‘People Are Making Films for 5-Star Ratings’: Rakesh Roshan

Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan talks about 'The Roshans'.

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

Following the release of the docuseries The Roshans, chronicling the Roshan family’s life and career, filmmaker-producer Rakesh Roshan talked to The Quint about the show, his decision to become a filmmaker, Hrithik Roshan as an actor, and more.

Speaking about whether his own life inspired the underdog stories in his films Rakesh Roshan, who has directed films like Khudgarz, Khoon Bhari Maang,  and Karan Arjun,  said, “When I started my career I was going through a lean period and then slowly I made it; I became more successful. I watch a lot of films, right from when I was 10, and I learned that a common man can relate to you if you show a common man’s story.”

Roshan first made his acting debut in the 1970 film Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani and went on to star in films like Aankh Micholi, Khubsoorat,  Aankhon Aankhon Mein, and Aakhir Kyon?  In the 1980s, Roshan set up a production company before making his directorial debut with Khudgarz.

“When I was an actor, I wouldn’t leave the set after my shot was done. I would sit on the set and watch the director to see what he’s doing. Somewhere in me, I knew I wanted to become a filmmaker,” Roshan recalled.

“I wanted to be like Raj Kapoor. When I became a producer and I would sit for scripting, the scenes wouldn’t come out the way I imagined. I thought my imagination was better than what the director has given to the sequence or the film. That made me want to become a director and then I made 'Khudgarz'.”

Rakesh Roshan, Filmmaker

Roshan went on to talk about his son, actor Hrithik Roshan’s potential as an actor, “Hrithik has taken challenges and taken up different kind of roles, including breaking his image and doing a film like ‘Super 30’. I am very proud of him. I am very sure of his capabilities. He can do much more if some directors come to him with a good script; he can do wonders. He did ‘Guzaarish’ very well; he did ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ so well.”

Rakesh Roshan talked about dealing with his father’s demise, his own proudest moment as a father, the shift in the kind of films being made in the industry, and much more.

Watch the full video for more.