It’s my interpretation of Vijay: Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan is all set to showcase his acting caliber once again with “Agneepath”. Reprising the role of the iconic character of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, hugely popularized by Amitabh Bachchan back in the 90s, onscreen, the star is in for some major comparison. But the actor who feels,  his portrayal of Vijay is his own interpretation of the character, sees the obvious as a reason for little concern. “I cannot be compared to Amitabh Bachchan at all.  I’m not that good an actor.

It was also not an easy a task for me, but the ‘Vijay’ I played is my own understanding of the character and that’s what the audience will see.”

On remaking ‘Agneepath’

“I am against remakes. Why spoil the taste of the original by remaking it. Besides duplicating the same effect is not easy. It was the same thing I told Karan Johar, when he approached me for the role. I had even refused it initially.  But Karan kept on coaxing me to at least lend my ears to the narration. After listening to Karan Malhotra I had to agree.  The premise of the film is the same but the journey is different. So in that way, while it retains the flavor of the original, it’s far different from it.”

On playing Vijay

“I have no idea how would it turn out to be. But I promise after you enter the theatre you will find a different Vijay Dinanath Chauhan.

Amitabhji had approached his role differently, and I have done it my own z way. I do not have the style, the walk or the voice that Amitji possess, so I played in on my strength. And hopefully, the audience will see me as Vijay of this “Agneepath” and not the original. The character I play is very normal. And just like any other ordinary individual, I bare it all.”

 On the original ‘Agneepath’

“Yes, I’ve watched the original, not once but twice. It is an awesome film. No one can reprise the role of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan like Amitji, and trust me I haven’t either.”

Sanjay Dutt as the supervillian Kancha Cheena

“His role too is different from the original. While I play the grown up boy who is out to avenge, Kancha Cheena is a larger than life persona.  In this ‘Agneepath’, Vijay is nothing in front of Kancha.

His character is gigantic and intimidating. It was something like David Goliath standing in front of you, it looks impossible. And Sanju sir has played it likewise. His presence would be so scary that for a while I would forget that I am Vijay Dinanth Chauhan, the protagonist of the film.”

The most challenging scene

“That will be the climax of the film, where I had to fight Sanjay Dutt in my size and torn clothes, all bare bodied for twenty two days. It was the toughest scene.  There were times when Sanjay would get so involved with his character and look at me with such anger that I’d come out of mine. He had to remind me that I am Vijay Dinanath Chauhan.  He is so huge and rough in the fight scenes that it became tough for me to match him. I remember, all this while when Sanju sir was energetic, I would be the one calling for short breaks.”

Sanjay Dutt, the actor

“I call Sanjay Dutt, sir. When I reached Diu for the climax, I was very tired as I was shooting continuously for ‘Just Dance’ and didn’t have time to rest. I didn’t get time to train my body for the scene.

But Sanju sir had already put up a gym and he would wake me at 7AM and coax me to work out. He also had a cook to make him his diet food. I would be dead tired and couldn’t wake up but he would tell me, ‘If at fifty I can do it, why can’t you?’  That line was my energy booster.

He is so easy in his work that it doesn’t look like he is making an effort to do his role and that is amazing about him. He is into his character completely.  He was good in ‘Mission Kashmir’ but this role will take him places.  If there is any role after ‘Mogambo’ and ‘Gabber Singh’, that will be remembered, it’s that of this Kancha Cheena’s.”

On Priyanka Chopra

“Priyanka has worked very hard and though her character is not very big, she will be seen in a different light. Her character has more layers and it’s her best work tills date. It’s a sweet character and a short role but she is the one who actually makes you fall in love with Vijay Dinanath Chauhan.”

On Rishi Kapoor

“I’m astounded at his confidence level as well as the energy level.

He was falling, fighting and jumping yet he remained so very cool. 

I don’t think at his age I will be in any state to work. The level of confidence that he has I don’t think any actor has, maybe Shah Rukh Khan has a little but Chintu Unlce has a lot of panache in him.”

 On Katrina Kaif’s ‘Chikni Chameli’

“She has done a fantastic job.  She has danced exuberantly. I think after Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai, it is Katrina who qualifies for the league if dancing queens.  She has come from U.K and has made a place for herself and doing a dance number like Lavani, which is not easy.”

On his best work

“My character in “Guzaarish” has been applauded by the audiences. This character is my best work to date. Yes! The film has not done great at the box office, but I have got some good feedback for my performance.

One of my fans recently tweeted, ‘I wish I had seen the film earlier.It is a brilliant film and your performance is brilliant too.’”

On awards

“Any kind of appreciation matters to an actor. For me, if someone has applauded my work I will surely like it and look forward to it. Awards do matter merely because as actors we are being praised. I doubt anyone would not like to be appreciated.”

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