“Independent films are so important and crucial to our industry”, says Hrithik Roshan in IMDb’s ‘On The Scene’ segment

Hrithik Roshan and his acting coach Vinod Rawat recently appeared on the IMDb exclusive segment ‘On The Scene’ to talk about the latter’s directorial debut Pushtaini. The movie revolves around a son discovering his father’s death a year later, emphasizing themes of familial bonds and personal growth. Shot in Uttarakhand during the COVID-19 lockdown, the movie features Rawat’s family members as non-professional actors.

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Roshan praised the film, saying, “When I saw the film, I loved it so much that I wanted to know whether I am right or wrong. For the first time, I thought, ‘am I being biased? Was I expecting nothing at all and that’s why I am shocked?’ Then when you received accolades at the MAMI screening and other festivals, I realized my instincts were correct.”

Reflecting on Rawant’s journey, Roshan said, “Looking at your journey has been inspirational to me. Because somewhere inside me I have also fantasized to be able to direct a film. And I know how difficult it is to take that leap. When I see the film, I see ease, I see confidence. There is no shot in the film where you are trying to project, trying to sell, trying to get your point across. The whole film is just being. It has a voice and such voices need to be heard, they need to be seen, which is why I am getting an opportunity and a chance to actually be a part of something I truly believe in as a student of cinema, that independent films are so important and crucial to our industry.”

He added, “I recently heard the wonderful news about Payal Kapadia’s film All We Imagine as Light winning the Grand Prix at Cannes. It’s delightful and makes you so proud and it adds to our cinema and where we are from.”

When Rawat asked Roshan why he’s still working on his craft with an acting coach after all these years, Roshan said, “Because I got bored with my own expressions, I got very tired. I knew which expression to give on which shot. After Mohenjo Daro I felt that, and I thought, ‘enough. I don’t want to do this anymore if I can’t grow in it’. But it has been an incredible journey for me, and it is very inspiring to know that there is always more to life. Looking at your journey I feel very inspired that anything can happen. Take that leap and see what happens.”

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