PremiumHappy Birthday, Hrithik Roshan! The 'Fighter' at 50, aging like fine 'War' wine
As Hrithik Roshan celebrates his 50th birthday this year, here's the star's journey through the years
Last Updated: 12.42 PM, Jan 10, 2024
The "Greek God of Bollywood" has turned 50 today, and it's nothing short of a celebration, so to speak. Hrithik Roshan has entered a new chapter in his life where the actor is gearing up to play a squadron leader, Shamsher Pathania, aka Patty, in Fighter. The highlight of his appearance in the Siddharth Anand-directed film is, of course, his stylish and suave look. But what caught the attention of many were the lines on his forehead and cheekbones, which he proudly owns and flaunts. The actor, at 50, has shown the age he is on screen and proves that he is definitely not the late 20s Hrithik who played Karan in Lakshya back in 2004. He was 30 when the film was released.
A breakthrough in the new millennium
But that's what sets him apart from many actors in Bollywood in so many ways. In the 1990s, when the Khans of Bollywood were ruling the screens, just at the beginning of the millennium, Hrithik burst into Bollywood out of nowhere, playing a double role in the 2000 release Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. The film catapulted him to fame and paved the way for an outstanding career. It was a smashing hit at the box office and a demonstration of his acting chops and magnetic personality. Duggu, as he is fondly called, was a complete package. In addition to his good looks, his unwavering dedication to his work is what sets him apart from his peers.
Although not every film of his was a hit, Hrithik never shied away from even showing that he can be a bad performer. The actor even now teases about his hamming in Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003). But the same year, he delivered one of the most memorable performances as a differently abled guy, Rohit, in Koi... Mil Gaya. His sensitive act still generates discussions, showcasing his versatility under the stupendous direction of his father and filmmaker-actor, Rakesh Roshan.
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Beyond the larger-than-life
Even so, his crafty act as Mr. A in Dhoom 2 was a dream come true for his fans watching him as an anti-hero. There's exceptional flexibility in his performance, which looks effortless for whatever character he portrays. Despite setbacks and questions from around the world, Hrithik has been able to reinvent himself time and time again, which is one of the most impressive things about his career. In the Krrish series, he played the role of a disguised hero with remarkable ease, and the superhero genre gained a new star. Nevertheless, Hrithik's abilities went beyond playing larger-than-life parts. Jodhaa Akbar was a critical and commercial triumph for him, showcasing his acting chops as he played the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The actor gave a new face to the otherwise comicbook look of Emperor Akbar, which is still talked about, and nevertheless, these can never be complain.
Celebrating Hrithik Roshan's 50th birthday is a cause for joy and inspiration for millions of people, as well as a celebration of his cinematic accomplishments. His positive attitude, unforgettable conversations, and unforgettable dance routines have made him an icon. In a field where stardom can come and go, Hrithik's continued success is a testament to his evergreen charisma.
Diverse roles
In times when Hrithik delivered back-to-back different characters such as a paralysed magician who files a petition of euthanasia in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Guzaarish (2010), an arrogant Arjun who realises the value of life on his trip with best buddies in Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), or even a man whose innocence was taken away during his childhood as he witnesses his father's murder and avenges to kill the notorious Kaancha Cheena in Karan Malhotra's Agneepath (2012), the actor has time and again proved his acting prowess and also showed that he can emulate any character effortlessly.
In 2019, Hrithik had two films released, both poles apart from each other: Vikas Bahl's Super 30 and Siddharth Anand's War. Well, it is hard to forget either of them, especially War, as his entry sequence is still the most talked about and considered one of the best ever seen in Bollywood.
Despite the pandemic and significant delays, Vikram Vedha was finally released in 2022, and it can easily be hailed as one of the best performances of that year. The actor in his anti-hero act once again proved that Hrithik Roshan is Hrithik Roshan; there can never be anyone else.
The return of the stylish star
Now, as Fighter assets have built in more excitement for his fans, the film brings back that stylish and charming actor whom people saw almost five years ago with the same director in War.
I'm not sure if Hrithik Roshan can be called the "last superstar," but he is definitely an enduring performer, an enchanting entertainer, and an unforgettable star in his own right.
Happy Birthday!