In what can only be described as a touching testament to mutual respect and admiration amongst seasoned Bollywood icons, Hrithik Roshan and Anil Kapoor created a poignant moment during a media interaction leading up to the release of their latest film, ‘Fighter’. For the first time, these industry stalwarts will be seen together on the silver screen, despite having crossed paths professionally in the past, notably when Anil worked in films directed by Hrithik’s father, Rakesh Roshan.
The camaraderie between Anil and Hrithik was evident as they engaged with the press. The interaction became particularly moving when they began to commend each other’s dedication and craft. Hrithik recounted an incident on the set of ‘Fighter’ that vividly displayed Anil’s passion for his work, revealing the depth of his commitment to performance and eliciting emotional reactions from the veteran actor.
Anil Kapoor, with his characteristic vigor and enthusiasm, openly wondered about Hrithik’s relentless drive and extraordinary work ethic. “Is he normal? How does he work so hard?” Anil mused, placing Hrithik in the same league as the phenomenal actors with whom he has worked throughout his illustrious career. Anil didn’t mince words as he expressed his admiration, underscoring that Hrithik embodies the true spirit of an actor who loves his craft so deeply that he intends to pursue it until his last breath. The longevity of such a career, Anil suggested, can be found in Hrithik Roshan’s approach to acting.
Anil also highlighted Hrithik’s generous spirit, pointing out his co-star’s approach to a particularly difficult role that required a level of honesty and vulnerability rarely seen. According to Anil, it was Hrithik’s caring, giving, and caring demeanor that contributed to a memorable performance, suggesting that audiences will be able to see the actor’s sincere commitment when ‘Fighter’ hits theaters.
As if mirroring the respect he received, Hrithik took a moment to reflect on Anil’s influence on his own career. He recounted that his early days on film sets, assisting his father, were spent observing Anil Kapoor and learning from him—not just the craft of acting but the dedication it required. These experiences, Hrithik revealed, had a profound impact on shaping his understanding of what it means to be an actor.
Describing a particular scene from ‘Fighter’, Hrithik shared how Anil had taken a differently emotional approach than what was scripted—and in doing so, elevated the film to another level. This commendation from Hrithik brought Anil to an emotional state, a testament to the love and labor he pours into each role, even after four decades in the industry. For Hrithik, witnessing Anil’s reaction was like taking a step back in time, returning to his days as an assistant, filled with awe and respect for the craft and its practitioners.
The interaction closed on an emotional note, with both Hrithik and the film’s director, Sidharth Anand, noting the tears in Anil’s eyes. It was a powerful moment that captured the essential truth of their profession: the bonds formed through creativity and mutual respect are as poignant and affecting as the stories they bring to life on screen.
As ‘Fighter’ prepares for its much-anticipated release, with a star-studded cast featuring not only Hrithik and Anil but also Deepika Padukone, the film industry and audiences alike eagerly await to see the chemistry and the magic that these actors have managed to conjure behind the scenes. If this heartfelt exchange is anything to go by, the film promises to deliver performances that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
