'Koi Mil Gaya': Hrithik Roshan opens up about personal connection with 'Koi Mil Gaya' character Rohit
Mumbai, August 8: Actor Hrithik Roshan has consistently shone as one of Bollywood's most multifaceted talents. His entrance into acting was marked 23 years ago with the romantic drama 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai,' and from that point onward, his trajectory has been one of unwavering progress. Throughout his career, he has delivered numerous remarkable portrayals that have firmly positioned him as one of the Hindi film industry's most gifted luminaries. With each cinematic endeavor, he has tirelessly endeavored to create a lasting impact. Can you recall 'Koi... Mil Gaya'?
Under the direction of his father Rakesh Roshan, the movie featured Hrithik in a wholly distinctive persona. He portrayed the character of Rohit Mehra, a mentally challenged individual with the emotional understanding of an 11-year-old. Hrithik garnered numerous accolades for his portrayal of this character with developmental challenges. Marking the film's 20th anniversary today, the 49-year-old actor candidly discussed his deep connection with the character of Rohit. Reflecting on his journey, he revealed that he could relate to Rohit's experiences, having endured his fair share of childhood bullying, much like his character in the movie.
"I related with Rohit's character completely. Growing up, I was bullied due to my stutter. On days I wouldn't want to go to school and I would cry to my mother. In fact, the scene where Rohit's scooty is broken by Raj and his friends actually happened to me in real life. I had a BMX cycle that was my most treasured possession as a child. My cycle was broken by some senior boys, and I was heartbroken. The vulnerability that was required for Rohit's character, life had already given me through my personal experiences," Hrithik told ANI.
Released on August 8, 2003, 'Koi Mil Gaya' marked India's inaugural venture into the realm of science fiction, featuring the endearing extraterrestrial character 'Jadoo'. The film's makers recently orchestrated a theatrical re-release to commemorate its 20th anniversary.
Expressing his joy at witnessing children and families reliving 'Koi Mil Gaya' on the big screen, Hrithik enthused, "Both 'Koi...Mil Gaya' and the 'Krrish' franchise hold a special place in my heart as an actor. It's incredibly heartening to witness the renewed affection 'Koi...Mil Gaya' is receiving through its re-release. Witnessing the film bring children and families back to the theaters fills me with happiness. The affection from my audience is the ultimate reward for an artist, and I'm truly overwhelmed by the nostalgia it's evoking and the adoration our film is garnering."
"We embarked on the journey of making 'Koi...Mil Gaya' with a lot of love, focusing on the creative process. The outcome was a delightful surprise, something my father and I will forever hold dear and be grateful for," he said, his happiness evident.
The cast of 'Koi Mil Gaya' also featured Preity G Zinta and Rekha in pivotal roles.
- ANI