September 6th marks a special day for a true architect of cinema, Rakesh Roshan. He turns 74 this year, a milestone that highlights his incredible journey. While many remember him for his on-screen roles, his real magic happened behind the camera. He crafted stories and careers, leaving a unique mark on the film industry.
Roshan’s family roots were deeply musical. His father, Roshan, was a celebrated composer, known for timeless melodies. Growing up around film sets, it was natural for young Rakesh to be drawn to movies. He started his career learning the ropes, assisting the famous filmmaker Mohan Kumar. In 1970, he stepped into the limelight as an actor with the film ‘Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani’.
A Storied Acting Career, Then a Shift
For over a decade, Rakesh Roshan graced the screen in more than 80 films. He played a variety of roles. These included friends, brothers, and strong supporting characters. Though he didn’t become a leading man, his acting was noticed. Movies like ‘Khatta Meetha’, ‘Teesri Aankh’, ‘Khel Khel Mein’, and ‘Kubooliyat’ showcased his talent.
His destiny truly changed in 1987. He decided to try his hand at directing. His first film, ‘Khudgarz’, was a massive success. It starred big names like Jeetendra, Shatrughan Sinha, and Govinda. This hit proved he was here to stay in the director’s chair.
The “K” Factor: A Quirky Recipe for Success
Rakesh Roshan became famous for a unique habit. Many of his successful directorial ventures began with the letter ‘K’. This became his signature. Take ‘Khoon Bhari Maang’ from 1988, for example. Centered around Rekha, this film was a massive hit. He followed up with family comedies like ‘Kishan Kanhaiya’, ‘Khel’, and ‘King Uncle’. These films solidified his unique identity with audiences.
His streak of hits continued strong. ‘Karan Arjun’ in 1995 brought together superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. The film revived the reincarnation theme on the big screen. Its music, dialogues, and action became instant classics. Then came ‘Koyla’ in 1997, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. Though it received mixed reviews, the audience appreciated Shah Rukh’s silent role and the film’s grand visuals.
Launching a Superstar: Hrithik Roshan’s Debut
The year 2000 marked a turning point, both for Rakesh Roshan and his son, Hrithik. Rakesh launched Hrithik with ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’. The film was an instant sensation. Hrithik became an overnight star, sweeping up a record 92 awards. This debut is still considered one of the most successful in film history.
Launching Hrithik was perhaps the most crucial decision of Rakesh Roshan’s career. He didn’t just give his son a debut. He built his son into a superstar with that one film. Rakesh continued to innovate. In 2003, he ventured into science fiction with ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, an alien-themed film unique to Hindi cinema.
This led to the iconic ‘Krrish’ franchise, starting in 2006. ‘Krrish’ and ‘Krrish 3’ (2013) gave the Indian screen its very first superhero. Audiences adored Hrithik’s performances, the visual effects, and the storytelling. Fans are still eagerly waiting for ‘Krrish 4’.
Behind the Scenes: Producer and Storyteller
Rakesh Roshan also founded his production house, FilmKraft, in 1980. Early films like ‘Aap Ke Deewane’, ‘Kaamchor’, and ‘Subhkamna’ didn’t achieve much success. But once he stepped into directing, FilmKraft began to shine. His films often centered on family and strong emotions. Whether it was the woman-led narrative of ‘Khoon Bhari Maang’ or the melodrama of ‘Karan Arjun’, he always aimed to offer something fresh.
Battling Adversity and Remaining Fit
Rakesh Roshan faced serious challenges too. In January 2000, he survived an underworld attack, shot twice. This incident, reportedly linked to overseas profits from ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’, shook him. Yet, his passion for filmmaking never wavered.
His family is deeply embedded in the film industry. His wife, Pinky Roshan, is the daughter of famed director J. Om Prakash. They have two children: daughter Sunaina Roshan and son Hrithik Roshan. His brother, Rajesh Roshan, is a celebrated music composer. He has crafted the scores for almost all of Rakesh’s films. In 2019, Rakesh fought and overcame throat cancer. Today, he remains active, working on new scripts and films. He is also known for his impressive fitness, maintaining a healthy lifestyle even at his age.
A Legacy of Awards and Inspiration
Rakesh Roshan’s contributions have earned him much recognition. He has won multiple National and Filmfare Awards. Films like ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’ and ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ garnered him accolades for Best Director and Best Film. The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) honored him in 2006 for his significant impact on cinema. His journey, marked by creativity, resilience, and a knack for spotting talent, continues to inspire.
A Quick Look at Rakesh Roshan’s Journey:
- He’s known for making hit films starring his son, Hrithik.
- His younger brother, Rajesh Roshan, usually composes the music for his films.
- Many of his directed films famously start with the letter ‘K’.
- He has directed several films with stars like Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, and Shah Rukh Khan.
- Even at his age, Rakesh Roshan remains remarkably fit.