Up close and personal with Hrithik Roshan
Hrithik, who flaunted his abs in recent photos, talks about his style quotient and why functional dressing is his signature look
(NOTE: This is a reprint of an article that was published in the INDIA TODAY SPICE edition dated August 2023)
If looks could kill, Hrithik Roshan would be a habitual offender. There’s a reason the phrase ‘Greek God’ pops up when describing the actor. His inimitable moves, his enviable physique and his effortless swag make him sought after across genders. Yet, in an industry where the operating premise is ‘being seen is being relevant’, Roshan is a non-conformist. There’s no streak of rebellion here, it’s just a zen-like demeanour he adopts. “Acting and being a part of films that excite me is a reflex that arises from passion. I love being an actor, and you cannot rush or put timelines to something you love,” he says. “The process of filmmaking is meticulous and often takes time to shape up, so yes, you can call me patient. I do believe good things come to those who wait.”
Roshan himself didn’t have to wait for success to come knocking at his doorstep; his very first film—Kaho Naaâ€æ Pyaar Hai (2000)—directed by his father, Rakesh Roshan was a runaway hit. Audience adulation came quickly but sustaining it, he’d learn, is the bigger challenge. “I felt pressured to do things, be a part of events and projects merely to keep up,” he says. “It was a gradual learning, but I soon realised that success to me is the choice to be able to do the work that I truly enjoy and spend time with my loved ones.”
There have been highs and a few lows too, but Roshan is familiar with the art of rising from adversity. And he’s done so by letting his work do the talking. He is still deemed Bollywood’s finest dancer. He still gets your attention even when there’s a younger co-star beside him (read War). And he thrives on a challenge, be it playing a large-hearted Bihari tutor in Super 30 or a charismatic antagonist in Vikram Vedha. Success for him “is being able to have a choice of doing what drives you and being able to excuse yourself from things that do not add value”.
Spending 24 years entertaining audiences and being in contention is no easy feat, especially as the field gets crowded and the industry evolves. These days, Roshan makes more headlines for the projects he rejects. But the 49-year-old actor isn’t the sort to dwell on the ones that got away. “The biggest and most valuable lesson for me has been ‘the joy of letting go’,” he says. “Letting go doesn’t mean quitting, it is in fact empowering oneself to let go of any fear that’s holding you back.”
He did so when he played Rohit in Koi.. Mil Gaya (2003), a character which required him to essay a social misfit, albeit one with exemplary powers. “I really got addicted to the process of letting go of my inhibitions and submitting to my onscreen characters and this practice has been truly empowering,” adds Roshan.
It’s why you won’t see him inundating his social media feed with daily life updates. Public appearances are few and far between. Leisure is to spend time with his two dogs or take off with his two teenage sons to explore a new destination. “Travel nourishes my soul. I travel because I love to explore places, people, food, culture, adventures and experiences. The nourishing experience and exposure only adds on to my onscreen performances.” The audiences are only glad to watch him put on a show.
HRITHIK’S STYLE SHEET
* FASHION FORWARD, STYLE CONSCIOUS OR A STYLIST’S CLOTHESHORSE?
None of the above. I don’t really keep up with fashion trends and my style is defined by comfort. I believe in functional dressing and opt for the most comfortable attire that suits an occasion.
* GO-TO FASHION STATEMENT
A T-shirt paired with jeans, a cap and shoes.
* HOW MUCH OF YOUR PERSONAL INPUT GOES INTO YOUR EVERYDAY LOOK?
Contrary to popular belief, I wake up every day, dig into my wardrobe and find my clothes, and get ready all by myself.
* SIGNATURE LOOK
I think my affinity towards caps as a live-in accessory can be termed as a signature, maybe.
* YOUR IDEA OF SHARP DRESSING
Smart dressing is wearing the right fit. It’s a neat and clean look that is both stylish and comfortable. Comfort is key and I feel most confident when I’m comfortable in what I wear. From the recent Arrow collection, my favourites include the Black, Beige, and White looks. Smart dressing for events and occasions often includes layering, and Arrow’s timeless and versatile suits and blazers definitely make the cut, and are a wardrobe essential.
* CHOOSING ARROW AS A BRAND TO PARTNER WITH
I felt Arrow, as a brand, delivers on its promise and creates clothing that is very practical. Arrow has been consistent with their offerings, adapting to fashion trends since 1851 and the trust that it has generated over the decades only strengthens my confidence in the brand. Recently I met Arrow’s brilliant team to film our latest campaign ‘Every Special Moment Deserves an Arrow’. Also, like the brand, I believe in the power of dressing to express one’s personality—functional, comfortable, yet dapper.
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