There’s always something special about Bollywood legacy stories — especially when a star kid chooses to make their own path. Hrithik Roshan, one of India’s most loved actors, may have had a big launch with Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai in 2000, but his journey to stardom was not as easy as many think.
During a fan meet-and-greet in New Jersey, USA, hosted by actress and singer Sophie Choudry, Hrithik opened up about the lesser-known struggles he faced before entering the film industry. The actor surprised many by revealing that he once doubted whether he even deserved a break in Bollywood.
Hrithik shared that before his debut, he secretly auditioned for films — without telling his father, veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. “There was a time when I thought I didn’t deserve a launch,” Hrithik said. “So, I started going out for auditions on my own, hoping to prove myself.”
Even though his father had told him to make his own way in life and not depend on family connections, Hrithik didn’t want to wait for someone else to give him a chance. But money was a challenge. He couldn’t even afford to create a proper portfolio. That’s when he turned to his friend and well-known photographer Daboo Ratnani.
“We did a photo shoot, and I told him I’d pay him once I earned some money as an actor,” Hrithik recalled. “But Daboo said, ‘Don’t worry about it.’”
Eventually, Hrithik auditioned for filmmaker Shekhar Kapur’s ambitious movie Ta Ra Rum Pum Pum, which was never made. While he was still at the audition, he received a call from his father.
“My dad called and asked, ‘Where are you?’ I told him I was auditioning for a Shekhar Kapur film. He was shocked and said, ‘Come back right now, don’t do such things,’” Hrithik said, smiling at the memory.
Hrithik believes that his father’s reaction came from a place of emotion and not just control. “I think my dad felt like he was losing me — that someone else might give me my first break. Until then, he had always imagined he would be the one to launch me.”
Hrithik’s story is a reminder that even star kids face insecurity and struggle. Behind the glitz and glamour, there are moments of self-doubt and determination. While his big break did eventually come from his father with Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Hrithik had already proven to himself that he was ready to fight for his dream.
This heartfelt story has touched fans all over the world, showing that even those born into Bollywood families have to work hard and believe in themselves to succeed.
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