SOUL SURVIVOR

The Roshans, a docu-series on composer Roshan Lal Nagrath, his sons Rakesh and Rajesh and grandson Hrithik has struck a chord with the audience. RAKESH ROSHAN talks about its genesis and encapsulates his journey in an emotional interview with FARHANA FAROOK

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Rakesh Roshan’s life script has swung more challenges than the screenplay of his films. The ‘suspension of belief’, said to be the hallmark of his fantastical narratives, seems inherent in his own journey as well. The ‘poetic faith’, which helped him overcome the overwhelming. Son of the genteel and talented composer, the late Roshan Lal Nagrath, young Rakesh had to struggle to find his bearings in a competitive industry after his father’s demise. Unable to crack it as a hero, he turned producer with films including Aap Ke Deewane (1980), Kaamchor (1982) and Bhagwaan Dada (1986). Still struggling to validate his position, he dived into direction with Khudgarz (1987) mortgaging his all including the Mercedes he drove to the film’s premiere. Destiny did a ‘fantastical’ flip and he never looked back again. His legacy, including superstar son Hrithik Roshan, stands imperishable today. There were personal challenges to be volleyed as well. What could be more bizarre than being shot at after the blockbuster reception to Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai! (2000) And what could be braver than driving to the police station to report the crime. He stood rock-like through the troughs in son Hrithik’s life including his career slump, divorce and brain surgery. Through daughter Sunaina Roshan’s combat with cancer. Through his own tryst with the dreaded disease… only to transcend the trials. Excerpts from a free-flowing interview

WHAT INSPIRED THE DOCUMENTARY THE ROSHANS? WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING FEEDBACK YOU'VE RECEIVED?

Some years ago, I came across a music player, which had a compilation of about 10000 songs. While listening to it, I wanted to play my father, Roshan Lal Nagrath's songs as well. To my absolute shock and dismay, it included compositions of all music directors but none of my father's works.