Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, starring Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol in the lead, is observing its 10 year anniversary today. On this special occasion, Hrithik Roshan opened up about doing the film and how it impacted his mindset towards films and acting in general. In the film Hrithik is seen essaying the role of Arjun, who along with his 2 friends Kabir and Imran, jets off for a Spain holiday. How the trip changes their lives is the story of the film.
Talking about his decision to do a multi star film Hrithik revealed how many of his father’s friends thought that doing ZNMD was a ‘big mistake’. The actor shared that back in the day, it was important to keep up with the ‘star status’ and that in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, he was playing one of the three friends.
However Hrithik was of a belief that because the film was the opposite of what was the general rule back then it would empower him.’ Hrithik said, “It kind of empowered me because it’s a story that I believed in, and I thought, ‘to hell with the status’, which is merely something that people give you. The work that you do is something that comes out of your own desire.”
He further added that ZNMD made him realise that not being ‘confined’ to his position in a film and ‘letting go’ was a beautiful feeling. “I think that seed grew into me wanting to do other such films when other actors were hesitant. I love doing two-hero, three-hero, four-hero films… the more, the merrier. I think the place where I come from makes other actors feel very secure because I’m not trying to grab more footage or impose. From my perspective, movies are bigger than stars,” he added.
Quoting the example of his role in Zoya Akhtar starrer Luck By Chance where he played a small part he said that he enjoyed playing that role, he said, “He wasn’t even a hero, he was such a grey character but look at the feedback, the reactions that it got. I thoroughly enjoyed doing that, because it was so human and real.”
Hrithik further expressed his wish of doing another film like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara with an ensemble cast. Hrithik also revealed that he was originally offered Kabir character, which eventually went to Abhay Deol. However, he was given the freedom by Zoya to judge what inspires him the most and he picked Arjun. The film which holds a special place in many bollywood fans was released in 2011. Fans are celebrating the milestone by reliving the moments on social media.