Hrithik Roshan, born on January 10, 1974, is a renowned Indian film actor best known for his remarkable versatility and exceptional dancing talent. A prominent figure in Bollywood, he has established himself as one of the highest-paid actors in India. Over the years, Hrithik has earned numerous accolades, including six Filmfare Awards, with four wins for Best Actor, highlighting his consistent excellence on screen. Since 2012, he has been a regular feature on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list, recognized for both his massive popularity and substantial earnings.
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| Born | 10 January 1974Bombay, Maharashtra, India |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 2000- Present |
| Spouse | Sussanne Khan |
| Children | 2 |
| Father | Rakesh Roshan |
Hrithik Roshan frequently collaborates with his father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. He began his journey in cinema during the 1980s, appearing in small roles as a child actor before assisting his father on several film projects. His major breakthrough came with the blockbuster Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000), which earned him widespread recognition and multiple awards. His powerful performances in Fiza (2000) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) further established him as one of Bollywood’s most promising talents, though a few subsequent releases saw limited success at the box office.
A defining moment in his career arrived with the sci-fi film Koi... Mil Gaya (2003), which won him two Filmfare Awards and solidified his position as a leading actor. The film’s success paved the way for him to portray India’s first modern cinematic superhero in its sequels, Krrish (2006) and Krrish 3 (2013). Over the years, Hrithik has continued to impress audiences with acclaimed performances in movies such as Dhoom 2 (2006), Jodhaa Akbar (2008), and Guzaarish (2010). His later films, including Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Agneepath (2012), Bang Bang! (2014), Super 30 (2019), War (2019), and Fighter (2024), have reinforced his status as one of India’s most bankable and dynamic stars.
Beyond acting, Hrithik has showcased his charisma on stage and served as a judge on the dance reality show Just Dance (2011), where he became the highest-paid television celebrity in India at the time. He is also active in philanthropic initiatives, endorses several major brands, and owns his own clothing line. Hrithik was married to Sussanne Khan for 14 years, and the couple has two sons together.
Early life and background
Hrithik Roshan was born on January 10, 1974, in Mumbai, into one of Bollywood’s most well-known film families. His father, Rakesh Roshan, is a respected filmmaker, while his mother, Pinkie Roshan, is the daughter of veteran producer and director J. Om Prakash. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the film industry, Hrithik has a mixed Punjabi and Bengali heritage — his paternal grandmother was Bengali, and his uncle, Rajesh Roshan, is a noted music composer. He has an elder sister, Sunaina Roshan, and attended Bombay Scottish School. Though raised in a Hindu household, Hrithik has often said that he considers himself more spiritual than religious.
As a child, Hrithik had to overcome several personal challenges. He was born with an extra thumb on his right hand, which caused him to feel self-conscious and sometimes isolated from other children. Additionally, he developed a stutter at the age of six, which made school life difficult, especially during oral exams. To manage this, he underwent daily speech therapy, which eventually helped him overcome the impediment.
Hrithik’s first on-screen appearance came at the age of six, when his grandfather cast him in a brief dance sequence in the film Aasha (1980), for which he earned ₹100. He went on to make several uncredited appearances in his family’s productions, such as Aap Ke Deewane (1980) and Aas Paas (1981), before getting his first speaking role at age 12 in Bhagwaan Dada (1986), where he played the adopted son of the lead character.
Although Hrithik always dreamed of becoming an actor, his father encouraged him to complete his education first. In his early twenties, he was diagnosed with scoliosis, a spinal condition that doctors warned could limit his ability to dance or perform stunts. Initially disheartened, Hrithik refused to give up. One rainy day, he decided to test his limits by jogging along the beach, and when he felt no pain, it reignited his determination to pursue acting — a moment he often describes as life-changing.
Hrithik studied commerce at Sydenham College, where he actively participated in dance and music festivals. He later worked as an assistant director on four of his father’s films — Khudgarz (1987), King Uncle (1993), Karan Arjun (1995), and Koyla (1997) — handling everything from menial tasks like serving tea to helping with camera setups. In his spare time, he would recreate scenes from Koyla, record himself, and analyze his performances to improve his acting skills. To refine his craft further, Hrithik trained under Kishore Namit Kapoor, marking the foundation of what would become one of Bollywood’s most celebrated careers.
Film Career
2000–2002: Breakthrough, Fame, and Early Struggles
Hrithik Roshan was originally supposed to make his acting debut in Shekhar Kapur’s film Tara Rum Pum Pum, opposite Preity Zinta. However, when the project was shelved, he instead made his debut under his father’s direction in the romantic drama Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000), alongside newcomer Ameesha Patel. In the film, Hrithik portrayed dual characters — Rohit, an ambitious singer who is murdered after witnessing a crime, and Raj, a wealthy NRI who falls in love with the same woman.
To prepare for his debut, Hrithik went through intense training — he worked out with Salman Khan to build a muscular physique and took lessons in acting, dance, diction, singing, fencing, and horse riding. Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai became a blockbuster hit, earning around ₹800 million (approximately $9.6 million) and emerging as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. Critics and audiences alike were captivated by Hrithik’s charm, dancing, and emotional depth. He went on to win numerous awards, including Filmfare Best Male Debut and Best Actor, becoming the first actor in Indian cinema to win both categories in the same year. Overnight, Hrithik rose to stardom, though he later admitted that dealing with such sudden fame was overwhelming.
Following this phenomenal debut, Hrithik starred in Fiza (2000), where he played Amaan, a young man who turns to terrorism after the 1992–93 Bombay riots. Although the film performed moderately at the box office, critics praised Hrithik’s portrayal of inner turmoil and complexity, earning him another Filmfare Best Actor nomination. Later that same year, he appeared in Mission Kashmir (2000), a drama set amid the Kashmir insurgency. Playing Altaaf, a man who discovers that his adoptive father was responsible for his family’s death, Hrithik once again impressed audiences with his emotional intensity. The film was a commercial success, solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.
The following year, Hrithik featured in two releases. His first, Yaadein (2001) opposite Kareena Kapoor, was a critical disappointment, though his star power helped draw audiences. His next project, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001), directed by Karan Johar, became a global blockbuster. Starring alongside legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Kajol, Hrithik played Rohan, the youngest son in a wealthy family. His endearing performance stood out, earning him another Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
However, 2002 turned out to be a difficult year for Hrithik. A series of box-office failures followed, beginning with Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage, reuniting him with Ameesha Patel, which failed to impress audiences. This was followed by Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, co-starring Saif Ali Khan and Esha Deol, which also underperformed. Later that year, Mujhse Dosti Karoge! — featuring Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor — fared better overseas but was a disappointment in India. His final release that year, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, despite heavy promotion, was another flop.
By the end of 2002, critics began questioning Hrithik’s versatility, branding him a “one-hit wonder.” Yet, despite these setbacks, his determination, talent, and discipline kept him firmly in the public eye — setting the stage for a remarkable comeback in the years that followed.
