Hrithik Roshan Reflects on 20 Years of ‘Lakshya’

Actor Hrithik Roshan is feeling nostalgic as his film ‘Lakshya’ gears up for a re-release in theaters, marking its 20th anniversary. Roshan shared a heartfelt video, reminiscing about his transformative journey playing Karan Shergill, a character that closely mirrored his own life experiences.

The official Instagram handle of the film’s makers posted the video, captioned, “Here’s to Friends, Film making, Fun & in a blink it’s #20YearsOfLakshya. Back in theatres, 21st June onwards.” In the video, Hrithik reflects on the pivotal role and his collaboration with director Farhan Akhtar.

Hrithik shared, “I am here to talk about Lakshya. 20 years ago, this film that we had done. I was really young. I was hardly an actor. And Farhan was a friend, who has suddenly become this incredible mind. I saw his first film. I was like, ‘How has this person made this film? How? Where did he get the courage or the knowledge or the information?'” He continued, “He had written this beautiful, beautiful script and more than the story, more than the big cause it was the character of Karan Shergill that was me.”

Describing how naturally the role came to him, Hrithik said, “I genuinely do feel at that particular point of time, I, definitely hands down, was the perfect human, not the actor, but the perfect human to be cast, in this film Lakshya. Because I have been through all those experiences in very, very similar ways. Karan Shergill was me. I did not need to do much. The naivety, the spontaneity, the anger, being on that cusp of maturity, learning the ways, being completely confused and dumbfounded as to what I am going to do in my life, not having any avenues that looked hopeful. I went through that crossroad so greatly and so intensely in my life that it just came naturally to me. Karan Shergill was the joy to enact, to perform, and to be.”

Fans and industry members flooded the comment section with appreciation. Farhan Akhtar commented, “Hrithikkkk.. you embodied Karan Shergill .. all of him.. his flaws, his strength, his insecurities, his confidence, his ego and his vulnerability. You are right. You were him and he was you. Congratulations on 20. Big big hug.”

Celebrating the 20th anniversary, the film will return to cinema halls on June 21. Director Farhan Akhtar announced on Instagram, “A timeless tribute to courage and patriotism. Join us in theatres as we celebrate #20YearsOfLakshya, back in cinemas on 21st June.” Zoya Akhtar, the film’s executive producer, also shared her excitement, noting, “Working on this title was a life changing experience.”

‘Lakshya’, directed by Farhan Akhtar and produced by Excel Entertainment, stars Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, Preity Zinta, and the late Om Puri. The film, originally released on June 18, 2004, is an Indian romantic war drama about Karan Shergill (Hrithik), a directionless young man who, guided by his girlfriend Romila Dutta (Preity Zinta), joins the Indian Army and transforms into a disciplined and focused officer.