Rakesh Roshan Reveals Why Hrithik Was Cast In “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai”

March 18, 2025: Rakesh Roshan, the ace filmmaker behind the 2000 blockbuster Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, which introduced his son Hrithik Roshan to the world, shared his thoughts on the film’s creation. The director revealed that while Hrithik was his son, the decision to cast him was driven by the need for a fresh face in the romantic genre. Rakesh Roshan noted that had Hrithik not been his son, he would have cast another newcomer, as he wanted a fresh face for the role.

Rakesh discussed how he had made a variety of films in different genres but had never ventured into romance, which made Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai a unique challenge for him. The filmmaker mentioned that it was not about the pressure of launching his son but about exploring a new genre. He went on to highlight the effort and dedication that went into the film’s locations, calling it a dream project that involved traveling the world to find the perfect settings.

Despite the challenges, the film became a massive hit, marking Hrithik’s debut as an actor. Hrithik played a dual role, portraying the characters Rohit and Raj, in a tale full of love, loss, and revenge. The film also introduced actress Ameesha Patel and became a milestone in Indian cinema.

Rakesh Roshan also discussed working with Hrithik again in Koi… Mil Gaya (2003), a science fiction film where Hrithik portrayed an intellectually disabled character, marking yet another unique risk. The film’s success led to further sequels, including Krrish and Krrish 3, continuing the father-son collaboration.

Rakesh Roshan’s career has been celebrated with several accolades, including the recent Outstanding Achievement Award at IIFA 2025. The filmmaker, who made his debut with Khudgarz (1987), has worked with his son on several successful films, and his legacy was further explored in the docu-series The Roshans, which offers an intimate look into the family’s enduring influence in Indian cinema.

TAGS: Rakesh Roshan, Hrithik Roshan, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Koi… Mil Gaya, Bollywood, Father-Son Duo, Romance Films, Indian Cinema, Filmmaking Journey, IIFA 2025, The Roshans