From Superstar, To Student Hrithik Begins A New Chapter
Marking 25 years in the film industry, the actor is entering a new phase — that of a director. He opens up about regrets, growth and taking a break from social media
By : Puja Talwar
Update: 2025-08-03 14:37 GMT
Hrithik Roshan is seeking strength in stillness. Cutting out the noise and focusing on the moment, the actor was in a candid and introspective mood during a whirlwind visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka, for the grand launch of City of Dreams, South Asia’s first integrated resort.
Hrithik is all set to take over the reins of the superhero franchise Krrish from his father Rakesh Roshan. He said he was looking forward to being a student again. “I hope there’s a director in me that I can be proud of as I step into the director’s shoes for my next film. I need everyone’s love and blessings and your acknowledgement will go a long way,” he said earnestly.
“I’m going to be that person in the room who knows the least, in so many ways. It’s a new journey, and I’m excited that I’m not keeping my life monotonous. I like doing new things.”
“I’m curious, and I’m wondering if there’s a director in me, waiting to be discovered,” he said.
Gearing up for War 2
“That’s the only content I’m binging on right now,” he joked, as the team continues post-production. Speaking about his return as Special Officer Major Kabir Dhaliwal, he said, “There’s a lot at stake for this character. I feel bad for him — I hope he finds some peace and joy again. He’s really been through the wringer.”
Calling his dance face-off with Jr NTR in War 2 an “incredible experience,” Hrithik couldn’t stop praising his co-star. “That man is such a champ! He’s the first colleague I’ve worked with who doesn’t need rehearsals when he dances. He already has every step in him, honestly, I was amazed.”
Destiny plays a role
As he completes 25 years in the industry since his iconic debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), Hrithik revealed that there are two films he turned down that he still regrets: Dil Chahta Hai and 3 Idiots. “But as they say, it’s destiny. Aamir was awesome and carried those films, they belonged to him,” he said.
Opening up about lesser-known struggles, Hrithik confessed, “People don’t know this, but I actually can’t remember dialogues or dance steps easily. It’s something I constantly have to work at.”
On balancing work and personal life as well as fatherhood, he said, “Success, for me now, is defined by how well I can balance work and personal life. I’ve struggled, chased after success, money, fame… But there comes a point where you need to look at yourself objectively. You realise all of that is just a means to an end. Now, I give a lot more to my relationships and my family, that’s the true definition of success.”
Break from social media
In an age when celebrities document their every move on social media, Hrithik said he made a conscious choice to step away. “I deleted the app,” he said. “I understood the perils of constantly being online. The one piece of advice I would give everyone is to try a social media detox for at least a week. I did, and it led to so many realisations. Something in me switched. I became more aware of how much time I actually have, and what it feels like to just be bored, to simply exist, it was enlightening.”
When asked if he ever googled himself, he replied, “Of course and I cannot even tell you the things I have found! As a celebrity you have to check”, he says with a laugh.
The 52-year-old actor, known for his dedication to fitness, also revealed that he turned vegetarian soon after filming War 2. “I keep telling everyone, the best way to stay alert and fit is to just focus on your breath.”
On Jr NTR
“That man is such a champ! He’s the first colleague I’ve worked with who doesn’t need rehearsals when he dances. He already has every step in him, honestly, I was amazed.”
His flaws
“People don’t know this, but I actually can’t remember dialogues or dance steps easily. It’s something I constantly have to work at.”
On turning director
“I’m going to be that person in the room who knows the least, in so many ways.
It’s a new journey, and I’m excited that I’m not keeping my life monotonous. I like doing new things. I’m curious, and I’m wondering if there’s a director in me, waiting to be discovered.”
“I’m curious, and I’m wondering if there’s a director in me, waiting to be discovered,” he said.
Gearing up for War 2
“That’s the only content I’m binging on right now,” he joked, as the team continues post-production. Speaking about his return as Special Officer Major Kabir Dhaliwal, he said, “There’s a lot at stake for this character. I feel bad for him — I hope he finds some peace and joy again. He’s really been through the wringer.”
Calling his dance face-off with Jr NTR in War 2 an “incredible experience,” Hrithik couldn’t stop praising his co-star. “That man is such a champ! He’s the first colleague I’ve worked with who doesn’t need rehearsals when he dances. He already has every step in him, honestly, I was amazed.”
Destiny plays a role
As he completes 25 years in the industry since his iconic debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), Hrithik revealed that there are two films he turned down that he still regrets: Dil Chahta Hai and 3 Idiots. “But as they say, it’s destiny. Aamir was awesome and carried those films, they belonged to him,” he said.
Opening up about lesser-known struggles, Hrithik confessed, “People don’t know this, but I actually can’t remember dialogues or dance steps easily. It’s something I constantly have to work at.”
On balancing work and personal life as well as fatherhood, he said, “Success, for me now, is defined by how well I can balance work and personal life. I’ve struggled, chased after success, money, fame… But there comes a point where you need to look at yourself objectively. You realise all of that is just a means to an end. Now, I give a lot more to my relationships and my family, that’s the true definition of success.”
Break from social media
In an age when celebrities document their every move on social media, Hrithik said he made a conscious choice to step away. “I deleted the app,” he said. “I understood the perils of constantly being online. The one piece of advice I would give everyone is to try a social media detox for at least a week. I did, and it led to so many realisations. Something in me switched. I became more aware of how much time I actually have, and what it feels like to just be bored, to simply exist, it was enlightening.”
When asked if he ever googled himself, he replied, “Of course and I cannot even tell you the things I have found! As a celebrity you have to check”, he says with a laugh.
The 52-year-old actor, known for his dedication to fitness, also revealed that he turned vegetarian soon after filming War 2. “I keep telling everyone, the best way to stay alert and fit is to just focus on your breath.”
On Jr NTR
“That man is such a champ! He’s the first colleague I’ve worked with who doesn’t need rehearsals when he dances. He already has every step in him, honestly, I was amazed.”
His flaws
“People don’t know this, but I actually can’t remember dialogues or dance steps easily. It’s something I constantly have to work at.”
On turning director
“I’m going to be that person in the room who knows the least, in so many ways.
It’s a new journey, and I’m excited that I’m not keeping my life monotonous. I like doing new things. I’m curious, and I’m wondering if there’s a director in me, waiting to be discovered.”