Ameesha Patel’s candid revelations about Hrithik Roshan's struggles following the massive success of Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai offer a rare glimpse into the pressures of Bollywood stardom. The actress, who is currently enjoying the success of Gadar 2, recently spoke about how Hrithik, despite his overnight fame from his debut film, faced a series of disappointments at the box office in the years that followed.
Hrithik Roshan's journey from Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai to a string of flops is a testament to the fickle nature of fame in the film industry. The 2000 film, directed by Rakesh Roshan, made Hrithik an instant star, and he was lauded for his charismatic performance and striking looks. However, his subsequent films—Fiza, Mission Kashmir, Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage—did not meet the same level of success, and Hrithik found himself being written off by many critics and audiences.
Opened up about in an interview
In an interview with Siddharth Kannan on his YouTube channel, Ameesha Patel, who starred opposite Hrithik in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, recounted how Hrithik was deeply affected by the industry's harsh response to his subsequent releases. "He and I used to discuss this on set… On one Friday, Hrithik Roshan becomes the most powerful man after the PM in this country, and the next Friday, people are not accepting his films. What kind of world is this?" Ameesha shared, highlighting how quickly the tides of public opinion can shift in Bollywood.
The actress continued to emphasize that Hrithik was not the only one who struggled with this transient nature of fame. "But I think Hrithik is a demi-god, he’s a Greek god, he’s a superstar forever. Good talent can never be shaken." She expressed unwavering belief in his abilities, acknowledging the ups and downs that all actors face in their careers.
Ameesha's career
Ameesha’s own career trajectory was quite different at the time. While Hrithik was grappling with flops, she was riding high on the success of Gadar – Ek Prem Katha, a film that went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of 2001. This was her second consecutive hit after Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, and she had also featured in the popular thriller Humraaz (2002), which was another commercial success. Despite these accomplishments, Ameesha was quick to empathize with Hrithik, who was feeling the weight of the industry's expectations after his monumental debut.
“I remember Hrithik used to be very disturbed,” Ameesha recalled. "Our first film was such a massive hit, of course the downfall is going to hit you harder. And he’s telling me, ‘But Ameesha, aapne toh dusri film Gadar de di, main flop de raha hoon, aap Gadar de rahe ho (But you did Gadar and I gave flops).’"
The actress revealed how she reassured Hrithik during these tough times, offering him comfort and perspective. "I told him not to worry, because the tables will inevitably turn," she said, recalling how she stood by him, offering encouragement during his low phases.
Ameesha’s faith in Hrithik's talent eventually proved to be right. After a few years, Hrithik made his much-awaited comeback with Koi... Mil Gaya (2003), a sci-fi drama directed by his father, Rakesh Roshan. The film not only revitalized his career but also redefined his image in Bollywood. His portrayal of Rohit, a developmentally delayed young man who befriends an extraterrestrial being, was both heartwarming and captivating, garnering critical acclaim. The film was a massive hit, and Hrithik's career trajectory took a positive turn once again.
Ameesha, who had seen Hrithik struggle with the highs and lows of fame, was not at all surprised by his comeback. "When I heard that announcement, three years later, of Rakesh uncle with Koi... Mil Gaya, I was like, ‘Now he’s going to come back,’" she revealed, reflecting on how she knew Hrithik’s resilience and talent would eventually lead him to triumph again.
Hrithik's story is one of perseverance and belief in oneself, and it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fame in Bollywood. The initial disappointments could not define him, and with the success of Koi... Mil Gaya and later films like Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), Jodhaa Akbar (2008), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), and War (2019), Hrithik established himself as one of Bollywood's most enduring superstars.
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