble films starring two other leads is now just a mere thought. The reality has been redefined. In fact, what the actor masterfully managed to avoid has today changed the mind sets of the audiences and filmmakers. For Hrithik, films are like art galleries where audiences come and appreciate his surreal performance, except that you just can't buy him. So all you're left with is poster collection, some DVD buying and hopefully a Hrithik figurine that might come out soon and the closest you can come to buying is posing with him with your arms wrapped around his waist at London's Madame Tussauds. Girls, gird your loins because I bring you the God of Thunder.

“I was quite sure that ZNMD would work” – Hrithik Roshan

So, how's your zindagi looking post ZNMD?

My zindagi post ZNMD is great, thank you! I'm all about living life to the fullest and balancing out my work and family time. Whenever it's not work, it's family time and the best form of relaxation or therapy for me is spending time with my beautiful wife and children. 2011 is also a busy year for me as audiences will see me in one of Indian cinema's most iconic roles - Vijay Dinanath Chauhan - in Agneepath. This is a role I've worked hard on, as I am extremely conscious about doing justice to Mr. Bachchan's unforgettable performance in the original.

You've always been selective about your roles in films. You don't mind going out of the box doing an ensemble film with other male actors?

Yes, I do go for the challenging roles because I like to keep it fresh and interesting. I also believe it's really important to identify with the character and to really get involved, it takes huge amount of focus, commitment and un-divided attention. You can say I'm a method actor as I like to fully get into the skin of the character and am not like one of those actors who juggle multiple roles at once.

Besides Katrina, did you have any fixation for 'Bagwati'?

(Laughs) More than me, it was more of a fixation for Farhan.

Honestly, this industry is all about sustainability. Are we now seeing some sustainability at the box office too?

I'd like to think we are. I guess with any industry or life span, you will always have your peaks and troughs and you just have to ride it like our industry is doing.

If you trace back your entire road trip now, what is that one thing that you'd like to come to get back?

I would like to get back each and every moment I spent on the road trip - an experience of a lifetime! I don't think I would be where I am today if I didn't experience the bumps and hurdles of my life's road trip. Who wants a smooth ride anyway?!

Humour in Indian cinema has been going through a lot of change. Dil Chahta Hai got new additions to it, then after a decade came Delhi Belly and now ZNMD. Do you too see that change and how would you describe it?

Yes, I do see the change and the change is for good. The positive part of Indian cinema is it always has a positive growth. I'm a huge fan and advocate of cinema that pushes boundaries and comes out of its comfort zone to unearth new talent, both behind and in front of the camera. Humour is the driving force of our industry just like songs are. If it wasn't for the humour, who has put a smile or a laugh on those millions of faces?

Spill some beans on the 'not-seen-before-madness' of Farhan Akhtar. I hear he is hilarious off sets. Some incidents that tickled your funny bone?

Farhan has always been hilarious. Knowing him personally, as said there are a lot of secrets kept in the bag, I think it was the right time to display the talent on screen. He has let some of it out if not all of it (laughs).

What was Senorita Sussanne's take on ZNMD?

Well my senorita enjoyed the movie a lot, thank you!

What self-realization have you been through or re-collect now that's happened in your life?

I think the importance of celebrating your individuality and character traits that make you 'you' and not following the herd.

What took you most by surprise besides the collection and audience feedback and their love?

I wouldn't say so much of a surprise as the project has been a complete labour of love which audiences connected to and appreciated. With a formidable crew and Zoya at the helm and great screenplay and characterisation, I was quite sure that the film would work and I am elated with the response.

Do you think ZNMD makes for a sequel?

Definitely! There's so much to the characters in the film than meets the eye. A completely new chapter in their lives awaits them and I'm sure that'll make a super script.