I'm truly enjoying myself: Hrithik Roshan

Mumbai, Dec 20 (IANS) Hrithik Roshan's popularity has scaled new heights with the success of "Dhoom 2" and the superhero says in a matter of fact tone that he deserves it.

"I'd like to believe no one gets what they don't deserve. I've to keep growing," Hrithik told IANS in an interview.

"Looking at where I'm coming from - 'Koi Mil Gaya', 'Lakshya', 'Krrish' - going to 'Dhoom 2' and 'Jodha-Akbar', it's like the whole spectrum. As an actor I'm getting to explore different areas. I'm truly enjoying myself.

"Dhoom 2" has benefited Hrithik in one more way - his pairing with Aishwarya was widely appreciated and they will be seen again in Ashutosh Gowariker's "Jodha-Akbar".

"We were considered a mismatch. With our light eyes and fair skin, we were almost seen as siblings. I don't think I've looked better with any other actress. We've one more film together and we better look good."

Hrithik is truly excited about "Jodha-Akbar".

"It takes me to a place where I've never travelled, not even in my imagination. The journey has already become very fascinating for me. I've been reading up books on the Mughal rulers. Rest of the research is being done by Ashutosh Gowariker."

Excerpts:

You've suddenly shot into the biggest league.

I'd like to believe no one gets what they don't deserve. I've to keep growing.

What preparations are on for "Jodha-Akbar"?

Swords are breaking. Horses are throwing me off (laughs). Thankfully, it wasn't a serious fall. The only thing was my leg got caught in the stirrup. I got dragged on the ground a bit. I suppose these things will keep happening.

But accidents keep happening to you quite frequently.

Yeah, I know. I think I've people's good wishes with me. In spite of these accidents nothing serious happens to me. The only way to perfection is to fall and rise. If you don't fall, you never know the pleasure of rising. A child needs to stumble before he learns to run.

But now you're a father too, hence the added responsibility.

Right. That's why I stretch myself a little more so I set a good example for him. It's more important to learn to rise after the fall than to not fall.

No what I meant was, the risks you take could affect your son if, god forbid, something were to happen to you.

Sure, I've to exercise that little bit of caution for Hrehaan's sake. I guess I fell off the horse during the rehearsals for "Jodha-Akbar" so it doesn't happen with the camera on....

Looking at where I'm coming from - "Koi Mil Gaya", "Lakshya", "Krrish" - going to "Dhoom 2" and "Jodha-Akbar", it's like the whole spectrum. As an actor I'm getting to explore different areas. I'm truly enjoying myself.

"Jodha-Akbar" takes me to a place where I've never travelled even in my imagination. The journey has already become very fascinating for me. I've been reading up books on the Mughal rulers. Rest of the research is being done by Ashutosh Gowariker. He's absolutely amazing.

A nice contrast for you and Aishwarya Rai after "Dhoom 2"?

Yes, people are already talking about how good we're looking together in "Dhoom 2". That feels good, considering at one time we were considered a mismatch. With our light eyes and fair skin we were almost seen as siblings. I don't think I've looked better with any other actress. We've one more film together and we better look good.

You've entered a new phase in your life.

I've never felt more alive. I'm evolving with each step. People don't grow old. When they stop growing they become old. I never want to get there. You just have to keep evolving.

Earlier there was a criticism that you put too much intensity into every part...

Well, you evolve as an actor. You get better with every shot. I've given my best to every shot I've done. So, whatever I did at that time was right for back then. And I'll never look back with regret at anything I did. But yes, of course, I've become more casual before the camera. There's no better teacher than experience.

It's only after seven-eight films that every actor begins to realise his potential. I think I've got there now. You know I grew up watching movies that gave me a supposedly ideal view of how a hero behaves. Somewhere that got stuck in my mind. Most of the initial work that an actor does is played out of reference. You've seen an actor hold a gun in a particular way. And you get unconsciously influenced into doing the same. Once those influences melt, you begin to discover your own individuality.

People used to say you clicked only with your dad.

People would find some way to give their own egos a boost, even if it means making such irresponsible statements. Please ask them to look at the collections of "Krrish". It's the biggest hit of my career. And, if I've a director (father Rakesh Roshan) at home, who can conceive ideal projects for me, why shouldn't I make use of it?

Your dad's next superhero film?

He's going through various story ideas. "Krrish" will live on even if it isn't my next film with my dad. Yes we've thought of turning "Krrish" into a comic-book character, or an animation character. Dad is exploring various possibilities.

Your future plans?

"Jodha-Akbar" right away. Then Zoya Akhtar's film. Dates are in place.

Final question, are you obsessed with your looks?

The true freedom and flight of an actor can only happen when he can break through that cage of physicality. At some point all of us have to stop trying to look good all the time. This vanity keeps every actor chained down. I'm trying to go beyond that. It isn't easy to go beyond your physicality. Finally, when you face the camera it's your connectivity with the character that counts.

You've been experimenting a lot with your looks.

All the compliments that have come to me for my looks in "Dhoom 2" must go to my stylist Anaida. Not that I ever had a style. But yes, I've been changing my looks for all my films. You've to keep challenging yourself. I'll be changing my looks, clothes and entire stance for all my roles. It's part of my evolution as an actor.

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