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Hrithik Roshan

Overview

Hrithik Roshan is an Indian actor who works predominantly in Hindi cinema. Known for his dancing ability, action roles and screen presence, he is one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema and has been a prominent figure in Bollywood since his debut as a leading man in 2000. He is the son of filmmaker Rakesh Roshan and the grandson of music director Roshan.

Key Facts

Full name Hrithik Roshan Nagrath
Born 10 January 1974, Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India
Father Rakesh Roshan (filmmaker, actor)
Mother Pinky Roshan
Grandfather Roshan Lal Nagrath (music director)
Uncle Rajesh Roshan (music director)
Education Sydenham College, Mumbai (B.Com)
Spouse Sussanne Khan (m. 2000; div. 2014)
Children Hrehaan Roshan, Hridhaan Roshan
Debut (lead) Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000)
Notable awards Filmfare Awards, IIFA Awards, Padma Shri (declined as per reports — omitted)

Background

Hrithik Roshan was born into a film family with deep roots in Hindi cinema. His paternal grandfather Roshan was a noted music composer of the 1950s and 60s, and his uncle Rajesh Roshan continued the musical tradition as a composer. His father Rakesh Roshan transitioned from acting to direction and production through Filmkraft Productions.

As a child, Hrithik appeared in small roles in films directed or produced by his father, including Aasha (1980), Aap Ke Deewane (1980) and Bhagwaan Dada (1986). He later worked as an assistant director on films such as Khudgarz, King Uncle, Karan Arjun and Koyla before pursuing acting full time.

He completed his schooling at Bombay Scottish School and graduated in commerce from Sydenham College, University of Mumbai.

Career

Debut and early stardom (2000–2002)

Hrithik made his lead debut opposite Ameesha Patel in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000), directed and produced by his father. The film was a major commercial success and earned him the Filmfare Awards for Best Actor and Best Male Debut, a rare double in the same year. He followed it with Fiza (2000) and Mission Kashmir (2000), both of which drew critical attention.

In 2001 he played a supporting role in Karan Johar's family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..., which became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of its time both domestically and overseas.

Establishment as a leading man (2003–2010)

After a series of underperforming films, Hrithik returned to prominence with Koi... Mil Gaya (2003), a science-fiction drama directed by Rakesh Roshan, in which he played a developmentally challenged young man who befriends an alien. The film won him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.

Its superhero sequel Krrish (2006) launched one of Hindi cinema's most successful film franchises. Other notable works of the period include Lakshya (2004) directed by Farhan Akhtar, Dhoom 2 (2006), Jodhaa Akbar (2008) directed by Ashutosh Gowariker opposite Aishwarya Rai, and Krazzy 4 (2008).

He won the Filmfare Best Actor award again for Jodhaa Akbar, in which he portrayed the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Continued success (2011–2019)

Hrithik featured in Zoya Akhtar's ensemble road film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), which received wide critical acclaim. He played the antagonist Kaal in Krrish 3 (2013), the third instalment of the Krrish series. Other films in this period include Agneepath (2012), a remake of the 1990 film, Bang Bang! (2014) opposite Katrina Kaif, and Mohenjo Daro (2016).

In 2019 he starred in two of the year's biggest Hindi releases: Super 30, a biographical drama based on the life of Patna-based mathematician Anand Kumar, and War, an action film co-starring Tiger Shroff, which became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films.

Recent work (2020s)

After a pause, Hrithik returned with Vikram Vedha (2022), a Hindi remake of the Tamil film of the same name, co-starring Saif Ali Khan. He next appeared in Fighter (2024), an aerial action film directed by Siddharth Anand, opposite Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor.

Timeline

  • 1974 – Born in Bombay.
  • 1980s – Childhood appearances in his father's and grandfather's productions.
  • 1990s – Works as assistant director on Rakesh Roshan's films.
  • 2000 – Lead debut in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai; marries Sussanne Khan.
  • 2003 – Koi... Mil Gaya; wins Filmfare Best Actor.
  • 2006 – Krrish launches the superhero franchise.
  • 2008 – Stars in Jodhaa Akbar.
  • 2011 – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
  • 2014 – Divorce from Sussanne Khan finalised.
  • 2019 – Super 30 and War.
  • 2022 – Vikram Vedha.
  • 2024 – Fighter.

Other ventures

Hrithik co-founded the lifestyle and athleisure brand HRX in 2013, focused on fitness apparel, equipment and accessories, available through retail and e-commerce partnerships. He has also been associated with several endorsements across categories including consumer goods, automobiles and digital services.

Personal life

Hrithik married interior designer Sussanne Khan, daughter of actor Sanjay Khan, in December 2000. The couple have two sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan. They separated in 2013 and the divorce was finalised in 2014; they have since maintained an amicable co-parenting arrangement.

He has spoken publicly about being born with an extra thumb on his right hand and about overcoming a stammer in his youth, both of which he has cited as part of his personal story.

Significance

Hrithik Roshan is widely regarded as one of the defining male stars of Hindi cinema in the 2000s and 2010s. He is credited with popularising structured dance choreography and a fitness-focused on-screen image among male leads, and his Krrish series is among the few sustained superhero franchises in Indian cinema. His repeated wins at the Filmfare Awards and consistent box-office success have established him as a bankable mainstream star.

References

  • Filmfare Awards official records.
  • Filmkraft Productions filmography.
  • Public interviews and press coverage in major Indian dailies and film trade publications.