The Roshan Legacy

I waited for Hrithik to bloom into maturity before I launched him, says actor & director Rakesh Roshan

- Prathamesh Jadhav

There's a sense of warmth and exceptional ease about the veteran actor-turned-director Rakesh Roshan. In an industry where egos are elephantine and brashness is often brandished in the name of being self-assured, Roshan's politeness and modesty are a rare commodity. The Free Press Journal sits down with the maverick filmmaker at his Andheri office for a candid conversation. Following are excerpts from the chat over a cup of coffee.

The 75-year-old recently re-released his 30-year-old iconic creation Karan Arjun, featuring Bollywood's biggest names, superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Quite interestingly, his son, Roshan junior Hrithik, assisted him on the movie. Had the father gauged the potential of the son who was destined to become a demigod, a performer known for his remarkable acting chops and exceptional dance skills? "When I came into the industry, I was 21. I wanted Hrithik to show maturity and some restraint as that was the demand of his character in Kaho Na Pyar Hai. When I thought he was ready and mature enough, I made the film!"