Hrithik Roshan

Lore & Background

Roshan was born in Bombay, Maharashtra, into the Roshan family prominent in Hindi cinema, of Punjabi and Bengali descent. He made brief appearances as a child actor in several films in the 1980s and later worked as an assistant director on four of his father's films. His first leading role was in the box-office success Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000), for which he received several awards. Performances in the 2000 terrorism drama Fiza and the 2001 ensemble family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham consolidated his reputation but were followed by several poorly received films.

The 2003 science fiction film Koi... Mil Gaya, for which Roshan won two Filmfare Awards, was a turning point in his film career; he later starred as the titular superhero in its sequels: Krrish (2006) and Krrish 3 (2013). He earned praise for his portrayal of an army officer in Lakshya (2004), a thief in Dhoom 2 (2006), Mughal emperor Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar (2008) and a quadriplegic in Guzaarish (2010). He achieved further commercial success with the comedy-drama Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), the revenge drama Agneepath (2012), the biopic Super 30 (2019), and action films directed by Siddharth Anand—Bang Bang! (2014), War (2019), and Fighter (2024).

Roshan has also performed on stage and debuted on television with the dance reality show Just Dance (2011). As a judge on the latter, he became the highest-paid film star on Indian television at that time. He is involved with several humanitarian causes, endorses several brands and products, and has launched his own clothing line. Roshan was married for fourteen years to Sussanne Khan, with whom he has two children.

Reader's Guide

Hrithik Roshan's significance lies in his status as a millennial superstar and one of India's highest-paid actors, with a career spanning over two decades. His breakthrough in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000) established him as a leading man, and his subsequent roles in films like Koi... Mil Gaya, Krrish, Jodhaa Akbar, and War showcased his versatility and commercial appeal. He is particularly noted for his dancing skills and his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from a superhero to a quadriplegic. His legacy includes six Filmfare Awards, four for Best Actor, and consistent presence on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 since 2012. Beyond film, he expanded into television as a judge on Just Dance, becoming the highest-paid film star on Indian TV at the time. His humanitarian work, brand endorsements, and clothing line further cement his influence. Roshan's career trajectory, marked by early success, a turning point with Koi... Mil Gaya, and sustained popularity, reflects his enduring impact on Hindi cinema.

Did You Know?

• Roshan was born with an extra thumb fused to the one on his right hand.
• He has stammered since the age of six and underwent daily speech therapy.
• He was diagnosed with scoliosis in his early 20s, which initially prevented him from dancing or performing stunts.
• He is the only actor to win both Filmfare Best Debut and Best Actor awards for the same film (Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai).