At 51, superstar Hrithik Roshan embarks on a new journey by making his directorial debut with Krrish 4. This film emerges from the combined vision of Hrithik and his father, Rakesh Roshan, a celebrated actor-turned-director. The Krrish franchise, which began with Koi…Mil Gaya 22 years ago followed by Krrish and Krrish 3, continues to captivate audiences, and Hrithik Roshan believes he is poised to propel the series forward with fresh creativity.
Rakesh Roshan, who himself found a new ‘direction’ in filmmaking after a modest journey as an actor, shares his son’s enthusiasm. He describes Hrithik as having been creatively involved from the start, understanding what appeals to both current and future generations. Rakesh’s transformation from actor to director began with his first film, Khudgarz, at 38. In contrast, Hrithik, with 45 years of screen experience, started as a child artiste at six and became a leading actor at 26. Now, as he takes the helm of Krrish 4, he joins a list of stars who have successfully transitioned into directors.
Taran Adarsh, a noted trade analyst, emphasizes that stars turning directors is a natural progression; they often have extensive experience and insights from working closely with their directors. “Stars can turn directors anytime! They’ve observed everything while working and assist in direction,” he notes. Komal Nahta, another industry analyst, is optimistic: “Hrithik is likely to direct a blockbuster. He has everything going for him!”
Other stars like Sunny Deol and Ajay Devgn have also ventured into directing, with Ajay garnering praise for projects like Shivaay and Runway. The motivations for such a shift vary widely. For some, like Shashi Kapoor and Sunil Dutt, directing came from circumstantial needs or a desire to experiment with new narrative forms. Shashi Kapoor took on Ajooba when Raj Kapoor faced health issues, and Sunil Dutt directed Yaadein as a one-actor film before stepping into Reshma Aur Shera after a fallout with its initial director.
The Kapoor family has a storied history of directing. Raj Kapoor turned to filmmaking out of a passion for storytelling, a legacy carried on by his sons Randhir, Rishi, and Rajiv. Randhir found success with Henna, continuing a line of directorial prowess within the family. Meanwhile, Aamir Khan’s directorial feat with Taare Zameen Par was a spontaneous decision when his vision diverged from the original director’s.
Female actors have also stepped behind the camera, albeit with more challenges in achieving success. Simi Garewal and Revathy are among those who ventured into directing, yet the gender ratio remains lopsided, according to analysts like Nahta and Adarsh. Despite these challenges, the recent years have seen a slow but encouraging rise in female directors.
Film industry veterans like Dev Anand and Manoj Kumar transitioned to direction at different points in their careers, driven by creative urges and personal circumstances. Dev Anand’s directorial successes were more sporadic, whereas Manoj Kumar captured audiences with timeless films like Upkar and Kranti, earning him the moniker of a director with the ‘Midas touch.’ Similarly, Amol Palekar and Nana Patekar also successfully bridged their acting experiences into the directorial realm.
The stories behind these transitions reveal a myriad of motivations and outcomes. Kishore Kumar directed his passion project Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein after years in the industry. Feroz Khan infused his films with a unique Western sheen, while Sanjay Khan found success both in films and television, showcasing versatility across mediums.
The narrative of actors turning directors is rich and varied. Indeed, Hrithik Roshan’s leap into direction with Krrish 4 unapologetically adds to this lineage, promising to carry forward the blend of innovation and tradition his fans have come to love.
As the excitement builds around Krrish 4, the significance of Hrithik Roshan’s directorial debut cannot be understated. By assuming the director’s seat, he not only fulfills a personal creative journey but also enriches the cinematic universe he and his father crafted together. This endeavor is reflective of broader trends within Bollywood, where stories of actors transforming into directors continue to unfold, challenging norms and defining new pathways.
