Hrithik Roshan (born 10 January 1974) is an Indian actor who works in Hindi films. He has portrayed a variety of characters and is known for his dancing skills. One of the highest-paid actors in India, he has won many awards, including six Filmfares, four for Best Actor and one each for Best Debut and Best Actor (Critics). Starting in 2012, he appeared several times in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 based on his income and popularity.
Roshan has frequently collaborated with his father, Rakesh Roshan. He made brief appearances as a child actor in several films in the 1980s and later worked as an assistant director on four of his father’s films. His first leading role was in the box-office success Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), for which he received several awards. Performances in the 2000 terrorism drama Fiza and the 2001 ensemble melodrama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… consolidated his reputation but were followed by several poorly received films.
The 2003 science fiction film Koi… Mil Gaya, for which Roshan won two Filmfare Awards, was a turning point in his film career; he also appeared in its sequels: Krrish (2006) and Krrish 3 (2013). He earned praise for his portrayal of a thief in Dhoom 2 (2006), Mughal emperor Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar (2008) and a quadriplegic in Guzaarish (2010). He achieved further commercial success by playing the lead in the 2011 drama Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, the 2012 revenge film Agneepath, the 2014 action comedy Bang Bang!, the 2017 romantic thriller Kaabil, the 2019 biopic Super 30, and the 2019 action thriller War, which ranks as his highest-grossing release.
Roshan has also performed on stage and debuted on television with Just Dance (2011). As a judge on the latter, he became the highest-paid film star on Indian television. He is involved with a number of humanitarian causes, endorses several brands and products and has launched his own clothing line. Roshan was married for fourteen years to Sussanne Khan, with whom he has two children.
Early life and Background
Roshan was born on 10 January 1974 in Bombay to a family prominent in Bollywood. He is of Punjabi and Bengali descent on his paternal side. Hrithik’s paternal grandmother Ira Roshan was a Bengali. His father, film director Rakesh Roshan, is the son of music director Roshanlal Nagrath; his mother, Pinky, is the daughter of producer and director J. Om Prakash. His uncle, Rajesh, is a music composer. Roshan has an older sister, Sunaina, and was educated at the Bombay Scottish School. Roshan belongs to a Hindu family, though he considers himself more spiritual than religious.
Hrithik Roshan photographed with his father, Rakesh Roshan.
Roshan felt isolated as a child; he was born with an extra thumb fused to the one on his right hand, which led some of his peers to avoid him. He has stammered since the age of six; this caused him problems at school, and he feigned injury and illness to avoid oral tests. He was helped by daily speech therapy.
Roshan’s grandfather, Prakash first brought him on-screen at the age of six in the film Aasha (1980); he danced in a song enacted by Jeetendra, for which Prakash paid him ₹100. Roshan made uncredited appearances in various family film projects, including his father’s production Aap Ke Deewane (1980). In Prakash’s Aas Paas (1981), he appeared in the song “Shehar Main Charcha Hai”. The actor’s only speaking role during this period came when he was 12; he was seen as Govinda, the title character’s adopted son, in Prakash’s Bhagwaan Dada (1986). Roshan decided that he wanted to be a full-time actor, but his father insisted that he focus on his studies. In his early 20s, he was diagnosed with scoliosis that would not allow him to dance or perform stunts. Initially devastated, he eventually decided to become an actor anyway. Around a year after the diagnosis, he took a chance by jogging on a beach when he was caught in a downpour. There was no pain, and becoming more confident, he was able to increase his pace with no adverse effects. Roshan sees this day as “the turning point of [his] life.”
Roshan attended Sydenham College, where he took part in dance and music festivals while studying, graduating in commerce. Roshan assisted his father on four films—Khudgarz (1987), King Uncle (1993), Karan Arjun (1995) and Koyla (1997)—while also sweeping the floor and making tea for the crew. After pack-up, Roshan would enact Shah Rukh Khan’s scenes from Koyla and film himself to make a judgement about his performance as an actor. While he assisted his father, he studied acting under Kishore Namit Kapoor.
Personal life
On 20 December 2000, Roshan married Sussanne Khan in a private ceremony in Bangalore. Despite their religious difference—Roshan is a Hindu and Khan is a Muslim—Roshan says that he equally valued her beliefs. The couple has two sons, Hrehaan (born in 2006) and Hridhaan (born in 2008). They separated in December 2013 and their divorce was finalised in November 2014.
Read More: Ileana D’Cruz | Vaani Kapoor
Roshan and Sussanne maintained that they parted amicably. In 2016, he filed a lawsuit against his Krrish 3 co-star Kangana Ranaut, accusing her of cyber stalking and harassment. Denying the charges, Ranaut filed a counter-charge against Roshan, claiming that his lawsuit was an attempt to cover up their affair. Owing to a lack of evidence, the Mumbai Police closed the case later that year.
Roshan considered quitting the film industry after two assailants fired bullets at his father in 2000. Later that December, he was involved in a controversy when Nepalese newspapers accused him of stating in a Star Plus interview that he hated Nepal and its people. This led to protests in the country, a ban on screening of his films, and four people’s deaths after street violence. Nepalese people threatened to “bury [him] alive” if he ever visited the country. Star Plus, for its part, stated that Roshan “did not touch upon Nepal.” The violence calmed down after Roshan wrote a two-page rejoinder in which he denied having made any claim against the country. Nepali actress Manisha Koirala helped distribute it to newspapers and a local television station.
Hrithik Roshan Height Age Girlfriend Wife Family Biography
| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hrithik Rakesh Nagrath |
| Nickname(s) | • Duggu • Greek God |
| Profession(s) | • Actor • Entrepreneur |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters– 180 cm in meters– 1.80 m in feet inches– 5’ 11” |
| Weight (approx.) | in kilograms– 85 kg in pounds– 187 lbs |
| Body Measurements (approx.) | – Chest: 44 inches – Waist: 28 inches – Biceps: 16 inches |
| Eye Colour | Hazel Green |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Physical Transformations | • For ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’ (2003) To play the role of a school-going kid who was born with a developmental disability, Hrithik had to shed several kilos of his body weight. His transformed physique perfectly suited the role, and it held the audience spellbound. • For ‘Guzaarish’ (2010) In this film, he played the role of a former magician who is a quadriplegic, and according to Hrithik, it was a challenge for him to get a shape that perfectly suited a quadriplegic patient. He grew long hair and dense beard to give a natural look to this character. • For ‘Krrish 3’ (2013) To play the role of a superhero, he hired Kris Gethin as his fitness trainer. It was a twelve-week transformation; however, Hrithik completed it in ten weeks. His transformed physique became a hit among his fans. • For ‘Super 30’ (2019) When Hrithik played Anand Kumar in the film, he literally lived the character of Anand Kumar. He had to shed a few kilos of his body weight and get a fat belly to portray the character, and he surprised the audience not only with his acting skills but also the natural physique required for the role. • For ‘War’ (2019) The actor was hailed for his amazing transformation from Anand of Super 30 to Kabir of War. According to Hrithik, he worked really hard to get into shape for War as the two characters, i.e., Anand Kumar and Kabir were drastically different from each other. According to him, there was not much time left for the transformation, and he transformed himself from Anand to Kabir within two months. |
| Career | |
| Debut | Film: Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) |
| Awards/Honours | Filmfare Awards 2001: Best Male Debut and Best Actor for Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai 2004: Best Actor and Best Actor(Critics) for Koi… Mil Gaya 2007: Best Actor for Dhoom 2 2009: Best Actor for Jodhaa Akbar Other Awards 2001: IAS (Indo-American-Society), Young Archievers Award 2004: Anandlok Awards, Best Male Actor for Koi… Mil Gaya 2007: Bollywood People’s Choice Awards: Best Actor for Krrish and Dhoom 2 2017: Hall of fame award Note: Along with these, he has many other awards, honours, and achievements to his name. |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 10 January 1974 (Thursday) |
| Age (as of 2022) | 48 Years |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Zodiac sign | Capricorn |
| Signature | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| School | Bombay Scottish School, Mumbai |
| College | Sydenham College, Mumbai |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelors of Commerce from Sydenham College, Mumbai |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste | Khatri (Arora) |
| Ethnicity | Punjabi |
| Food Habit | Non-Vegetarian |
| Address | El Palazzo, Juhu, Mumbai |
| Hobbies | Travelling, Gymming, Reading |
| Likes/Dislikes | Likes: Dancing, Dislikes: Getting Clicked While Eating, Milk Products |
| Tattoo(s) | On Right Wrist: A six-point star with a red circle On Left Wrist: Sussanne written |
| Controversies | • In December 2000, riots began in Nepal after a rumour was spread that Hrithik made the anti-Nepal remark that he hated Nepal and its people. However, Hrithik denied making such comments and said, “I can name all the interviews I have given. All the tapes are there for anyone to see anytime. I have never spoken against Nepal or the Nepalese people, whom I love.” • During his alleged affair with Barbara Mori, his then-wife Sussanne left his house, but later they united, sadly for not much longer as in 2014 they separated. • A poster of Hrithik was distributed on the eve of a local government election. The poster portrayed him in a dancing pose and carried the slogan, Vote DA for all the people. DA is the opponent Democratic Alliance in South Africa, which led to prohibiting of Hrithik’s films in South Africa. • He and Kangana Ranaut had a media-led fight, which started off with her calling him as a “silly ex”, and later resulted in full-blown name-calling, e-mail leaking, legal battle. |
| Relationships & More | |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Affairs/Girlfriends | • Kareena Kapoor (Actress) • Barbara Mori (Actress) • Kangana Ranaut (Actress) • Shweta Bachchan Nanda (Rumoured) • Saba Azad (actress & musician) (rumoured) |
| Marriage Date | 20 December 2000 |
| Marriage Place | Golden Resorts and Spa, Bangalore |
| Family | |
| Wife/Spouse | Sussanne Khan (m.2000–div.2014) |
| Children | Sons– • Hrehaan Roshan • Hridhaan Roshan Daughter– None |
| Parents | Father– Rakesh Roshan (Filmmaker) Mother– Pinky Roshan |
| Uncle | Paternal Uncle– Rajesh Roshan (Music Director) |
| Siblings | Brother– None Sister– Sunaina Roshan (Elder) |
| Favourites | |
| Food | Indian Food but not Fatty Dishes; Dal, Chawal, Chicken, Mutton, All Vegetables Made Indian style; Italian, Mexican and Chinese Cuisines |
| Actor(s) | Bollywood: Amitabh Bachchan, Raj Kapoor Hollywood: Richard Gere, Al Pacino, Steve Martin, Jerry Lewis |
| Actresses | Bollywood: Madhubala, Madhuri Dixit, Kajol Hollywood: Julia Roberts, Helen Hunt |
| Film(s) | Bollywood– Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Sholay Hollywood– Pretty Woman, When Harry Met Sally… |
| Vegetable | Broccoli |
| Sport | Cricket |
| Colour(s) | Black, White |
| Destination(s) | London, Phuket |
| Superhero | Superman |
| Outfit | Jeans and Loose Clothes |
| Perfume | Polo Sport |
| Game(s) | Doom, Trivial Pursuit, Balderdash |
| Fruit(s) | Apple, Banana, Chikoo, Grapes |
| Dessert(s) | Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice-Cream, Brownies with Ice Cream, Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce |
| Pet | Persian Cat |
| Book | Easyway to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr |
| Dancer(s) | Shammi Kapoor, Michael Jackson |
| Style Quotient | |
| Cars Collection | Rolls Royce Ghost Series II, Mercedes S500, Jaguar XJ, Ferrari Modena, Maserati Spyder, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Range Rover Sport |
| Money Factor | |
| Salary | $4.69 million (INR 35 crores/film) |
| Net Worth (approx.) | $215 million (INR 1428 crore) |
Other work
Roshan has performed on stage, appeared on television, and launched a clothing line. His first tour (Heartthrobs: Live in Concert (2002) with Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Aftab Shivdasani) was successful in the United States and Canada. At the end of that year, he danced on stage with Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji and Shah Rukh Khan at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, South Africa in the show Now or Never. In 2011, Roshan served as a judge alongside Farah Khan and Vaibhavi Merchant for the dance competition reality show, Just Dance. He became the highest-paid film star on Indian television after he was paid ₹20 million (US$250,000) per episode. The show ran from June to October 2011. In November 2013, Roshan launched his clothing line, the casual wear brand HRx.
Roshan is vocal about his childhood stammer. He actively supports the Dilkhush Special School for mentally challenged children in Mumbai. In 2008, he donated ₹2 million (US$25,000) to the Nanavati Hospital for the treatment of stammering children. Roshan set up a charity foundation in 2009 that aims to work for handicapped people. He donates roughly ₹700,000 (US$8,800) for charity every month, and believes that people should publicise their philanthropic work to set an example for others. In 2013, he took part in a festivity at Ghatkopar, whose proceeds went to an NGO supporting tribal girls suffering from malnutrition and starvation. Also that year, he donated ₹2.5 million (US$31,000) to help the victims of the 2013 North India floods.
Alongside other Bollywood stars, Roshan played a football match for charity organised by Aamir Khan’s daughter, Ira, in 2014. The following year, he appeared with Sonam Kapoor in the music video for “Dheere Dheere”, whose profits were donated to charity. Later that year, Roshan became the Indian brand ambassador for UNICEF and the Global Goals campaign’s World’s Largest Lesson that aims to educate children in over 100 countries about the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2016, Roshan and other Bollywood actors made donations for building homes for families affected by the 2015 South Indian floods.
Following his debut film, Roshan signed on for endorsement deals with Coca-Cola, Tamarind and Hero Honda, all for three years and for at least ₹30 million (US$380,000). As of 2010, he is celebrity endorser for such brands and products as Provogue, Parle Hide and Seek, Reliance Communications and Hero Honda and recently roshan has completed six years with Rado. The Times of India reported that Roshan received ₹12 million (US$150,000) to ₹15 million (US$190,000) for each endorsement, making him one of the highest-paid male celebrity endorsers. In 2016, Duff & Phelps estimated his brand value to be US$34.1 million, the eighth highest of Indian celebrities. In 2017, Roshan was signed as the brand ambassador of a Health and wellness startup Cure.fit and is touted as one of the largest endorsement deal signed by an Indian startup.
Artistry and media image
As the son of the filmmaker Rakesh, Roshan faced the media spotlight from a young age. Discussing nepotism in Bollywood, Shama Rana views him as one of several actors who managed film careers with the help of family relations in the industry. On the other hand, Roshan is acknowledged in the media for his devotion to his work and for his ability to commit heavily to each role. He insists on learning any necessary skills and performing stunts himself, and is particularly known for his professionalism. The director Ashutosh Gowariker praised Roshan when he continued filming Mohenjo Daro despite several injuries and being in a troubled state of mind. Zoya Akhtar, who considers Roshan her favourite actor, and directed him in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, remarks on his ability to display a range of emotions on screen.
In an attempt to avoid typecasting, Roshan takes on diverse parts. He looks at the scripts as a platform to inspire with the strength and courage of his characters and to make his audiences smile. Roshan was noted by critics for his versatility in portraying a variety of characters in Koi… Mil Gaya (2003), Lakshya (2004), Jodhaa Akbar (2008), and Guzaarish (2010). Box Office India ranked him first on its top actors listing in 2000 and later included him in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Roshan topped Rediff.com’s list of best Bollywood actors in 2003, and was ranked fourth in 2006. Filmfare magazine included two of his performances—from Koi… Mil Gaya and Lakshya—on its 2010 list of 80 Iconic Performances. In March 2011, Roshan placed fourth on Rediff.com’s list of Top 10 Actors of 2000–2010. Roshan’s dancing ability has also drawn praise from the media, an opinion he disagrees with. The Los Angeles Times finds him to be “a sensational dancer” who “has the dashing, chiseled looks of a silent movie matinee idol.” Some critics also believe that he is only able to dance and act in his father’s films. His inclination towards “glamorous, albeit empty parts”, which conform to character stereotypes, has been criticised.
Roshan is among Bollywood’s highest-paid actors. Discussing his success ratio at the box office in a 2014 article, Daily News and Analysis credited him as “the most bankable star” in Bollywood. One of the most high-profile Indian celebrities, he was named the second most powerful Indian film star by Forbes in 2001. He ranked fourth in Filmfare Power List in 2007. In a 2009 poll conducted by Daily News and Analysis Roshan was voted one of India’s most popular icons. At the 2009 FICCI-IIFA Awards, Roshan was one of the ten recipients of the most powerful Bollywood entertainers of the 2000s. From 2012 to 2018, Roshan was placed on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100—a list based on the income and popularity of Indian celebrities—peaking at ninth position in 2014 with an annual income of ₹850 million (US$11 million).
Roshan has established himself as a sex symbol and a style icon in India. In 2006, Roshan was one of the four Bollywood actors, along with Priyanka Chopra, Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan, whose miniature dolls were launched in the United Kingdom, under the name of “Bollywood Legends”. He topped The Times of India’s listing of 50 Most Desirable Men in 2010 and ranked among the top five for the next five years. In 2010 and 2012, the Indian edition of GQ included him in their listing of Bollywood’s best dressed men. A life-size, wax figure of him was installed at London’s Madame Tussauds museum in January 2011, making him the fifth Indian actor to have been replicated as a wax statue there. Versions of the statue were installed at Madame Tussauds’ museums in New York, Washington and other cities in the world. Roshan regularly features in the magazine Eastern Eye’s listing of the 50 Sexiest Asian Men. He topped the list in 2011, 2012 and 2014, and featured among the top five in 2010, 2013 and 2015 to 2018.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Aasha | Unnamed | Uncredited appearance in song “Jaane Hum Sadak Ke Logon” |
| Aap Ke Deewane | Young Rahim | Uncredited appearance | |
| 1981 | Aas Paas | Unnamed | Uncredited appearance in song “Shehar Main Charchi Hai” |
| 1983 | Aasra Pyaar Da | Unknown | Punjabi film; uncredited appearance |
| 1986 | Bhagwaan Dada | Govinda | Child artist |
| 1987 | Khudgarz | — | Assistant director |
| 1993 | King Uncle | — | Assistant director |
| 1995 | Karan Arjun | — | Assistant director |
| 1997 | Koyla | — | Assistant director |
| 2000 | Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai | Rohit/Raj Chopra | |
| Fiza | Amaan Ikramullah | ||
| Mission Kashmir | Altaaf Khan | ||
| 2001 | Yaadein | Ronit Malhotra | |
| Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… | Rohan Raichand | ||
| 2002 | Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage | Rohit | |
| Na Tum Jaano Na Hum | Rahul Sharma | ||
| Mujhse Dosti Karoge! | Raj Khanna | ||
| 2003 | Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon | Prem Kishen Mathur | |
| Koi… Mil Gaya | Rohit Mehra | ||
| 2004 | Lakshya | Karan Shergill | |
| 2006 | Krrish | Krishna “Krrish” Mehra/Rohit Mehra | |
| Dhoom 2 | Aryan/Mr.A | ||
| I See You | Unnamed | Special appearance in song “Subah Subah” | |
| 2007 | Om Shanti Om | Himself | Special appearance |
| 2008 | Jodhaa Akbar | Jalaluddin Mohammad Akbar | |
| Krazzy 4 | Himself | Special appearance in song “Krazzy 4” | |
| 2009 | Luck by Chance | Ali Zaffar Khan | Extended cameo |
| 2010 | Kites | Jai Singhania | Also playback singer for song “Kites in the Sky” |
| Guzaarish | Ethan Mascarenhas | ||
| 2011 | Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara | Arjun Saluja | |
| Don 2 | Don | Special appearance | |
| 2012 | Agneepath | Vijay Deenanath Chauhan | |
| 2013 | Main Krishna Hoon | Himself | Cameo appearance |
| Krrish 3 | Krishna “Krrish” Mehra/Rohit Mehra | ||
| 2014 | Bang Bang! | Rajveer Nanda/Jai Nanda | |
| 2015 | Hey Bro | Unnamed | Special appearance in song “Birju” |
| 2016 | Mohenjo Daro | Sarman | |
| 2017 | Kaabil | Rohan Bhatnagar | |
| Hrudayantar | Krishna “Krrish” Mehra | Special appearance; Marathi film | |
| 2019 | Super 30 | Anand Kumar | Also playback singer for song “Question Mark” |
| War | Major Kabir Dhaliwal | ||
| 2022 | Vikram Vedha | Vedha | |
| 2024 | Fighter  | Patty | Filming |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | The World History of Organized Crime | Himself | Television documentary |
| 2011 | Just Dance | Judge | Reality show |
Music video appearances
| Year | Title | Performer(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | “Lets Party” | Ganesh Hedge | – |
| 2015 | “Dheere Dheere“ | Yo Yo Honey Singh | – |
| 2016 | “Ae Raju” | 6 Pack Band | – |
| 2021 | “DNA Mein Dance” | Vishal & Shekhar | Free Fire |