As Pashmina Roshan gears up for her grand entry into Bollywood with “Ishq Vishk Rebound,” she faces a unique set of challenges. The daughter of acclaimed composer Rajesh Roshan and cousin to the iconic Hrithik Roshan, Pashmina steps into an industry that still remembers Hrithik’s trailblazing debut in “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai” (2000). This level of familial expectation could be overwhelming for any newcomer, yet Pashmina remains undeterred, driven by an ambition to carve out her own identity while honoring her family’s illustrious legacy.
“No debutant is expected to be perfect,” she candidly admits, fully aware of the high bar set by Hrithik’s overnight stardom. “I don’t think you can come close to Hrithik Roshan’s debut. I come from a family of great artistes. The audience cherishes everything my father, my uncle [Rakesh Roshan], and my cousin have done. I sometimes hear my father’s songs and wonder if I can ever match up to his art. I don’t see it as pressure as much as a dream to work towards,” she reveals.
Pashmina’s approach to her career is a thoughtful blend of her personal aspirations and the weighty legacy she carries. She wishes to infuse her own colors into the rich tapestry of her family’s contributions to Indian cinema. “Hrithik stands for his own values while carrying forward the family legacy. I hope I’m able to do the same. I want to create work that I am proud of. I am nervous. It’s nervousness filled with happiness though,” she says, encapsulating the blend of excitement and anxiety that accompanies her debut.
“Ishq Vishk Rebound” not only introduces Pashmina but also marks the debut of another fresh face, Jibraan Khan. The movie also features Rohit Saraf and Naila Grewal, promising a mix of rising actors ready to make their mark.
. In an industry rife with discussions of nepotism, Pashmina’s journey so far comes with its own narrative twists.
Producer Ramesh Taurani, for instance, mentioned that he realized Pashmina hailed from the illustrious Roshan family only when the legalities of her contract came into the picture. In an earlier conversation with mid-day, Taurani clarified, “Hrithik or Rajesh never asked me to consider her.” This disclosure brought a refreshing angle to the usual narrative of star kids having doors opened for them due to familial connections.
Addressing the speculation regarding family involvement in her career, Pashmina shares, “They are all so busy doing their own work. My family is of course invested, but you don’t sit and tell them of every audition you do, or every person you meet.” Emphasizing her determination to carve out her path, she adds, “This is one of the many auditions that I gave. Also, you don’t enter a room or meeting and say, ‘Hi, I’m Pashmina Roshan, I am Rajesh Roshan’s daughter.’ I’m not known in the movie circle. I know there is a lot of privilege, but it is like a ladder, ultimately, a person has to climb by themselves.”
Despite growing up in a household where cinema was a constant companion, Pashmina understands the importance of paving her way in an industry where pedigree can get you noticed, but talent sustains you. The landscape has changed since Hrithik’s debut, where digital platforms and social media add layers of complexity to an actor’s career. Yet, her grounded approach speaks volumes of her preparation and mental make-up.
Nepotism, a contentious topic in Bollywood, isn’t something Pashmina waves off lightly. However, she appears ready to face the critics and the public alike, with her unfiltered honesty and grounded approach. The fact that she aims to set her own standards while appreciating the legacy of her father, uncle, and cousin reveals a maturity beyond her years.
In a world where comparisons are inevitable, especially with an immensely successful cousin like Hrithik, Pashmina’s acknowledgment of these comparisons as a motivational force rather than a deterrent is commendable.
As we eagerly await her debut in “Ishq Vishk Rebound,” the industry watches, curious to see how Pashmina Roshan will navigate her journey. What remains clear is her resolve to honor the Roshan name while building her unique brand of artistry. She stands on the shoulders of giants, but aims to rise higher with each step she takes in the glittering but often unforgiving world of Bollywood.
In a cinematic event marked by legacy and new beginnings, Pashmina Roshan is poised to make her very own mark, much like her celebrated forebears but with dreams and aspirations authentically her own.
