Rakesh & Hrithik Roshan A Winning Combination

An intimate chat with father and son Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan, as they go down memory lane and tell us why they are the way they are—unbeatable.

- Suchitra Iyer

‘Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice,’ said the famous Charles F Kettering. And, Hrithik Roshan seems to have adhered to this piece of advice quite assiduously. For, he is quite sure that his personality is a reflection of what he has learnt from his father by simply observing him over the years. And, why not? His father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, is a survivor in the true sense of the word. He has withstood the vagaries of life staunchly, stumbling occasionally, but picking himself up every time. This father-son duo’s relationship is unique yet quite textbook. Not only does it tick all the boxes of an ideal father-son bond, but it also goes beyond the normal realm of mutual respect and affection. It is rather uncanny how they bring out the best in each other—whether it is in their personal lives or in their profession.

Proving the point is the duo’s next outing, Kaabil, due to release on January 25, where Hrithik plays a visually impaired person. I meet Hrithik and Rakesh at the former’s Juhu home. Seated in his spacious and warm living room overlooking the sea, Hrithik’s demeanour betrays any pre-release jitters he may be experiencing. He looks relaxed. Dressed in a T-shirt and denims, the actor is keen to talk about his upcoming film, his childhood and about what his father means to him. Ditto for Rakesh, who says it as it is when he talks about how he overcame all the roadblocks to finally see the light of day in his career.