Wednesday, August 30, 2006

'Aishwaya totally shocked me'

Bollywood charmer Hrithik Roshan has a reputation for being an exacting, diligent actor who does all his own stunts. But he didn't make the cut with Bollywood's most famous face, Aishwarya Rai.

He says he fell short during their recent shoot for the action thriller "Dhoom2."

"I was quite shocked to see the kind of intelligence she lends to her characters,'' he told a leading newspaper. "It was quite a task matching up to the world's most beautiful face."

Colleagues often describe Roshan as a perfectionist and the actor said he had "loosened up this time and was quite chilled out."

But while filming the cops-and-robbers flick, "slowly and steadily, she made me aware of the fact that I was having a bit too much fun with the role and should start taking it more seriously."

Roshan plays a thief in "Dhoom2," which also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Rai and Bipasha Basu.

He plans to go one up on Rai when they begin shooting next month for a period romance "Jodha-Akbar," a 16th century love story between a Muslim emperor and a Hindu princess.

"This time in 'Jodha-Akbar' I will make sure that I take my character very seriously, and turn the tables on her so that she will be inspired by me, just as I was by her in Dhoom2."

Source: Santabanta

Thursday, August 24, 2006

”No rift with Hrithik,” Abhishek!

They are very close runners in the No. 1 race, but there's no professional rivalry between them. Yes Abhishek Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan are very good friends and they share an ego-free relationship.

In a recent interview, Abhishek Bachchan, who's doing 'Dhoom 2' with Hrithik, denied any rift with Jr. Roshan.
There's a rumour that Abhishek Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan haven't got along very well on the sets of 'Dhoom 2' because of nothing but bruised ego. A source said the role Abhishek is playing in 'Dhoom 2' is less important than Hrithik's, which has hurt Aby Baby.

On asked about that, Abhishek said, he had never worried about the length of the role of his co-stars in the film. "I mainly concentrate on my own performance," said Abhishek.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Hrithik to gyrate to 'dhoom machale' now

The cult song 'dhoom machale' from DHOOM created mass hysteria. The stylish promos of DHOOM 2 seem to have caught everyone's attention. The latest buzz doing the rounds is that Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai will be seen dancing to choreographer Shiamak Davar's tunes in this new song.

Hrithik has already proved his dancing and acting prowess. Moreover Hrithik and Ash have performed some awesome stunts in the film. Incidentally Esha Deol had delivered a mind-boggling performance in the original song and looked great after shedding oodles of weight. Reportedly DHOOM 2 is bigger, better, faster and more furious than DHOOM. So lets see if this one surpasses the original song!
Source: Glamsham

Hrithik treated to 'Krrish' act by little fans

Hrithik Roshan got the treat of his life when a bunch of excited kids wearing "Krrish" masks did an impromptu imitation of his movements from the hit film here. His brush with around 25 kids doing the "Krrish" act left him deeply touched.

"This incident happened while I was shooting an ad at the pub Athena. There was a crowd of 25 kids waiting for me. I went into my van to do my makeup. When I came out they were gone. I was flabbergasted. This couldn't be happening to me, not after the success of 'Krrish'," Hrithik told IANS.

"But to my relief they all came back after an hour. They had gone home to get their 'Krrish' masks. They all wore their masks and imitated my 'Krrish' movements. I was really touched."

The "Krrish" merchandise such as masks and capes have added to the film's flavour.

"It's definitely exciting to personalise a film for the audience. For the audience it's like taking back a part of the film. As a kid I used to love playing with these action toys from 'Star Wars' and 'Return of The Jedi'.

"I used to formulate and concoct my own stories, create my own battles and use my blankets and clothes lines to build tents, mountains, etc. I used to spend hours with my toy figures. Yeah, I think the 'Krrish' merchandise definitely adds to the film's value."

Hrithik reminisces about his own childhood.

"I always lived in a make-believe world. I still do. That world of fantasy was mystical. Still is. I always want to do films that are inspiring, films that talk about the extraordinary experience. The magic of the unseen and formless has always resonated within me. It resonates within all of us.

"But it's the children who are most unspoilt, not clued in to the wily ways of the world and therefore able to adopt that world of fantasy. In that sense we must all be envious of kids because in them the unbelievable and the extraordinary are abundant."

Will Hrithik's young fans be shocked when they see his negative avatar in "Dhoom 2"?

"My character in 'Dhoom 2' isn't immoral. He has his own morality. He does the wrong in the right way. It's quite exciting. Of course, 'Dhoom 2' allows me to move forward from 'Krrish'.

"That's the whole idea of being an actor. Right now 'Krrish' is in the past until we make another superhero film. I just hope and pray 'Dhoom 2' breaks the 'Krrish' records."

Does Hrithik wish his son Hrehaan could see "Krrish"?

"I can't wish for any more than what he already is. He is perfect the way he is. Words can't define the world that emerges when you've your own son. It's all the beautiful things in the world in one bundle of joy. I can never do justice in words to the love that I have for my son.

"I'm really thankful to god for Hrehaan. Love is a beautiful thing. My feelings for him have transformed everything around me. I feel love for every single human being on this earth."

Hrithik gets to spend ample time with his son.

"There's enough time for everything. Ever since his birth I've sharpened the art of time management. It's going smooth sailing. There's enough time for work and family. It's all going very well."
Source: Glamsham

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

When Hrithik advised Abhishek

Over last few weeks, media has gone overboard in writing about so called wars between Amitabh Bachchan - Shahrukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan - Shahrukh Khan and even Hrithik Roshan - Abhishek Bachchan.

While Big B, King Khan and Aby Baby have clearly denied any rift between, this time it is Hrithik Roshan too who has got a clean chit from Abhishek himself. In one of the interviews when Abhishek was questioned if there was any controversy with Hrithik who is his professional rival, Abhishek denied it point blank. In fact on being asked if he cared about the role of his co-star in 'Dhoom 2', he said he had never worried about the length of the role of his co-stars in the film and mainly concentrated on his own performance.

He also narrated incidents where Hrithik had personally come over to him and told him point blank if he wasn't looking good in a particular shot or his make up/dress etc. were not in place. Hrithik's take was that since cinema is a visual medium one should be extra careful about how one presents himself on the screen. No wonder Abhishek can't forget this sweet gesture.

And some say that two film personalities sailing in the same boat cannot be friends!?

Saturday, August 19, 2006

The cool side of me finally surfaces in 'Dhoom 2': Hrithik

After scaling new heights with 'Krrish', Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan recently walked the ramp for the first time for sister-in-law Farah Khan.

'I was very self-conscious. But once I took my first step, I was okay. With everyone cheering me, it was quite a high. Unfortunately, I couldn't do enough rehearsals for the event because I was shooting for 'Dhoom 2',' said Hrithik.

''Dhoom 2' is a welcome departure from my goody-goody image. That cool side of me finally surfaces. It features me as a very different me,' Hrithik told IANS.

The actor says he is a big fan of Vishal Bharadwaj's cinema. 'I'd like to do an adaptation and not a straightforward screen version of Shakespeare.'

He is also planning a world tour for 2007 or 2008.

Excerpts:

Q: You walked the ramp for Farah Khan's jewellery last week.

A: That was my first ramp walk for my sister-in-law Farah. It was great fun. I had never walked the ramp before. But anything for Farah. She's one of the most selfless and generous people I know.

She's like the Mother Teresa of our family. She's headstrong. She'll fight for what she thinks is right. And she'll fight even harder for what she thinks is right for others. She carries around this happy positive vibe. Just the fact that she got half the heroes of Bollywood to walk the ramp in jewellery shows how much she is loved by everyone.

Q: Were you self-conscious walking the ramp?

A: Very. But once I took my first steps I was okay. With everyone cheering me, it was quite a high. Unfortunately, I couldn't do enough rehearsals for the event - I was shooting for 'Dhoom 2' -- although they did have rehearsals.

So, when I actually went on the ramp I was pretty much in the dark until I saw the crowd. Only then did I realise what I had got myself into.

Q: Why not a world tour to cash in on 'Krrish'?

A: Yeah, we're planning one. Some of my friends from the industry are planning a tour for 2007 or 2008. But not right away.

Q: The teaser trailer of 'Dhoom 2' has the nation in a grip.

A: It's definitely going to take me to another world away from 'Krrish'. I've never been hired to do something like this before. I was waiting for this chance.

I'm very calm, composed and cool in 'Dhoom 2'. So far I've played the devoted brother, obedient son, obliging friend and faithful lover. 'Dhoom 2' is a welcome departure from my goody-goody image. That cool side of me finally surfaces. 'Dhoom 2' features me as a very different me.

Q: Onirban wants to cast you as Hamlet?

A: Hamlet! That's interesting. I'd love to hear what he has in mind. I'd like to do an adaptation and not a straightforward screen version of Shakespeare. 'Hamlet' has been done so many times in America - but something like what Vishal Bharadwaj has done in 'Omkara' is welcome. I'm a very big fan of Vishal's cinema. I really want to work with him.

Q: Why are filmmakers afraid to approach you. Why do they think you and your dad are a hard team to break?

A: That's ridiculous, yaar! Here is an actor whose second film after 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai' was directed by a film critic Khalid Mohamed in which I played the protagonist's brother.

Then I've gone on to do films with new directors like Arjun Sablok and Kunal Kohli. And now I'm doing a film with Zoya Akhtar, who is also a new director.

Q: Zoya pairs you with Kareena Kapoor again.

A: Yes, we haven't been seen together for a while. But we keep bumping into each other socially.

Q: Do you think Kareena has evolved as an actor?

A: She was already evolved when we started working together in Karan's 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'. I haven't seen her recent films. But I've heard good things about her in 'Omkara'.

Q: Will there be awkwardness between the two of you?

A: Why? Because of the rumours about us? I'd be awkward if there was any truth to the rumours. If there was even the smallest discomfort, why would we agree to work together again and that too with a new director? The last thing Zoya needs is a stressed lead pair.

Q: Zoya will be your first female director?

A: Yes. It'd be interesting. It's a completely different sensibility.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Promo review - Dhoom 2

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz

Is it going to be the biggest sequel of all?

After 'Phir Hera Pheri' went on surpass the business of 'Hera Pheri' by leaps and bounds, 'Krrish' turned out to be one of the top blockbusters of all times and hence in process broke the records set by 'Koi..Mil Gaya'. While 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' is looking set to be the third sequel success in quick time, 'Dhoom 2' [now popularly known as D2] too is turning out to be yet another exciting and high adrenaline drive from the makers of the original 'Dhoom'.

If having Abhishek Bachchan in the lead was not enough, the sequel now also stars Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai and Bipasha Basu as the added attractions with the usual suspect Uday Chopra completing the mega starcast of the film. With the coming together of Yash Raj Films and Sanjay Gadhvi, the director of 'Dhoom', expectations are only sky high from the film. Also with Hrithik having scaled the heights of action with 'Krrish', it is but natural to expect a much BETTER, a much BIGGER and a much GRANDEUR affair from D2.

With 3 months to go before the release of the film, Yash Raj Films in there true tradition have unveiled the promo of the film along with the screening of 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' that has been distributed by them. And doesn't the promo just promise a rollicking ride of your lifetime ahead?

This 100 second promo of D2 begins with an announcement of a female newsreader in the background who speculates over the next line of action of this big time thief/robber! A couple of shots later that show some glimpses of some cool gadgets, a larger than life aerial view of a full length train in the middle of a desert successfully manages to bring you on the edge of your seats. A razor sharp shot of a man tied to ropes while skating along with a train running at a speed on the upwards of at least 100 km/hours [yes, you read it right] is enough to set the adrenaline rushing for any normal living soul!

After setting the context of this actioner in 25 seconds flat, it's time to introduce the 'cool' characters of the film. A sound of whistle with trademark Pritam beats brings Hrithik Roshan at the center of the frame who is shown walking with a carelessly unbuttoned blue shirt and a white vest underneath! Look of the film remains blue throughout when Abhishek Bachchan is the next to come as he walks in a blue outfit in a place that resembles a railway platform. Aishwarya's deep neck blue top is surely going to invite a lot of sighs as she looks western'chic while Uday Chopra prefers to go topless with outstretched arms inviting love with twinkle in his eyes. Bipasha is the last to appear and she does well to hold herself amongst the crowd with a skin hugging top and a gun holster to boost, hence giving herself a very western look.

Introductions over and there is time for some real action to begin that starts with Hrithik Roshan skating in black leather outfits while beating the fast moving traffic behind. Rearranged version of the title song 'Dhoom Machale' forms the part of the background score as everyone from Uday, Abhishek to Hrithik join the action on road [bikes] and water [skate boats]. It's not just the action but a lot of eye candy that keeps you glued to the screen with an arrival of Bipasha Basu in a two piece striped bikini on a beach. Ash too is not far behind as she dances along in a club while attired in mini. There are some more song'n'dance shots to follow that feature the trio of male leads.

A minute into the promo and mood shifts to high voltage drama with Abhishek looking forward to picking up the challenge. The words uttered by him ['Tumse Milke Bahaut Maza Aayega...we will have fun'] set the ball rolling with shots of some daredevil action filling in the gaps between his sentences. A jump atop the train through a glider followed by a cool looking Hrithik getting ready for his plan of action in his gadget laden lab bring the action back in form. The song in the background continuous as well with a gravity defying fight amongst the two men at the top of the train. But the cake is taken by a sequence where Hrithik is gliding once again on the road, this time doing so under a large carrier truck. Some more gadget assisted stunts follow before Abhishek and Uday stamp their authority with a gun each pointed towards the frame.

Well, is that all? Certainly not, as indicated by Hrithik when he conveys the message to Ash - "The Game Is Not Over"! Check out for the heart stopping glimpses of a collage of shots that feature the two hanging down steep mountains, a sequence that has never before attempted in an Indian movie before.

One thing is clear after the promo ends - the film is going to put Allan Amin, the action director of the film, firmly on the map of International class action choreographers. In spite of all the big names involved with the film, 'D2' seems to be an Allan Amin film all the way.

The wait should be worth it for this sure shot success in the making that arrives all over on November 24th!

Kiddo fans galore for Hrithik Roshan

Subhash K. Jha (Indo-Asian News Service)

Hrithik Roshan is unaware of it, but he has an intense bond with Urmila Matondkar and her family.

"It's all because of Krrish," laughed Urmila.

"My five-year old nephew Anurag, with his two front teeth missing, thinks he's Krrish. He's completely taken up with the character, cap and all. I don't think any character has made such an impact on children's minds. I think Hrithik rocks in the film," Urmila told IANS.

The entire Matondkar family has been made to watch Krrish a number of times just so the little fan can get enough of his icon.

So why doesn't Urmila introduce her little moppet to his super-hero?

"Oh I am thinking about it. But I'm seriously worried that Anurag will refuse to recognise Hrithik as Krrish. So close is his identification with Krrish that he would probably refuse to accept that Hrithik played the character. I suppose that's the ultimate compliment to the brilliance of the actor."

What's new? Hrithik's impact as a performer on impressionable minds has by now become legendary.

"This happened at the time when Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai had been released. Sridevi and Boney Kapoor's first-born Jhanvi was just a toddler and she fell completely in love with Hrithik!

"She had packed this little suitcase and she'd go and stand in her balcony and wave to every plane that would fly above her home. That little girl would tell everyone that Hrithik was going to come down from the plane and take her away," said Shabana Azmi.

Hrithik has always been as pleased as punch about his connectivity with kids.

"It feels good to be liked by children. Believe me, I know how hard it is to be a child. I was very shy and introverted as a child. I couldn't speak properly to strangers. For a long time, I couldn't even take an appointment with a doctor.

"My mother or sister would do that for me. In school I kept to myself. I was always left out of all cultural activities. I had to work hard to break the barriers that I had built around me to be competent at my job as an actor."

He says kids are his loyal fans.

"An actor has to reach out to millions of people. I can't tell you how happy I feel to have made contact with kids through Koi Mil Gaya. Children are my most loyal films fans. Both Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish appealed to the child within me.

"So, I guess they connected with the child within audiences. I don't make conscious efforts to appeal to any particular section of viewers. My main aim as an actor is to take our cinema to the next level.

"And that's where Koi Mil Gaya took a small step, though we projected it as big Indian sci-fi flick. But Krrish is a giant leap."

He has been under the weather for two weeks now, ever since he returned to Mumbai from his long shooting schedule of Dhoom 2 in South Africa.

"It's some kind a viral attack. I can't feel the energy and vitality I normally feel. Can't eat properly and don't feel my normal enthusiasm for anything.

"It's not as though I'm totally ill either, so this in-between state of being is quite annoying."

But Hrithik has to continue working.

"Unfortunately, my work ethics haven't permitted me the luxury of rest. I've been shooting right through."

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Hrithik sexier than Aishwarya in Dhoom 2

Radiosargam

Hrithik Roshan is dressed in drag for a few minutes in the film Dhoom 2.

Hrithik has various get ups and he does look as sexy as Aishwarya Rai and Bipasha Basu in the film in that get up.

With the news about the alleged molestation of Bipasha Basu in the US during the Independence Day Parade filtering in, Hrithik should be more careful about men around when he dresses up in such sexy attires.

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Jokes apart, Riteish Deshmukh too looked sexy enough when we saw him dressed in drag getting married to Anupam Kher on one hand and Koena Mitra on the other in the film Apna Sapna Money Money. Earlier heroes took away roles of the villains and comedians like Om Puri and Johnny Lever.

Now they are taking over the heroines' roles as well.

Imagine Hrithik Roshan as Hamlet!

By ApunKaChoice

A filmmaker in Bollywood is thinking of making an adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ with Hrithik Roshan in the eponymous role.

No, it is not Vishal Bhardwaj in whose mind this idea is cooking. It is rather Onir , the director of critically acclaimed My Brother Nikhil , who is said to be contemplating a movie based on ‘Hamlet’. Reports say Onir is considering Hrithik Roshan for the role of the movie’s princely protagonist.

In an interview, Hrithik says he is thrilled at the prospect of playing Hamlet, but he will have to listen to the script and movie idea before committing to the project.

“I'd like to do an adaptation and not a straightforward screen version of Shakespeare…but something like what Vishal Bhardwaj has done in Omkara is welcome,” Hrithik is quoted as saying.

Hrithik says he is a great fan of Bhardwaj’s style of cinema. Hrithik has seen Omkara and is pretty impressed by the idiom and setting in which Vishal has adapted Shakespeare’s tragedy.

Hrithik says he hopes to work with Bhardwaj someday.

Bhardwaj, on the other hand, is said to be thinking of adapting ‘Julius Caesar’ to the screen next.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Hrithik & Aishwarya film has budget of 37 crores

After working together, on 'Swades', UTV Motion Pictures, and Ashutosh Gowariker Production, have again come together to produce, the magna opus love story, "Jodha Akhbar"..

Starring - Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles,, the film is set in 16th century Mughal period,, and looks in to the alliance of a Mughal leader and a Rajput princess.. Ronnie Screwvala and Ashutosh Gowariker are both very excited about working together. Says Ronnie Screwvala, - "We were always clear that, we would work together again. Its was a just a question of when and how." Adds Ashutosh Gowariker, - "I had a very fixed idea and wanted the right backing for the project. Film is not only about production, but about overall packaging, positioning, marketing and distribution of the film." Ashutosh says, - "the idea has been with me, since I completed Lagaan… but, I decide to work on Swades as this film needed more research. Haider Ali Sahib is helping me with the research of the film. I am really excited about the love story angle. I have never made a love story before… we all take it for granted that Salim was born from Jodha and Akhbar's marriage, but no one knows how their love came in to being… it's a legendary love story that is untold till date. And I strongly feel that everyone will be to connect to the emotion of love. It's a modern film set in historical times. Not a period movie. I am not showing history, I am depicting emotions. We are currently doing thorough research to maintain the authenticity of Akhbar's character… While writing the story the images that came to mind were only two people warrior like Hrithik and the beauty of Ash... it was them that evolved into my mind and took shape of Akhbar and Jodha."

Monday, August 14, 2006

'Dhoom 2' stunts far more daring: Hrithik

By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

Hrithik Roshan, who bowled over audiences with his mind-boggling stunts in "Krrish", gets even more daring in "Dhoom 2".

He is shooting the climax of "Dhoom 2" in Durban and says he is going through one of the most exhilarating experiences of his life.

"You cannot even begin to imagine the feeling of snow-boarding a steep mountain over here in Durban. As you hurl down a slope you've no clue about where it's going to end. At that moment you forget all your worries and joys. It's the most exhilarating experience in the world," Hrithik told IANS over telephone from Durban.

Though Hrithik took a while off to learn snow-boarding in Durban, he still wishes he could master it to perfection.

"We haven't really had too much time for me to practise all the stunts before facing the camera. I wish I could master them a bit more."

So, are these much talked-about stunts in "Dhoom 2" as daring as the ones in "Krrish"?

"Oh, far more daring. Allan Amin and I are working on some of the most audacious stunts ever seen or rather never seen in our films. I don't think audiences have ever seen such action. Yes, they're risky. But I'm taking calculated risks. You can't cross frontiers until you take a risk."

Hrithik was in Namibia and now he is in Durban shooting the climax of "Dhoom 2" with Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Uday Chopra. Bipasha Basu has just left.

Hrithik is missing his wife and son very much in spite of his busy timetable.

"And if you ask me whom I miss more, I'll have to say Susanne. I'm so used to her being there with me on all outdoors. Every day feels strange on this schedule. Not that I miss my son any less.

"I couldn't subject such a small baby to those painful vaccines and inoculations. Susanne and family are in London. I might join them there for three days after my schedule in Durban. And then we'll all return to Mumbai together."

After playing the super-hero in "Krrish", Hrithik is having a ball playing a grey character in "Dhoom 2".

"I can't remember the last time I had so much fun shooting a film. Believe me as far as action scenes are concerned I've crossed another threshold with 'Dhoom 2'."

He says he enjoyed the heart-in-the-mouth stunts he has been doing for the last one week. "I'm having a really great time. There're so many new things in this films. I had to train myself in different skills. I had to learn roller-blading, snow-boarding, sand-boarding and of course stunts on bikes."

Hrithik, however, preferred to remain ambiguous about his colourful role in "Dhoom 2". "I can't say much about my character. He's grey but not in any obvious way. It isn't exactly about being a villain. And my performance is certainly not stunts alone.

"No Hindi film can work without the sensitivities and emotions required. 'Krrish' had them and I believe 'Dhoom 2' will have them too."

The actor, who returns to Mumbai at the end of the month, is overwhelmed by the feedback to "Krrish" in South Africa.

"They all love the film here. Virtually everyone seems to have seen it. It's a great hit here. I just want to see how far it'll go. I wish I was back home to see the impact 'Krrish' is creating. Never mind. If I'm lucky I'll enjoy the success of both 'Krrish' and 'Dhoom 2' together."

Hrithik’s 15 different get-ups in Dhoom 2

By IndiaFM

The world is waiting for it. After the mega success of Dhoom, it’s sequel is definitely something to look forward to. While Dhoom 2 is all set to release this November, the first trailer of the film was premiered on IndiaFM last week.

Last time we just saw bikes but this time, it proves to be even more technologically sound. Bikes, roller-blading, jet-skies and finally the dashing Hrithik Roshan in an all new look. And now the latest buzz on the movie is that Hrithik will be shown in more than 15 different get-ups. We already saw about 3 of them in the promo itself and the rest include that of a dwarf and of a lady as well. Now this is something that Hrithik hasn’t done in the past. The reason for doing this is that he dons the role of an international thief and hence in order to give the police the slip, he goes to such lengths.

Recently, we might recall Sunny Deol in many avatars in Anil Sharma’s The Hero and more recently Arshad Warsi too did the same in Anthony Kaun Hai?

With a bikini clad Bipasha and Aishwarya in a two piece costume as glamour dolls and with Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra continuing where they left off in the original Dhoom 2 will be off to a flyer once it releases.

Completely in love with Hrithik

By Subhash K Jha, Santa Banta

Though Hrithik Roshan is unaware of it, he's heavily bonded with Urmila and her family.

"It's all because of Krissh," laughs Urmila. "My five-year old nephew Anurag, with his two front teeth missing, thinks he's Krissh. He's completely taken up with the character, cape and all. I don't think any character has made such an impact on children's minds. I think Hrithik rocks in the film."

The entire Matondkar family has been made to watch Krissh a number of times just so that the little fan can get enough of his icon.

So why doesn't Urmila introduce her little moppet to his super-hero? "Oh I'm thinking about itl. But I'm seriously worried that Anurag will refuse to recognize Hrithik as Krissh.

So close is his identification with Krissh that he would probably refuse to accept that Hrithik played the character. I suppose that's the ultimate compliment to the brilliance of the actor."

So what's new? Hrithik's impact as a performer on impressionable minds has by now become legendary.

Recalls Shabana Azmi, "This happened at the time when Kaho Na…Pyar Hai had been released. Sridevi and Boney Kapoor's first-born Jhanvi was just a toddler….And she fell completely in love with Hrithik!

She had packed this little suitcase and she'd go and stand in her balcony and wave to every plane that would fly above her home. That little girl would tell everyone that Hrithik was going to come down from the plane and take her away."

Hrithik's always been as pleased as punch about his connectivity with kids "It feels good to be liked by children. Believe me, I know how hard it is to be a child. I was very shy and introverted as a child. I couldn't speak properly to strangers. For a long time I couldn't even take an appointment with a doctor. My mother or sister would do that for me.

In school I kept to myself. I was always left out of all cultural activities.I had to work hard to break the barriers that I had built around me to be competent at my job as an actor.An actor has to reach out to millions of people. I can't tell you how happy I feel to have made contact with kids through Koi…Mil Gaya.

Children are my most loyal films fans Both Koi…Mil Gaya and Krissh appealed to the child within me. So I guess they connected with the child within audiences. I don't make conscious efforts to appeal to any particular section of viewers.

My main aim as an actor is to take our cinema to the next level. And that's where Koi…Mil Gaya took a small step, though we projected it as big Indian sci-fi flick. But Krissh is a giant leap," says Hrithik who has been under the weather for two weeks now, ever since he returned to Mumbai from his long shooting schedule of Dhoom 2 in South Africa.

"It's some kind a viral attack. I can't feel the energy and vitality I normally feel. Can't eat properly and don't feel my normal enthusiasm for anything. It's not as though I'm totally ill either, so this in-between state of being is quite annoying."

But Hrithik has to continue working. "Unfortunately my work ethics haven't permitted me the the luxury of rest. I've been shooting right through"

Hrithik Roshan is a big fan of Aamir Khan

Hrithik Roshan is a big fan of none other than Aamir Khan. He is very much impressed by Aamir's performance too. "He is a senior and his approach has been consistently inspiring to actors like me. He takes his characters far more seriously that I do. I base my work more on instinct and less on study. I also have an impetuous to have fun with my work at times. Unless, of course, it is a film like 'Koi Mil Gaya'. But Aamir is absolutely fantastic!" explains Hrithik.

Hrithik-Ash Super Hot in Dhoom 2 Promo

Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz

It was rush-of-blood as the whole auditorium huddled together to watch Karan Johar’s magnum opus ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’ in a suburban multiplex in Mumbai. The popcorns were ripe-with-rich-smell and the colas were cool-with-anticipation (In spite of the hullabaloo surrounding the pesticides in the cola drinks multiplex economy heavily depends on the sales of these beverages). Right before the 22 reel largely mounted KANK was about to start, there was a pleasant surprise in the form of a taut trailer of Sanjay Gadhvi’s ‘Dhoom 2’.

I must say Hrithik Roshan looks Uber Cool. And even though I am not a big fan of Aishwarya Rai, this Miss World is looking a Super Hot Babe in this Aditya Chopra lavishly produced style flick. She has worn delectable mini skirts and her sinuous curves are worth a million Sighs-n-Aahs. The other body to die-for layered along with her is that of Hrithik Roshan. This trendy hair cut adorned delicious-stud surrounded by state-of-the-art gizmos, masterminds the ultimate crimes with a vicious-smile-on-his-face. Bipasha, Abhishek and Uday are looking their part. But if the promos are anything to go by then, it’s a Hrithik-Ash film all the way, even though they are playing negative characters.

IndiaGlitz says: What great timing to release the promos of one of the most eagerly sought after film. Hats off to Yashraj!

Ash-Hrithik's historic romance!

Santa Banta

Film director Ashutosh Gowarikar will begin shooting a period romance next month starring top actors Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, newspapers reported on Friday.

The movie is a 16th century love story between a Muslim emperor and a Hindu princess, Gowarikar told The Times of India newspaper. The film would be shot in palaces and forts in western and northern India, he said.

"It's a love story about one of the biggest alliances of the 16th century,'' he said. Titled "Akbar-Jodha,'' the movie will be released next year.

The film centers on how an arranged marriage between Emperor Akbar and his wife turned into love. The movie focusses on the couple when they were young and will span their lives from the age of 13 to 28.

"We have always known that Jodha and Akbar married and Salim was their child, but what about how the relationship came about and a sharing of cultures,'' he told a newspaper.

Gowarikar's last big ventures include "Swades'' starring Shah Rukh Khan and Oscar nominated "Lagaan'' with Aamir Khan in the lead.

More bikini show in Dhoom 2

Dhoom 2 is what everyone wants to know about. The sequel to the 2004 hit Dhoom, this film will also be full of action, style and hot women. And here’s some exclusive dope on the film. Earlier, there was a buzz that Aishwarya Rai will be seen in a bikini in the film. Now, adding to it, we have known that even Bipasha Basu will be sporting a bikini in Dhoom 2.

Besides, the promo of Dhoom 2, which will be going live on Indiafm.com very soon, ends with a scene where Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai jump from a very high mountain cliff. Looking at the shot we could surely say that nothing like this has been seen in an Indian film before. Also, the overall promo looks very sleek and has an international look. Now, if the promo itself is so promising, we can’t wait to see how the movie is going to be like.

Hrithik Roshan Favorites

My favorite beverage is Water. I drink lots of water throughout the day. I also like the taste of apple juice.
My favorite Mocktail: Apple Juice
My favorite Cocktail: Anything with Bailey's Irish Ice Cream.
My Favorite Cuisine: Indian. I enjoy all kinds of Indian food including idlis and dosas.
My grandmom (Ira Roshan) cooked: Excellent macher jhol. My mom is an excellent cook too.
I have eaten the best biryanis, kebabs and barbecue chicken: At my wife Sussanne's parent's house.
In the winter: I relish hot dogs and frankfurters- I freak out on them when I am abroad.
Deserts I like: Apple Pie with vanilla ice-cream, brownies with ice cream, ice cream with chocolate sauce.
My weaknesses: Chocolates- Bounty, Ferrero Rocher, Kit Kat.
My favorite restaurant in Mumbai: Fiorella at the Leela, Little Italy and Trattoria at the president. Actually nowadays I hardly go out for dinner, in my school days I frequented Woodlands.
My favorite restaurants abroad: Royal Dragon in London.
If I am ravenous in the middle of the night: I much a protine bar, its always there in my room. No junk food for me.
A plate of garam garam bhajiyas: Putting off
Passion: Films
Favourite film: Hindi: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Sholay
English: Pretty Woman, When Harry met Sally.
Actor: Amitabh Bachchan and Raj Kapoor.
International: Richard Gere, Al Pacino, Steve Martin, Jerry Lewis.
Actress: Madhubala, Madhuri Dixit, Kajol.
International: Julia Roberts, Helen Hunt.
Favourite Colour: Black
Favourite Country: India
Closest person: Myself
Cologne: Issay Miyake
Games: Doom, Trivial Pursuit and Balderdash

Hrithik Roshan Profile

Full Name: Hrithik Roshan
Nick Name: Duggu
Height: 6' 2"
Birth Date: 10 January 1974
Star Sign: Capricon
Girl friend: Suzanne Khan, daughter of Sanjay Khan
Father: Rakesh Roshan
Mother: Pinky Roshan
Sister: Sunaina
Father's occupation: Director
Home Address: Mayur, Tilak Road, Santa Cruz (W), Mumbai 400 054