Hrithik Roshan is back on the big screen this week as he leads the cast in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara - which is directed by Zoya Akhtar.
- Please tell us about your new film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and the role you play?
‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ is a completely fresh offering in terms of Indian cinema. It’s a beautiful, humorous and extremely human road trip film which takes three male friends on the ultimate bachelor party trip across Barcelona.
It ends up being a journey of self discovery for each of them in different ways and forces them to re-evaluate their lives. I play a character called Arjun, a financial trader based at a large, London firm.
Arjun lost his father at a young age and subsequently saw a very tough life. As a result, he is extremely driven and determined to succeed and get ahead.
- Much of the shooting for the film took place in Spain. How was your experience there?
It was awesome – breath-taking landscape, big-hearted people and steeped in history and culture. Barcelona is just amazing and extremely rich in culture and beautiful architecture too.
- You worked with people you are friends with, was the experience easier personally?
It’s always great to be working with friends - both Farhan and Zoya have been friends of mine since childhood and Katrina, Abhay and Kalki were great- co-stars too!
However, you have to be conscious of differentiating your personal with your professional relationship when working together.
We share such a natural relationship, but we remember to keep our working hats on when we are working.
- From your perspective, what is the USP of ZNMD?
Zoya’s magic touch. The film is a completely fresh and innovative Indian film offering – I expected no less of her.
- Why should people come to watch the film?
The film will appeal to audiences of all ages, male and female. It’s a film that I think will make a connect with everyone as it is a very human and relatable film.
It’s feel good, has a strong message and is a beautiful film work. Obviously you all will be the judge of that, but I have full faith that you will love this movie.
We collectively put our hearts and souls into this film – it was a labour of love for the entire cast and crew – and I’m sure that will reflect on screen.
- What do you feel about your small screen debut through ‘Just Dance’? What made you choose this particular show to make your small screen debut?
When I first heard the concept of the show, I was amazed. It was just like reading a script. You start to identify yourself with your script, concept. Its concept made me believe that I should be part of it.
- With Just Dance essentially the prize is for the winner/winners to be matching steps with you. How does it feel to be the person at the top of somebody’s dream and be motivating so many people to work so hard to follow their dreams?
Gosh, it is a weird yet wonderful feeling. Bollywood inspired me at a young age as I think it does for a lot of youngsters, and I worked very hard to reach the point at which I am at now.
So if people are willing to work hard and focus on their dreams then they deserve it just as much as I do. If I can help them with that, then I am more than willing to and I am excited to see who the winner will be, as I see a lot of talent and desire in this show.
- Krrish, Kites, Guzaarish, what’s next? Which has been your favourite role to date?
Well next, of course, is Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Following that is Agneepath for which I am still currently filming. I’m also involved in filming for my first small screen project – ‘Just Dance’.
As the name suggests, it’s a dance show – one of the most exciting reality dance contests to date!
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is out now.