How Hrithik Roshan’s Childhood Stutter, Being Bullied Helped Him Play Koi…Mil Gaya’s Rohit

Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta’s Koi…Mil Gaya will complete 20 years of its release on August 8. To celebrate the milestone, the Rakesh Roshan film has been re-released across 30 cities. Now, Hrithik Roshan has opened up about his character, Rohit Mehra, who was born with a mental disability. Speaking to Film Companion, Hrithik said that he drew inspiration from his childhood trauma to understand and connect with Rohit. The actor added that he already had the “emotional intelligence” to play Rohit because of his personal experiences. Hrithik Roshan said, “I think I must say that I was also very lucky because I had lived a childhood that had instances where that I could take from. I experienced being bullied. I experienced having a stutter which was a handicap and was made fun of and people laughed. So I understood and I had information about that. I had emotional intelligence about that. So I could apply that.  I knew I had the heart of Rohit… so half the battle was won. Then came the craft.” 

Hrithik Roshan shared that the “traumatised” part of him never really grew up. “I think Rohit was just there with me. That part of me didn’t ever grow up. The traumatised part of me, I think, remained a child, remained that vulnerable. It is the part I go to when I have to be emotional,” he said. 

Koi…Mil Gaya also starred Preity Zinta, Rekha, Rajat Bedi, and Johnny Lever. The film will be running at theatres till August 10. At the time of announcing the re-release, trade analyst Taran Adarsh said, “Koi…Mil Gaya continues to be remembered 20 years later due to the entertainment quotient, lilting soundtrack, powerful storytelling, Hrithik Roshan’s splendid act and of course, Jaadoo.” A quick recap: Jaadoo – an adorable alien — was the name of Hrithik Roshan’s friend from outer space. 

The Rakesh Roshan directorial established the base for the widely popular Krrish series. All the films starred Hrithik Roshan in the lead. The last instalment, Krrish 3, was released in 2013. The film also featured Vivek Oberoi, Priyanka Chopra, and Kangana Ranaut. 

Hrithik Roshan will be next seen in Fighter opposite Deepika Padukone. The Siddharth Anand film will mark Hrithik and Deepika’s first collaboration. Anil Kapoor is also part of it.