Hrithik Roshan is one of the most celebrated and versatile actors in Bollywood, admired not only for his exceptional acting skills but also for his charismatic personality and unmatched dancing talent
Popularly known as the “Greek God of Bollywood” because of his striking looks and fit physique, Hrithik has built a career that spans over two decades and continues to inspire millions.
From his blockbuster debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) to delivering memorable performances in films like Jodhaa Akbar, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, War, and Super 30, Hrithik has proven his ability to adapt to diverse roles.
Apart from acting, Hrithik is also known for overcoming personal challenges, including health issues and setbacks, which makes his journey even more remarkable.
With numerous awards, a huge global fan base, and recognition as one of the most stylish and influential figures in Indian cinema, Hrithik Roshan continues to be a trendsetter in both films and fashion. His story is not just about stardom but also about resilience, dedication, and constant self-improvement.
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Table of Contents
Journey of Hrithik Roshan
From Shy Boy to Bollywood Icon
Hrithik Roshan was born on 10 January 1974 in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. He belongs to a deeply cinematic family.
His father Rakesh Roshan is a filmmaker and former actor. His mother Pinkie Roshan is the daughter of director J. Om Prakash.
His grandfather Roshanlal Nagrath and uncle Rajesh Roshan were music composers. Hrithik’s early exposure to cinema began as a child actor in his grandfather’s films, but his journey to stardom was full of challenges and determination.
Childhood Challenges
As a child, Hrithik struggled with a speech stammer from around age six. He also had scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, and a congenital extra thumb (polydactyly) on his right hand.
He was bullied at school and often shy and withdrawn. But he fought back. He began daily speech therapy. He worked on his body with fitness and dance training.
And he embraced his physical uniqueness rather than feel ashamed. Through practice he improved fluency. As an adult he still stutters occasionally but overcame most of it.1
Doctors warned him that his spine condition would prevent dancing or demanding action roles. But Hrithik built his physique through disciplined training. As a teenager he transformed himself physically and mentally to prepare for an acting career.
Learning the Craft
Hrithik studied at Bombay Scottish School and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in commerce from Sydenham College. Meanwhile, he worked as an assistant director under his father on films such as Khudgarz (1987), King Uncle (1993), Karan Arjun (1995) and Koi… Mil Gaya (2003).
His duties ranged from sweeping floors to serving tea on sets. His father wanted him to understand the craft from the ground up.2
He also took formal training in acting (under Kishore Namit Kapoor), dancing, singing, fencing and horse riding. He practised dialogue, accents and physical mannerisms by recording himself.
Breakthrough: Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000)
Hrithik’s first major acting role came in his father’s directorial venture Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000). He played dual roles: Rohit (a humble singer) and Raj (an NRI).
He trained ranging from dialogue delivery to dance moves. The film released on 14 January 2000, and audiences responded with “Hrithik Mania.” At the premiere people mobbed him. The success was immediate.
The film swept awards. At the 46th Filmfare Awards (February 2001), Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai won 9 awards, including Best Film, Best Director (Rakesh Roshan), and both Best Actor and Best Male Debut for Hrithik. He became the only actor to win both top acting awards for the same film.
The film also earned a Guinness World Record (2002) for most awards won by an Indian film (92 awards) and a record in the Limca Book.3
Rise and Setbacks: 2000s
After his debut, Hrithik appeared in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), a multi-star hit, in a supporting role. But his next lead films in 2002–2003 (Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon) did poorly. Critics said his career might falter.4
He bounced back with Koi… Mil Gaya (2003), his father’s sci-fi film where he played a developmentally challenged young man who befriends an alien. The film was a box office hit. He earned both Filmfare Best Actor (Critics) and Best Actor awards.
गणेश चतुर्थी की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं! गणपती बाप्पा मोरया 🙏🏻
— Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) August 27, 2025
He followed with Lakshya (2004), a well-reviewed but commercially modest film.
In 2006 he had a huge year. He starred in Krrish (a superhero sequel) and Dhoom 2 (a high-octane thriller). Both were blockbusters. He won another Filmfare Best Actor for Dhoom 2.
In 2008 he played Emperor Akbar in Jodhaa Akbar, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. It was a critical and commercial success and won him yet another Filmfare Best Actor.
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Selection & Experimentation: 2010s
The 2010s saw Hrithik explore varied roles. He starred in Kites (2010) and Guzaarish (2010). Both underperformed commercially, though Guzaarish earned critical praise for his portrayal of a quadriplegic magician.5
In 2011 he judged dance reality show Just Dance and starred in Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, a coming-of-age favorite.
In 2012 he appeared in Agneepath, a remake of the 1990 film, in a dark role.
In 2013 came Krrish 3, the third part of the superhero franchise. In 2014 he starred in Bang Bang!, the Hindi remake inspired by Knight and Day. Both did well commercially.
In 2019 he played a passionate teacher in the biopic Super 30, based on mathematician Anand Kumar. He gained significant weight to look realistic. The film did well critically and commercially.
Also in 2019 was War opposite Tiger Shroff. It became one of the highest grosser Hindi films ever. His performance was praised.
In 2022 he starred in Vikram Vedha, an intense action-thriller, which received positive reviews but modest box office returns.
News Highlights & Recent Blockbuster
In August 2025 Hrithik starred in War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji. The film released on 14 August 2025. It opened with ₹52 crore in India and ₹84 crore worldwide on day one. Over its opening weekend it crossed ₹170 crore. It became Hrithik’s biggest opener ever.6
Recent profile pieces highlight his journey from stutter-ridden child to superstar. He also built a ₹3 000–₹3 100 crore empire through films, endorsements, his HRX brand, real estate, and business ventures. He owns a ₹100 crore seaside Juhu home, a ₹33 crore Lonavala farmhouse, and has built an influential sportswear brand.7
One article mentions that before his debut another actor made his life very difficult and his father feared Hrithik might need a backup plan. But the debut’s success silenced doubts.
Another article looks back at the highs and lows of his career and underscores that his staying power comes from constant reinvention and audience anticipation.
Awards & Recognition
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Filmfare Awards – multiple wins including Best Male Debut (2000), Best Actor (2000, 2003, 2006, 2008) and Critics awards.
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IIFA Awards – holds record jointly with Shah Rukh Khan for five Best Actor wins and 11 nominations. Youngest winner at age 27.
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Recipient of the Padma Shri in 2008 (India’s fourth highest civilian honour).8
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Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai broke Guinness World Record for most awards won by an Indian film (92 awards).
Stats Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hrithik Roshan Nagrath |
| Date of Birth | 10 January 1974 |
| Place of Birth | Mumbai (then Bombay), Maharashtra, India |
| Family Background | Father: Rakesh Roshan (director), Mother: Pinkie (née Prakash), Grandfather: J. Om Prakash, Grand-“pa” composer Roshanlal Nagrath, Uncle: Rajesh Roshan |
| Education | Bombay Scottish School; BCom from Sydenham College |
| Early Career | Child actor (1980 Aasha, 1986 Bhagwaan Dada); Assistant director on father’s films |
| Debut Film | Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) |
| Notable Hits | Kaho Naa…, Koi… Mil Gaya, Lakshya, Krrish series, Dhoom 2, Jodhaa Akbar, Super 30, War, War 2 |
| Major Awards | Filmfare (Best Debut, Best Actor x4, Critics), IIFA Best Actor x5, Padma Shri 2008 |
| Recent Blockbuster | War 2 (2025) – ₹52 cr India opening day, ₹84 cr worldwide, ₹170 cr opening weekend |
| Personal Life | Married Sussanne Khan (2000–2014); sons Hrehaan (b. 2006), Hridhaan (b. 2008). Amicable co-parenting after divorce. |
| Health Battles | Stammering, scoliosis (diagnosed age 19–21), severe knee injury (2011), brain hematoma (requiring surgery). |
| Business & Brand | Founder of HRX (sportswear), real estate holdings (₹100 cr Juhu home, ₹33 cr farmhouse), endorsements, production |
| Net Worth | ₹3 000–₹3 100 crore (mid-2025 estimate), among India’s richest actors. |
| Philanthropy | Advocates for stammering treatment, paraplegic & special needs causes, spoke at India Stammering Association. Eye donation pledge, UNICEF, accessible cinema efforts. |
Personal Life Explored
Hrithik met Sussanne Khan, childhood friend from affluent Mumbai family, and married her in December 2000. They had two sons: Hrehaan (2006) and Hridhaan (2008). The couple separated in 2013 and divorced amicably in 2014. They continue to co-parent and maintain a respectful relationship. During the COVID-19 pandemic they even lived together along with the children.
He is known for his work ethic, discipline, and willingness to physically transform for roles. He is also an adrenaline junkie, certified diver, cyclist and trained stunt performer. For roles he sometimes adopts distinct colognes to trigger memory of the character.
He wrote poetry from age 11, is ambidextrous, and enjoys reading, photography, composing scrapbooks, and solving Rubik’s cubes. He once publicly quit smoking after reading Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking.
Hrithik is active in charity. Inspired by his role in Koi… Mil Gaya, he trained with paraplegics and supports special-needs education.
After playing a blind man in Kaabil he pledged to donate his eyes and lobbied for disabled-friendly cinema halls. He supports speech-therapy causes and UNICEF.
FAQ’s
Q1: What is Hrithik Roshan’s date of birth and family background?
A1: He was born on 10 January 1974 in Mumbai. His father is filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. His grandfather J. Om Prakash and uncle Rajesh Roshan worked in film music.
Q2: How did he overcome speech stammer and scoliosis?
A2: He began daily speech therapy from childhood. For scoliosis he built his body through weight training, dance and fitness. Doctors initially discouraged dancing but he persevered.
Q3: What was his debut film and why was it significant?
A3: His debut lead role was in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) directed by his father. He played dual roles. The film was a runaway hit and won him both Best Actor and Best Debut at Filmfare. It triggered nationwide “Hrithik Mania.” It won 92 awards and entered the Guinness Book.
Q4: What are some of his major films and achievements?
A4: Notable films include Koi… Mil Gaya, Krrish series, Dhoom 2, Jodhaa Akbar, Super 30, War and War 2. He has won multiple Filmfare awards, IIFA Best Actor (5 times), and received the Padma Shri in 2008.
Q5: What is his net worth and business involvement?
A5: As of mid-2025, his estimated net worth is ₹3 000–₹3 100 crore. He co-founded HRX (sportswear), invests in real estate including a sea-facing Juhu home (₹100 crore) and Lonavala farmhouse (₹33 crore). He earns from film fees, endorsements and production ventures.
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Closing Thoughts
Hrithik Roshan’s life story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless dedication. From a bullied, stammering child with a spinal condition to a superstar actor, fitness icon and business leader, he has repeatedly turned personal hurdles into strengths.
His performances across genres from romance, fantasy, history, action to motivational biopics showcase both range and commitment.
He has backed his cinematic achievements with smart business moves. Today he stands not only as a beloved actor but also as one of India’s wealthiest entertainers with a ₹3 000+ crore net worth. He champions causes close to his heart and invests in his craft and family. At 51, he continues to thrill audiences with record-breaking films like War 2.
In every chapter from doctor’s warnings to runaway success, Hrithik’s life is a testament to perseverance. He shapes his destiny with each role, each challenge faced, and each lesson learned. His story inspires millions to turn adversity into opportunity, discipline into art, and fame into purpose.
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