'He is a perfectionist'
Khalid Mohamed
I've known Hrithik as a child and I've seen him grow. The role in Fiza was written with him in mind. I think he is very good-looking and expressive. His eyes speak a lot and I wanted to focus on that.
I don't think I needed to extract a performance from him. He gave everything I asked for and more to me in Fiza.
He is very much his own person. When he signed the film, there was no trace of Rakesh Roshan anywhere.
He has an in depth knowledge, intelligence and sensitivity. He is a perfectionist.
Would I sign him for another film of mine? I think he is too big for me.
Besides, I don't want to spoil what we shared. I'd rather keep the good memories that we have while making Fiza, the way they are.
I think he is somebody who is cut out for performance-oriented roles. His acting prowess is so phenomenal that he could even fit into Al Pacino-kind of roles. He's good actor material!
Working on the sets of films directed by his father as an assistant director has made Hrithik the unassuming star that he is. Being a producer and director's son, he has seen what a tough time stars can give producers and he'll never do that.
He will always be punctual and give everything of himself to the movie he is working on. He is very particular about continuity. Like for the riot scenes in Fiza, he kept checking whether he was streaked with blood on the left side or the right side. It's these little things that make all the difference.
He's a good actor. There are a lot of personalities hidden in him. He is like a chameleon. All these different sides come through in the characters that he plays. Only that I wouldn't want him to get stereotyped.
A lot of times when you are successful, it is easy to get caught in that trap.
Director-critic Khalid Mohamed spoke to Nidhi Taparia
