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| Journey of a superstar | |
| November 15, 2010 By Joginder Tuteja If there is one superstar who has followed the Aamir Khan model of working to the T, it is Hrithik Roshan. The agenda of both the actors is simple. Well, on second thought, not really simple. They both believe in fewer films, big risks and bigger gains. While men like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan can pick and choose, when it comes to someone like an Aamir or a Hrithik, this is a big no-no. This is the reason why a Hrithik Roshan film is always an event. Under-exposed on all fronts, whether it is in the world of endorsements (he is seen in far fewer commercials than his counterparts), television (he rarely makes an appearance on reality shows), stage appearances (he is not known for hosting award ceremonies), or movies (his last release, Jodhaa Akbar, was more than two years back), Hrithik has ensured that his fans and followers are hungry by the time promos of his next film are aired. However, even Hrithik would agree that this hasn't been a planned approach for him. He has had his share of mishaps; he had a flurry of ill-timed releases, poorly sketched roles and some bad products. And worst of all, he has faced the ignominy of being bestowed with a title which is feared by every promising newcomer who begins his career with a bang - "A one-film wonder on the lines of Kumar Gaurav". Hrithik didn't want to face the same embarrassment, so he sat down. He didn't quite relax, he formulated a strategy, he cut down on his social outings, he steered clear of all the wrong influences, he got rid of flattering accomplices and he started building it all again brick by brick. The result? Ten years down the line from being a part of Bollywood as a lead actor, his Kites was seen as the saviour of the industry during the time when the industry had seen only one major money spinner, My Name Is Khan. How did he manage to reach that position? It was during his formulative years, when Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai seemed like just another romantic film, at a time when comedies featuring Salman Khan and Govinda were in vogue. Hordes were driven to watch Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. The film opened to 100 percent occupancy and a star was born. After enjoying a decade of reigning in Bollywood, there was finally strong enough competition for Shah Rukh Khan. Although that actor just laughed it all away, just as he'd done for his other counterparts who had turned out to be a flash in the pan during the 1990s, Hrithik managed to hold on, though surprisingly in films that weren't quite ideal follow-ups to Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. These included Fiza, Mission Kashmir and Yaadein. In the meantime, he had to find solace in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, which was clearly an Amitabh Bachchan-Shah Rukh Khan starrer and despite its success, the writing was on the wall - Hrithik had to do something on his own rather than piggyback on big banners, big directors or even big co-stars. Coming from a family involved in the world of film has its advantages. When the going wasn't good for a couple of years when all films starring Hrithik were disappointing either critically or commercially, the Roshans were busy devising a plan of their own. They conceived the idea of Koi Mil Gaya and began preparations for modern India's first authentic sci-fi film. Totally surrendering himself to the vision his father had, Hrithik began working hard on the toughest role of his career ever, that of Rohit Mehra, who had the body of a 20-year-old, but the mind of a 10-year-old kid. It was history revisited all over again as Koi Mil Gaya saw a massive all-India opening for Hrithik. The film was a huge success and it also kick-started the process of extreme strategising by Hrithik. He had made up his mind: multiple films were out, select films were in and the spacing of releases by a wide margin was going to be the order of the day. If at all Hrithik's career has to be plotted, it would be pre-Koi Mil Gaya and post-Koi Mil Gaya. Let's just play on sheer numbers here. Before the release of Koi Mil Gaya, Hrithik had nine releases to his name in three years. Post the release of Koi Mil Gaya, he has been seen in only five films (including Luck By Chance as a guest appearance) in more than six years. It is by choice and not by chance that he has seen his turnaround from being a superstar to star to being finished and then turning into a superstar all over again. The strategy had been pretty much put into action and it was only after a year's gap that he was seen on the big screen again in Lakshya. The audience had to wait for a full two years before Krrish - which remains the most lavishly mounted and successful superhero film ever. Krrish was followed by Dhoom 2 and together both the films turned into bumper successes; 2006 turned out to be a landmark year for him and it appeared that he would be primarily choosing action films in the years to come. For Hrithik, his next big film, Kites, was a big risk which could have resulted in terrific gains or terrible losses. Fortunately, it was a success. Next up on the Hrithik menu is Guzaarish, which opens on Friday. Is he mastering the industry and playing the game right? Well, if he is indeed following the Aamir Khan model of working, something which has taken the shape of a magic potion that always works, he certainly will! http://www.tonight.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5729830&fSectionId=428&fSetId=251 |
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