The film industry, as it name suggests, is after all an industry. Thus profit is paramount and a year shall be judged on the parameters of box-office success alone. However, the analysis which applies to a large impersonal body cannot apply to individuals. If we apply the ‘mantra of money’ to Hrithik Roshan’s journey in 2015, we come up with what is colloquially termed as a ‘blank year’. A year without any releases where the money-generating potential of the star is deemed to have been ‘wasted’. But that is not how you measure a human being’s journey. And as fans, we are more invested in Hrithik’s growth as an actor and a person. And on that front, 2015 was anything but wasted. This year was one of both personal growth and professional achievements, despite the absence of a release. This was the year in which Hrithik truly embraced his stardom as a tool to contribute to society, impact his industry and inspire his fans. When we look back at how far he has come this year as a person and a professional, we can’t but feel proud. He’s given back as much love as he’s received, and society as a whole has begun to see him in a new light. Here’s to 2015, the year that was richer in experience and growth for our star than any amount of money can equal!
SOCIALLY AWARE I
t is an undeniable truth of stardom that the popularity comes pre-packaged with an enormous amount of influence. For good or for bad, a star has the power to channel and guide the actions or thoughts of the fans looking up to them. Actions are emulated and thoughts are adopted. And considering this heavy inadvertent responsibility, it is perhaps not surprising when a particular celebrity chooses to be extremely measured and controlled in their public interactions. Hrithik has never been fond of the limelight in any arena not associated with his work or current projects. He does wield considerable influence on the minds of his fans, but that has mostly been a result of his actions in his personal life and his persona in general. Until recently, he has sparingly utilized his ‘star power’ to make a statement. However, the status quo changed this year. Hrithik lent his name and his participation to three different social campaigns, with three distinct goals, demographic targets and audience penetration.
RADIO ONE YOUTH STARS
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t is no secret that that the largest proportion of Hrithik’s fanbase is made up of the younger demographic in the country. Radio One’s Youth Star was a radio show intended to act as a platform or forum of interaction and discussion between celebrities who inspired the largest fan following and their followers. On this show, Hrithik highlighted his journey – both professional and personal. Staying true to his constant endeavour to turn every setback into a positive learning opportunity, he didn’t dwell on the hardships faced along the way but everything he’d learned about life, success and happiness on his journey. As a Mumbai-centered radio show, the reach of this campaign was more localized and limited, and targeted mainly to the young school and college-going demographic, with the aim of strengthening his existing image as an inspiration and an example.
UN GLOBAL GOALS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
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his was the campaign with the largest global reach and spread and the broadest objective. The Global Goals campaign is a result of the recent UN General Assembly identifying 17 Sustainable Development Goals. One of those goals is ‘to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’ and is delivered in partnership with UNICEF - termed as the ‘World’s Largest Lesson Plan’. The aim was to reach an audience of 6 million children in India. Hrithik was the brand ambassador for Goal 3 of this this particular initiative in India, which stands for Good Health and Well-Being. This was an ideal association considering the importance Hrithik has always given to children’s upliftment and child education. His words sum up the logic of the association perfectly.
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As a father, I believe that all children should have access to good education, and through this education, they learn how to take care of themselves and others. I hope we can educate the masses about this incredible event and initiative and the vast opportunities in our country that allow us to push our limits.”
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rithik has always been someone invested in the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles – be they physical, mental or social. Using this platform to promote and showcase the ideal results proper education is meant to achieve in a country like ours was a laudable and praiseworthy step.
HRX HEROES
his was the cause and campaign which not only bore his name but one in which Hrithik was involved from the very beginning. This campaign shared almost quality denoted both by the man and philosophy behind his brand, HRX. Determination, mettle, courage, perseverance and victory against impossible odds – these are qualities we already associate with the star. Through this campaign, the team behind HRX Heroes set out to find and showcase individuals from a wide variety of sectors and backgrounds who have triumphed against adversity to accomplish or create something incredible.
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hus over a period of several weeks, Hrithik hosted the show on Discovery and introduced the lives and journeys of several extraordinary human beings, most of whom come from completely ordinary backgrounds. The show introduced people like Harshini Kanhekar, India’s female fire engineer and Naveen Gulia, an ex-Army officer who didn’t allow paralysis to prevent him from becoming a world record holder in adventure sports, as well as Shekhar Naik, the captain of India’s blind cricket team. Hrithik has always maintained that the extraordinary can be found best in life’s struggles – this is a show where he let people who represent this tenet tell their own stories in their own way. The superstar took himself away from the limelight and helped create a platform where other heroes shone bright.
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e hope that these campaigns only indicate the beginning of the creation of a socially responsible icon who not only stays true to his beliefs, but steps forward into the limelight to help spread these beliefs to the largest number of people possible.After all, there are few people as inspiring as a celebrity who recognizes fame and influence for all the good they can do.
DADDY
COOL They say that a father should remember that in the end, a son will follow his example and not his advice. Hrithik goes beyond living and leading by example for his sons - he takes them on his journey of life. He inculcates in his sons the discipline and rigour of sports and is rewarded by Hrehaan becoming one of the world’s youngest certified divers. He’s kept their spirits and sense of adventure alive through jet skiing, zip lining and skiing. Maldives was a retreat for a water sports filled vacation whereas whale gazing, crocodile hunting, wildlife safaris and meeting African tribes was an attempt to fully introduce them to the breadth and richness of culture in the world. The cycle of fun keeps spinning back home as well - with dinners, movies and lunches. A ride in an autorickshaw is an adventure and a lesson about the power of hard work, combined into one. At the end of the day - this is the role he loves best. A father who nurtures his children emotionally, physically and mentally.
There is nothing more graceful than traditional wear. Whether it’s an all black attire on Diwali or a red kurta paired with a black jacket, Hrithik’s desi looks this year were unmatched! A huge 10/10 we are hoping to see much more in 2016.
Hrithik has always maintained a clear demarcation between fashion trends and personal style and it has always worked fabulously for him. This year was no exception - be it his casual laid back personal style or his desi avatar or his impeccably styled suits, he’s drawn the attention and the acclaim of fashion critics several times this year. Favouring mostly Troy Costa for his formal wear, Hrithik has experimented with colours, cut and design and has only bettered himself with each appearance and turned heads as he broke the rules of fashion.
RADO LAUNCH IN PUNE
Laying claim to sexy and stylish whilst dressing down is no mean feat, but Hrithik accomplishes it with ease in his trademark look of casual tee, jeans and cap- we admit it, we love the cap collection! This is one man who shows us it is possible to look fabulous every day of the year!
The cult classic Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara truly brought back the ‘bromance’ into vogue with the fabulous chemistry and moments between the male leads. Taking a page from one of our favourite Du films, we pick our favourite bro-mantic moments of last year - full of masti, zing and respect.
A TRIP DOWN TWITTER LANE
Social media is a double-edged sword, especially for celebrities. The near limitless reach of social media platforms may bring the fans far closer to their idol than previously possible, but that very facet also opens up the floodgates of intense scrutiny and criticism. Technology may have eroded the mystique of the star, but it has certainly made it easier to get a closer look at the person beneath. If it was possible to form a profile of Hrithik Roshan, the man solely from his tweets, what would it say?
Can his words paint a moderately accurate picture of his personality? Can we glean the essence of his beliefs and his passions from the topics of his tweets? Does his timeline indicate a personality behind the face, or is it a sanitized and scrubbed down version meant to be a presentable image? As fans who have been following him since his entry, it will be difficult for us to take a step back and attempt to recreate a personality from nothing but his written words. However, we felt we could show that in his case, his words do exhibit who he is to an extent.
To make this attempt easier, let us focus on his tweets from the year gone by. A couple of examples: 1’s who’s disability shows on d outside r usually more able dan d 1’s who r hiding disabled patterns 4 sake of society. #WorldDisabilityDay So so proud of our athletes #specialolympicsteamindia well done! Bravo! The world is looking up at us! Super happy. #DefeatDefeat R support will help #SakinaKhatun reach @Rio2016_en Find out how - http://bit.ly/1A28v2V #missionparalympics2016 Disabled athletes. Not exactly a popular conversation topic – either in public discourse or in normal, everyday gatherings. Tweets of the above nature would indicate a familiarity beyond a superficial glance to appear enlightened. A little background reading on the man in question will turn up the incidence of a lifelong fight to power through a speech impediment, multiple serious injuries and a brain surgery to remove a life threatening blood clot. It might make sense why he feels so strongly about physical disability. And considering the fact that he’s still standing tall and active, it also makes sense that his tweets showcase strength, determination and a healthy respect for the ferocity to keep going ahead despite physical limitations. A worlds first. Live n let live. http:// timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/ europe/Ireland-says-Yes-to-samesex-marriage/articleshow/47400544. cms …
Socially aware and progressive views of both national and international news on the social justice front. Not a rare trait in celebrities, but heartening whenever observed. But what about his personal views? Do his tweets give a glimpse of his inner thoughts, the beliefs that make up his psyche and the tenets that enable him to live life as the man he is? To truly live u must learn how to die. It’s only thru loss that u can learn abundance. Ironically u can only touch the skies with broken wings. Don’t ever be afraid. Dont b fooled.ur greatest wealth is not d money, trophies or success.ur greatest wealth are ur experiences. B a collector of experiences. Make each moment, each day fill u up with something. Use ur imagination. Remember imagination defies logic. Logic will stop u, will tell u how and why it’s not possible. Use ur imagination to create the life u want.Create a picture n see it clearly doesn’t matter how impossible it is, see it clearly. Hold on to it. It will manifest. Do it!
Finally happiness is nothing more dan becoming d best version of urself. Rise. #DefeatDefeat http://bit.ly/defeatdefeathrx
Cinema sees me15yrs old. Thank u 4 reminding me about d potential that lies ahead! Let’s grow 2gether. Everyday! Thank u. Love u
Once I no d edge of my fear, I lean just beyond it...that’s d place of maximum uncertainty but also maximum growth!
Yaara,1baat- @RanveerOfficial n @arjunk26 bolna padega-tum log “MINDBLOWING” the re! Let’s gv it up 4 d BEST in entertainment!! HUGSLOVE!
There are several tweets which give an insight into the workings of his mind, most are in a similar vein to the ones shown above. These paint a picture of a man who refuses to believe in the concept of limits. Fear, defeat and obstacles are treated more as abstract puzzles to be solved than actual impediments to life. Here is a man who takes courage beyond the metaphysical realm of a character trait and turns
Thank u 4 this magic - I danced - u smiled - n that brought me happiness. Magic. Thank u thank u thank u.. #iifa2015
“The person behind these tweets is a very complex, layered and interesting individual.” it into a way of life. Till now, we have a picture of the man as himself alone. No man however, is an island. To obtain a truer picture, his interactions with others must also be considered. And since Twitter is primarily an engagement platform, there are several examples of interactive tweets, both addressing the general audience at large as well as conversations and messages targeted to specific individuals.
Whenever a fan graciously understands if I can’t pose 4 a pic, I feel so touched that it makes me want to turn back n give them that pic! Watched 2 episodes of Quantico. Engrossing! Congrats @priyankachopra more 4 being d 1st 2 fly like this! One word - Amazing! Jabalpur..It is very distressing 2 see ur love unintentionally causing harm 2people.der is no need,I feel u n sending u all even more love! Heartfelt support and genuine emotion for industry friends and gratitude and for fans –tweets of this nature reflect a genuinely supportive, encouraging man who not only refuses to take his popularity for granted, but takes the opportunity to thank his fan base whenever possible. Lastly, it is not possible to sift through his timeline without noticing the consistent appearances of two characters in his thoughts, words and effects – his two sons. We are not tourists...we are travellers... @jumeirahJV#Maldives The Kalahari Bushmen wth my Supermen.2day kids learnt nevr 2 judge a persons wisdom n intelligence by d way dey look
my inspiration and I. All dressed up for the#iaaawards last nite. Fun n fearless. #HRX - IAA leadership Exotic locales, adventure sports and an obvious love for the outdoors – the man indicated by the tweets above is a father who takes his responsibilities seriously. The fun in every vacation or event is tempered by some degree of learning. This is a man who takes every effort to be a father to his children, in spite of his clearly busy schedule. So we have a fiercely determined a man who is a fighter, aware, supportive, enthusiastic and philosophical. He’s articulate (as much as you can be within 140 characters), he’s grateful and he’s structured. He’s a proud father who wants to teach his sons how large and rich the world is in immaterial wealth. And mostly, he’s a man who tries to be honest to who he is without using his Twitter handle as a mere publicity board. At the end of it, an effort to create an image of a person solely from social media posts is an incomplete effort. But the lack of guile and general air of earnest honestly which pervades most of Hrithik’s tweets would illustrate to even the objective and unaware observer that this is a man who thinks over his words, but doesn’t sanitize them keeping in mind public consumption. The air of honestly in his words shows us more of the man than would be expected from merely a sense of posts. But if we consider that tweets are after all, a different form of expression of one’s thoughts, then it is his thoughts on the fabric of social media which help to determine the person. And even though we speak as loyal fans, we can also state with certainty that the person behind these tweets is a very complex, layered and interesting individual.
THE BEST TWITTER PICTURES
IIFA MAGIC HE CAME, HE DANCED AND HE CONQUERED. WE REMINISCE THE BEST IIFA MOMENTS
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IFA 2015 was an absolute treat for Hrithik fans as he took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur and enthralled the overjoyed audience with a few of his signature steps. The screaming fans couldn’t have asked for more as he signed autographs, gave away free tickets, and posed for selfies.
Later in the day, Hrithik launched his sister Sunaina Roshan’s book “To Dad with Love”, a heartfelt pictorial biography of their father Rakesh Roshan. The most endearing moment of the launch was when Hrithik surprised Sunaina with an unexpected FaceTime call, panning the delighted media to show his sister the overwhelmingly positive response to her work.
The real magic happened when Hrithik arrived at the main IIFA event. In a red Troy Costa suit, Hrithik looked every inch the dashing and charming gentleman. iaectus de vendem quatur mo dit,
He took centre stage during the show as he engaged in a light-hearted banter and some dancing moves with young guns Tiger, Ranveer and Arjun.
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rithik followed this up with a powerful, curtain-closing performance to a medley of his hit songs that included Tu Meri, Meherbaan and Bang Bang. It was clear that he captivated one and all as both the crowd and his colleagues screamed, cheered, danced along and gave him a standing ovation. a volores ellab iur, venistotame vollit est, natis qui dolup-
MOHENJO DARO 12.8.2016
From a king to a pauper - these words ring true for Hrithik as he prepares his latest magnum opus MohenjoDaro. Period films are back in vogue and Jodha Akbar, the film credited with a renewed interest in history, is a modern classic. The Kutch region that serves as the backdrop for Mohenjodaro. Shot intensely over the last year, Hrithik’s rustic look raised the interest level as the ace team endeavours to bring the Indus civilisation to life on the big screen: a novelty for world cinema. Boasting of melodies from legendary A R Rahman, this romantic action adventure is at the forefront of the films to watch out for in 2016. Good luck to the team as they put the finishing touches on what we all hope will be the Summer blockbuster of the year .