Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan is taking a trip down memory lane as his film ‘Lakshya’ is gearing up for a grand re-release in theatres. To mark the 20-year milestone of this emblematic film, Hrithik shared a heartfelt video reflecting on his transformative experience portraying the character of Karan Shergill. The makers of ‘Lakshya’ took to their official Instagram handle to share Hrithik’s nostalgia-filled reflections, captioning the post, “Here’s to Friends, Film making, Fun & in a blink it’s #20yearsOfLakshya. Back in theatres, 21st June onwards.”
The video features Hrithik recalling the essence of his character, Karan Shergill, and his remarkable collaboration with director Farhan Akhtar. Hrithik fondly remembers Farhan, describing him as a dear friend who evolved into an exceptional filmmaker. He candidly shares his amazement at Farhan’s creative prowess, saying, “I am here to talk about Lakshya. 20 years ago, this film that we had done. I was really young. I was hardly an actor. And Farhan was a friend, who has suddenly become this incredible mind. I saw his first film. I was like, ‘How has this person made this film? How? Where did he get the courage or the knowledge or the information?’”
Hrithik continues by emphasizing that the role of Karan Shergill resonated deeply with him. “And he had written this beautiful, beautiful script and more than the story, more than the big cause it was the character of Karan Shergill that was me,” he states, delving into his thoughts on what prompted Farhan to cast him for the role. “I don’t know what made Farhan cast me. Perhaps, the director’s mind could see through and understand a person’s countenance and know that this human has been through certain things that are going to make him the perfect cast for this film.”
Discussing his deep connection with Karan Shergill, Hrithik reveals, “I genuinely do feel at that particular point of time, I, definitely hands down, was the perfect human, not the actor, but the perfect human to be cast, in this film Lakshya. Because I have been through all those experiences in very, very similar ways. Karan Shergill was me. I did not need to do much. The naivety, the spontaneity, the anger, being on that cusp of maturity, learning the ways, being completely confused and dumbfounded as to what I am going to do in my life, not having any avenues that looked hopeful,” he says. “I went through that crossroad so greatly and so intensely in my life that it just came naturally to me.
. Karan Shergill was the joy to enact to perform and to be.”
Following the release of the video, the comment section was flooded with admiration from fans and industry colleagues alike. Director Farhan Akhtar himself joined the chorus of appreciation, commenting, “Hrithikkkk.. you embodied Karan Shergill .. all of him.. his flaws, his strength, his insecurities, his confidence, his ego and his vulnerability. You are right. You were him and he was you. Congratulations on 20. Big big hug.”
The storyline of ‘Lakshya’ follows the life of Karan Shergill, a young man without any concrete goals for his future. Guided by his girlfriend, journalist Romila Dutta, portrayed by Preity Zinta, Karan ultimately decides to join the Indian Army. This decision sets him on a path of discipline and focused determination, transforming him into an exemplary officer cadet. The film beautifully depicts Karan’s journey from a directionless youth to a respected army officer.
In addition to Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta, the film boasted a stellar cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, and the late Om Puri in pivotal roles. ‘Lakshya’ was directed by Farhan Akhtar and was initially released on June 18, 2004. The film, a significant piece of Indian and Hindi cinema, remains memorable for its storytelling, performances, and themes of self-discovery and patriotism.
As ‘Lakshya’ returns to the big screens, fans are set to relive the journey of a film that not only entertained but also inspired countless individuals. For Hrithik Roshan, the re-release serves as a poignant reminder of a role that mirrored a significant chapter of his own life, underscoring the deep connection between an actor and his craft.
