Bollywood has witnessed the rise of some of the biggest actors, who have turned into the brightest stars. And one on the list is actor–Hrithik Roshan. Son to filmmaker/actor Rakesh Roshan is not only one of Bollywood’s favourite celebrities but is also popularly known as Hindi cinema’s Greek God. The actor and his screen presence have always made him a crush of both men and women. With a filmography filled with iconic characters and popular roles, Roshan has made sure to find love from every segment of the audience. Be it a ten-year-old rooting for Krrish or women of every age watching their ovaries explode, as the star jumps and flexes his muscles in War, he has catered to every kind of viewer.
What fascinates me about him the most, is the actor’s versatile kitty of films, and his ability to play every role with finesse. Besides his deep hazel green eyes, the actor’s persona often visited us on the big screen through either the boy next door or India’s popular superhero. As the actor celebrates his 49th birthday today, we look back at his style in films that made him our aankhon ka taara.
Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai
In the year 2000, Hrithik made his big Bollywood debut in father–Rakesh Roshan’s film–Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. The actor since then, gathered love and appreciation from fans for his performance, crazy dance moves, and bringing some new style trends for us to follow. I still remember the film being one of my favourites while growing up and imagined myself in Ameesha Patel’s tiny white skirt dancing on the beach. Playing the roles of both Rohit and Raj, the actor was styled by costume designer Rocky S and gifted us with the mesh ganji, bandana, slim glasses, and more. The film not only provided his fans with timeless fashion but gave some songs and iconic dance moves that we still groove on. That “Ek Pal Ka Jeena” hook step? Oh boy, how can we forget that?
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..
Later in 2001, the actor returned as the charming, sanskari hunk in Karan Johar’s family drama–Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Playing the role of grown-up Rohan AKA Laddoo, Hrithik and his six packs were dressed by costume designer–Shabina Khan. The actor sported some bicep-baring leather vests, sporty jackets, and turtlenecks, and yes some sherwanis, that brought some interesting style trends for men from the era.
Koi Mil Gaya
The 2003 sci-fi musical not only provided iconic characters like–Jadoo but also portrayed Hrithik in a new shape. With costumes designed by Rocky S and Komal Shahani, Hrithik as Rohit played the role of a boy with a mental disability, and stepped into the superhero universe, which further moulded the Krrish franchise.
Lakshya
With Lakshya, Roshan took up the royal of Karan Sheirgill who transforms as he joins the Indian army. This time, the actor was seen sporting loose pants, and two-toned t-shirts, and dancing to some of the still most popular songs like–“Main Aisa Kyon Hoon.” The transformation in his character is also portrayed through his hair, that change as he dons the uniform.
Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon
The 2003 film sees Hrithik in his hyper most avatar as the other Prem, who Sanjana falls for. Besides, enthusiastically mouthing lines like “Hello, aunty, hello uncle,” the actor romanced Kareena Kapoor, and played Bollywood’s classic boy next door. A part of his wardrobe for the film were satin shirts in violet, chain lock neck accessories, sweaters and blazers that he was often seen wearing throughout the film.
Krrish
In 2006, Bollywood found its new superhero in the form of Krrish. A version of the popular Batman, and Spiderman, Krrish too had superpowers that helped him achieve his mission of saving the world. Through this franchise, Hrithik found love amongst younger audiences as well. With costumes designed by Manish Malhotra and Rocky S, Krrish got its signature black uniform through a long overcoat and a specially-designed face mask. And don’t ask me how many times my cousin brother has bought a dozen of them, and tried to fly by jumping from his bed, and eventually falling down.
Jodhaa Akbar
Later in 2008, Roshan took the route to Indian history and played the role of Mughal Emperor Akbar in Ashutosh Gowariker’s–Jodhaa Akbar. With costumes curated by designer Neeta Lulla, the actor embraced period fashion through kalidar kurtas in silk brocade, embellished crowns, churidaars, kalghis, and jewellery, alongside warrior armours for battlegrounds. The film received appreciation for the costume design, and the chemistry between Hrithik and actress Aishwarya Rai.
Dhoom 2
Another significant film in the actor’s career was YRF’s Dhoom 2, which saw him romancing his Jodhaa Akbar co-star Aishwarya in a totally different avatar. Dressed by Anaita Shroff Adajania, Roshan’s role of a thief saw many makeovers as Queen Elizabeth, a statue, a clown and more, as he stepped out to gain success in all his missions. The actor also sported long hair and experimented with caramel-coloured highlights, that complimented his buttoned-down shirts, and ganjis. And how can we ever forget the paisley bandanas, eye masks, and crumpled scarves he sported for the songs?
Kites
Hrithik in his 2010 romance/action film played the role of Jay. The actor entered a unique space and aesthetic through his costumes designed by Suneet Verma. With melodious tracks, scenic views, and luxurious cruise rides, the Hrithik romanced co-star Bárbara Mori in tropical shirts, and sported traditional costumes from Atlantic City, Hong Kong, and Las Vegas for song sequences, and popularised the man in a white shirt idea of Bollywood through the film.
Guzaarish
Entering the Sanjay Leela Bhansali universe was Roshan through the film–Guzaarish. The actor played the role of a paralyzed magician who files the petition in order to receive permission to end his life. The dark musical drama, displayed the characters in Bhansali’s mood board filled with shades of black, and red, as designed by Sabyasachi. From Aishwarya’s printed tulles to Hrithik’s tinted glasses, black hats, and coats, the actor portrayed the grief and sadness of his character through his wardrobe.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Playing the emotionally unavailable Arjun, Hrithik this time picked a unique role. Through a montage of him packing his bags for his best friend’s bachelorette trip, we observed his rules of living life and arranging every aspect of it. As he takes this unexpected turn of finding love during the trip, the soon vanishing, ties and crisp suits from his closet, seem to lighten the burden of materialistic dreams on his shoulders, and he transforms through white and black roomy shirts in the latter half of the film.
Bang Bang
Playing the role of Rajveer, a thief, the actor’s 2014 film had us falling more for him, and the scenic views of both Shimla and Santorini, Greece. With costumes designed by Anaita Shroff Adajania, the actor wore a bunch of romantic silhouettes, printed shirts, and vests throughout the film.
War
Embracing his natural salt-and-pepper look, Hrithik entered the YRF Spy Universe with Tiger Shroff in the 2019 film–War. Flexing his biceps, and panning guns, the actor’s look curated by Anaita Shroff Adajania, Aki Narula and their team was a major thirst trap. This new turn in his career saw him ageing gracefully, which fans loved about the actor.
Also Read: Saba Azad, Hrithik Roshan’s Europe Vacay Is All About Smiles And Snow!
Vikram Vedha
The most recently released film–Vikram Vedha put Roshan in another interesting avatar as Vedha Betal. Sporting black kurtas, a beard, long hair, and a dusky look, the actor plays a promising gangster who again had our ovaries exploding. Whipping up the recipe of Bollywood’s favourite macho man, Roshan not only made it tougher for us to not fall for the antagonist (because ’em looks) but convincingly played the part.
Tell us your favourite film of birthday boy Hrithik Roshan!
Image Credits: Instagram