Rakesh Roshan reveals why he is nervous about re-release of Hrithik's Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai: 'Even if the film achieves 1%...'

The re-release of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai on Hrithik Roshan's birthday marks the celebration of 25 years of his stardom.

Rakesh Roshan with Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel on the sets of Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai

Today, on the occasion of Hrithik Roshan's 51st birthday, 25 years after its initial release the film Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (KNPH) re-releases in theatres. This marked a watershed moment for the whole Roshan family, including Rakesh Roshan, who directed the film and Rajesh Roshan, who composed the music.

Rakesh Roshan reflects on approving Hrithik Roshan's debut

In an interview with Bombay Times, Rakesh answered questions about how he approved Hrithik's 2000 debut. The filmmaker-actor stated that he felt like he had made a huge mistake when he joined the film industry at the age of 21. Therefore, he thought that 24–25 was the perfect age for Hrithik to make his debut. Rakesh gave Hrithik the green light because of his acting skills, not because he was his son. The filmmaker noticed that Hrithik had grown as an actor after seeing him in Bhagwan Dada and other roles when he was a child artist. Some people warned him that the two characters in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai are not brothers, which made him nervous. Rakesh said that it is his duty as a director to persuade audiences, even if his films typically feature characters and plots that are difficult to believe.

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Bollywood heavyweights such as Anil Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan all had films scheduled for release concurrently with Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. When asked if this deterred him, Rakesh responded that he had already set January 14 as the release date a long time ago. The worry would remain with him forever, he thought, so he ignored everyone's advice and didn't change the date. Furthermore, this could suggest a lack of confidence in his film. Perhaps he would think twice about competing with Yash Chopra, Sooraj Barjatya, and Subhash Ghai if they were releasing films at the same time. Rakesh wasn't up against any major filmmaker, but there were releases starring major stars. He went ahead and did it because he had faith in his product and because the film's leading actors, Hrithik and Ameesha Patel, were both quite assured.

Hrithik Roshan's enduring stardom and dedication to his craft

When asked about how Hrithik's stardom remains as bright as ever, despite the ups and downs he's experienced, Rakesh said that it's his forthrightness. Shortcuts are never an option for him. Even when he tells his son the shot is good while they are filming together, he insists on doing another take. This time, he promises to do a better job. What makes him such a talented actor is that he gives it his all in every scene.

When Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai re-released in theatres in 2000, people asked Rakesh about his mental state at the time. He responded by expressing his extreme nervousness prior to the film's release. The filmmaker-actor called his friends to the editing room to show them the film, fearing that if it didn't go well, he wouldn't have other opportunities.  Fortunately, Subhash Ghai, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Sooraj Barjatya, and Karan Johar signed Hrithik before the film's release. Rakesh is feeling nervous once again as the film prepares for a re-release. This is an emotional moment for Hrithik and him. Even if the film achieves 1% of what it did back then, it's still a significant achievement.

Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai is also available to stream on ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium).

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