25 years of Hrithik Roshan: A look back at the star’s most iconic films since ‘Kaho Na… Pyaar Hai’-OxBig News Network

25 years of Hrithik Roshan

In the early days of 2000, as India teetered on the brink of a new millennium, a 27-year-old Hrithik Roshan leapt onto the silver screen for the very first time with his debut, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. Though the music and the exotic locale helped; Hrithik was a revelation of chiseled looks, addictive dance moves, and a vulnerability that made hearts skip, in himself.

Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai was a cultural phenomenon. Its hero Rohit, a struggling singer who is tragically killed, was as much a metaphor for India’s burgeoning hopes as Raj, his suave NRI double, was for its newfound global confidence. With liberalisation at its peak, Bollywood was speaking to a diaspora audience like never before, and Hrithik became its poster boy. His charisma transcended borders, with Ek Pal Ka Jeena and immortalised at college fests and wedding sangeets alike.

Over the next two decades, Roshan would evolve into a shape-shifter of sorts, meandering between thieves, emperors and superheros with ease. From the poignancy of Fiza and Lakshya, to the groundbreaking sci-fi of Koi… Mil Gaya and Krrish, he pushed Bollywood’s boundaries. Twenty-five years on, Hrithik remains a singular force in Indian cinema. Here’s a look back at some essentials from his filmography:

Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000)

A still from ‘Kaho Na… Pyaar Hai’

A love story with a twist of murder and mistaken identity, this cinematic debut not only gave Bollywood its Greek God but also redefined the idea of a heartthrob, as Hrithik’s impeccable moves to “Ek Pal Ka Jeena” and dual roles sparked mass hysteria among millennials.

Fiza (2000)

A still from ‘Fiza’

A sombre narrative of a family torn apart by terrorism, the film marked Hrithik’s first step into something more complex and emotionally charged, as he balanced rage, guilt, and vulnerability in a way that felt authentic and relatable.

Mission Kashmir (2000)

A still from ‘Mission Kashmir’

Against the picturesque yet conflicted backdrop of the Kashmir Valley, Hrithik portrayed a young man grappling with love and vengeance, delivering a performance of smoldering intensity.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… (2001)

A still from ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…’

A family drama soaked in sentimentality, this cultural touchstone saw Hrithik’s Rohan emerge as the golden child of reconciliation, with enough charm to outshine even Big B’s baritone.

Koi… Mil Gaya (2003)

A still from’Koi… Mil Gaya’

A genre-bending triumph that made Bollywood audiences believe in aliens, Hrithik’s portrayal of the innocent and wide-eyed Rohit Mehra became a cornerstone of his career.

Lakshya (2004)

A still from ‘Lakshya’

A deeply personal story set against the larger canvas of a military operation, Hrithil captured the journey of an aimless young man who finds his purpose, delivering one of the most grounded performances of his career.

Krrish (2006)

A still from ‘Krrish’

With the superhero blockbuster, Hrithik turned a genre previously untouched by Bollywood into a cultural phenomenon, donning the cape of a savior while infusing the character with unwavering optimism.

Dhoom 2 (2006)

A still from ‘Dhoom 2’

As a master of disguise and the epitome of cool, Hrithik’s role as the globe-trotting thief Aryan set new standards, making crime look far too elegant for its own good.

Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

A still from ‘Jodhaa Akbar’

An opulent historical romance brought to life by Hrithik’s regality, as he embodied Emperor Akbar with gravitas and vulnerability that made this 16th-century love story feel timeless.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

A still from ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’

A breezy meditation on life and friendship, Hrithik’s portrayal of Arjun, the overworked investment banker learning to savour the present, resonated deeply with younger audiences, turning the film into a modern manifesto for living fully.