Anup Soni Recalls Hrithik Roshan’s Transformation During the Shoot of Fiza
Hrithik Roshan Went from Doing Makeup on a Car Bonnet to Stardom After Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai
In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, actor Anup Soni shared nostalgic memories of working with Hrithik Roshan on the 2000 film Fiza, directed by Khalid Mohammed. Soni revealed that Hrithik’s journey to stardom unfolded during the production of the film, which starred Jaya Bachchan, Karisma Kapoor, and Hrithik in lead roles, alongside notable performances by Manoj Bajpayee, Shabana Raza, and Sushmita Sen.
Soni recounted how the first half of Fiza was shot before the release of Hrithik’s debut film, Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai, which became a blockbuster in 2000 and catapulted him to overnight fame. “Hrithik shot the first half of Fiza before the release of Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai, and the second half after it became a blockbuster,” Soni explained.
“The difference in how he was treated on set was remarkable. Earlier, both of us would get our makeup done sitting on the bonnet of a car. After Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai was released, he got his own vanity van and was treated like a star.” Despite the upgraded setup, Soni noted that Hrithik always had his personal makeup artist, but the newfound stardom brought a full-fledged support system.
Reflecting on his own experience, Soni shared how he was cast in Fiza after impressing director Khalid Mohammed with his debut performance in Godmother. Though initially hesitant, Soni was persuaded to join the project. He also recalled a peculiar incident where Mohammed asked him to dub for another character in the film. “I was shocked,” Soni said. “I told him, ‘How can I dub for someone else when I already have a role in the movie?’” After negotiations, Soni agreed to dub his own lines first, ensuring his character’s voice remained his own, a decision Mohammed ultimately accepted.
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Fiza, a poignant drama exploring themes of family and identity, marked a significant milestone in the careers of its cast and remains a notable entry in Bollywood’s early 2000s cinema. Soni’s anecdotes highlight the humility and transformation of Hrithik Roshan during his meteoric rise, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a film that captured hearts and showcased emerging talent.
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