If the Bollywood calendar were to be divided in two time periods it probably wouldn't be inappropriate that the two halves were entitled 'BH' and 'AH' Before Hrithik and After Hrithik, that is. Yes, it's true that there have been stalwarts like Dilip Kumar. There still 'is' a phenomenon called Amitabh Bachchan. In recent times, it is the Khan brigade that has ruled the roost. But then, the millennium was marked by the arrival of a new star - Hrithik Roshan. With just his debut film, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, this scion of Raakesh Roshan rewrote the record books. Today the whole nation (nay, world) reverberates with cries of "Hrithik, Hrithik!" Like a senior film scribe aptly puts it, "This isn't hysteria, it's total madness."

Before Hrithik
Ever since the departure of the Big B, there hasn't been a superstar of all-round quality. The 90s witnessed the emergence of the Khan troika - Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh. A film starring any of them was considered a safe bet. Suddenly it looked like there were no other heroes except the Khans. This was reflected in a telling comment made by veteran filmmaker Prakash Mehra. "I have no access to the Khans. So what film do I make and whom do I cast?" It only served to highlight Bollywood's desperate over-dependence on the threesome.

Enter Hrithik
Just when no other alternative seemed forthcoming, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was released. What followed was simply unthinkable. Hrithik Roshan did in his debut film what no seasoned hero was able to do. He didn't just pull the carpet from under the Khans' feet; he perched himself upon the pedestal. The most impressive aspect about his success was that it was a bloodless coup. Hysteria followed. The whole nation was screaming, singing and swaying to the tune of this hazel-eyed boy wonder.

No Flash In The Pan
Most importantly, Hrithik followed up KNPH with Fiza and Mission Kashmir, both moderately successful films, proving to his bitterest critics that his debut success was no flash in the pan. Both films saw him essay negative roles, and supporting ones at that. It was a pointer that the young man had a very good head on his shoulders; that he was willing to experiment and take risks; that playing roles of substance meant more than cavorting around trees with new girls in tow.

How It All Happened
Born in a film family, Hrithik always knew he would be associated with films. The question was how? Shy and unassuming by nature, he hardly appeared "hero"-material and was therefore set to study film production abroad. As a matter of fact, he came very close to the point where he took his SAT's and filled in university forms. But he realised in the nick of time that it was escapist on his part to ignore the calling of a hidden but very strong desire. The acting bug had bitten. And bitten him hard.

Hrithik returned to India to assist his father during the making of Koyla. But despite being the son of his father he wasn't subjected to any sort of favoritism. Treated like any other set hand when he worked with his director father as third assistant on the sets, Hrithik ate, slept and led the exhausting life that a junior would lead when on an outdoor shoot. Travelling second class, sleeping in cheap motels, eating unit food, being cases in point. But in hindsight, Hrithik, by his own admission, believes the exercise made him tougher and more aware of the grimmer realities in show business.

So how did Hrithik get to be an actor? Apparently, Raakesh was working on a new subject and toying with the idea of casting Shah Rukh in the lead. However Hrithik felt that the role would suit a newcomer more and made no bones about it during a brainstorming session. Though his father said nothing about it right there and then, he called Hrithik to his room a few days later and told him to get ready to be launched as the hero in his new project. Hrithik was too stunned to react. He somehow managed to say, 'Yes!"

The next step was preparing to meet the challenge. So he took acting classes, diction classes, had an Urdu teacher come home to teach him... he also joined Anupam Kher's workshop. Not to forget, he hooked up with Salman Khan to help him with his workouts. What followed was a rigorous fitness regimen to cultivate a well-toned physique. Four months later, Hrithik began shooting. As it has turned out, KNPH, which was released last January, broke box-office records by heaps and leaps. And Hrithik had stirred up a star mania that engulfed everyone from nine to ninety. India had just said "hello" to its newest superstar.

Will Yaadein Make Memories?
Will Yaadein prove to be a winning horse for Hrithik? That's the question that everyone's asking. Hrithik's first film, post-marriage, has opened to full houses, even though it has been slammed by a section of the media. Fact is, the fate of the film will not affect him too much, as he has delivered a standout performance.

Yeh Dil Maange More!
Every leading filmmaker in showbiz - from Sooraj Barjatya to Yash Chopra to Karan Johar to Mukesh Bhatt to David Dhawan has got Hrithik to sign on the dotted line. He has two or three films lined for release this year and another half dozen or so in 2002 (refer Filmography). According to sources close to the superstar, he is flooded with about 60 offers every day - though Hrithik has openly stated that he will be doing only two to three films a year henceforth. It's a surefire sign that the best of Hrithik is still yet to come.

So How Popular Is Hrithik?
What kind of barometer does one use to gauge the popularity of someone like Hrithik Roshan? Simple, just ask the common people. "Ek baar Hrithik se mila do, jeevan safal ho jaayega," begs a 60-year-old. "I would like to meet Hrithik," requests a middle-aged housewife, rather shyly. "I am embarrassed," she admits, "but, after Amitabh Bachchan, this is the only time I have felt like meeting a star." The teenagers, needless to say, yell out loud and clear that they are willing to do anything to meet him. His craze has spread far and wide, crossed national borders and spread to every nook and corner of the world. No wonder Coke snagged Hrithik for a staggering sum of three crores!

The Last Word
Truly, it's hard to chronicle the numerous achievements of a young man, that too in such a short span of time. A man whose popularity in India is probably second only to Sachin Tendulkar. Today in addition to Hrithik movies, we've got hundreds of Hrithik websites (amazing isn't it?), Hrithik commercials, Hrithik concerts...the list is endless And to think we hadn't even heard of this guy at the beginning of Y2K.

By Ivor Vaz