Coming clean: Hrithik enjoying life as non-smoker

‘Mohenjo Daro’ actor says cigarettes are worst evil ever manufactured

NEW DELHI: Numerous Bollywood actors are known for being chain smokers but Hrithik Roshan is not one of them. Having quit the habit long ago, he is enjoying life as a non-smoker.

In fact, he claims that cigarettes are the worst evil ever manufactured and that he could be a role model for those who are looking to quit.

“I am a true believer in the fact that they [cigarettes] are the worst evil manufactured and sold in this world. They should not exist! As far as anti-smoking disclaimers [in movies] are concerned, I don’t know if that is the right way,” Hrithik said, during the promotion of his latest film Mohenjo Daro.

“This needs a role model who’ll speak on the joys of not smoking. Perhaps, someone like me? I would love to become an inspiration for those who struggle with giving up smoking. That will go a longer way in changing people’s perspectives and making them believe that smoking is not good.”

Set in the ancient centre of the Indus Valley civilisation, Hrithik’s new film brings an epic adventure-romance story to the silver screen. And while period dramas are typically scrutinised a little extra, Hrithik was very keen on the Ashutosh Gowariker project. “Had it been any other film-maker, there would have been concerns. But with Ashutosh, you are assured. I know his penchant for facts and he loves to do research,” said the actor. “There is so much time he spends on making sure he has all the information before he begins projecting something that is based on history. Knowing that he was helming it, I had complete faith,” said Hrithik, who worked with the director on Jodhaa Akbar previously.

Hrithik also had good words for his co-star Pooja Hegde, who has featured in Tamil films such as Mukunda and Mugamood. “I got excited when I saw Pooja’s screen test. That’s when I was really happy that we have a face that can depict the emotions that Chaani [the female protagonist] needs to portray,” he shared. “I was very happy that we found a face that had not yet been established. So, it would be refreshing and would add so much more to the film.”

When asked if he would also like to try his hands at south Indian films the way Pooja did, Hrithik seemed unsure.

“Maybe … I don’t know. I really appreciate the way they make films. There is a lot to learn from their patterns and I admire their work,” he said. And what about making films the way his father Rakesh Roshan does? “No,” responded the star, who has given hits like Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai and Krrish. “I get scared after seeing him work.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2016.

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