‘Kites’ is extra-special to Hrithik Roshan the actor says its two-year of immense hard work. Coming to terms with his knee surgery, living fearlessly, clarifying the rumours about Barbara Mori, his film, family and his life Hrithik opens up on all this and much more …

How did Barabara Mori come on board for this film?
We were looking for a face that was appropriate for the film -- one that signified the dignity and essence of the character. We went through a lot of actors and models from all over the world. I was in Singapore treating my knee when my dad called me and said that there was a girl, Barbara Mori from Mexico. I said, "Okay. One more face." When I saw her and when I heard her speak in TV serials, I immediately called my dad and said, "Just sign her, because she is perfect for the film." The rest is history.

Rumours about Barbara Mori and you refuse to die down…
You said it… they are rumours… I’m not even going to waste my breath on stuff like that. I don’t want to dignify the section of the media that has gone on and on writing about this. When they started writing about this, I was on the verge of getting into Guzaarish where I had to cut off from the world. I used this as an impetus. Because I’ve lived with paraplegics and I’ve seen the world through their eyes, it’s made a huge impact on me. You realise that all this doesn’t matter. It’s just a blink in the history of my life. It’s something that doesn’t matter. I used those rumours to cut off from the world. I wanted them to write more bad stuff about me because that would help me go deeper into my hole. But those were the happiest days of my life. Because I was doing something I believed in. I had no reason to fear. Neither did Sussanne. There were talks that she walked out of the house I walked out of my father’s house. There’s no end to it. It’s ridiculous. Barbara is here once again. And it’s going to start once again.

Weren’t you promoting her big time to your directors like Zoya Akhtar.
I did tell Zoya about Barbara. She was looking for a Spanish girl and the only one I know is Barbara. Isn’t it obvious I’d mention her?

You seem to be more involved with Kites?
It has always been the same; right from the day I was assisting my father as an assistant director. In every single aspect, I had my stupid foolish suggestions. Suddenly he started incorporating those suggests, and that's how I got my confidence.

You do very few films. By doing fewer films, don't you feel you are depriving your fans?
As a creative person, I think everybody has to have his own space. If I had my way, I would have done 10 films in a year, if I could. That is my mission, but I can't, because I take time to make a film. Hopefully, I will continue getting better and faster at my art and craft. This year, I will have two films -- Kites and Guzaarish. That should take my average up.

There is a general feeling that after Big B, SRK became the next superstar and that you could have been the one to take over from him. But somewhere, in your creativity, did you lose out on that?
I don't think about that. I am an actor and I believe in doing good films. I don't compare with anyone and I don't think anyone should compare with me. The numbers game is entertaining as far as media speculation is concerned but apart from that no creative person should waste his time in the numbers game or the money game.

Do you regret not doing 3 Idiots? Why didn’t you do the film?
It’s the biggest hit in the history of Indian cinema. Why should I regret it? I didn’t do the film because as I told Raju, in my head I didn’t see myself as the best actor to play that part.

It could have been your movie, no?
But then it might not have been such a big hit. Whatever happened with 3 Idiots happened absolutely correctly and that’s what made it such a big hit. I’m glad I played my part in nudging it in the right direction.

There is also talk that you don’t see eye-to-eye with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the director of Guzaarish.
When you’re working on something together, there’s always going to be a point when you see things differently. You have to question the creation. It’s teamwork and without discussions and arguments there’s no way you can make anything out of teamwork. I don’t understand why I’m asked these questions. There’s nothing personal. I don’t allow anything to get personal. My director can tell me that I’m the worst actor in the world and it will only motivate me. Criticism is your only access point to growth. And people just let it affect their ego and they get hurt.

Will you go to Hollywood post-Kites?
I don't see a difference between Hollywood and Bollywood. I am an actor and I want to make good films -- whether they are English or Indian is no major concern of mine. If I can be a part of something that is magical and excites me, I will be a part of it.

Any dreams unfulfilled?
There are always dreams to be fulfilled. I have been here for the past 10 years, but still I find my glass empty. It is all about the journey and there are dreams, which I have not dreamt yet and will want to accomplish later on.

Do you think actors married status effect their stardom?
When u see SRK falling in love with Kajol in DDLJ you don’t think about his marriage with Gauri do you? So how does it matter if the actor is married or not? It doesn’t make a difference because it’s always a film that works never an actor. Come on, actors do get married. Aren’t all the leading actors of Hollywood married? I mean hello they get married every three months. Does it matter?

How do you handle stardom?
I am not comfortable with my stardom, but I am not complaining either. Stardom is something I am learning to live with .I have never really understood this theory of stardom getting better of you.

How was the experience of working with Barbara?
I've never worked with such a spontaneous actor in my life; there was a lot to learn.

Finally what has been the reaction of your wife Sussanne Roshan towards your singing?
In this regard, I think she is obviously and completely biased. She feels I am the best singer in the world. She compares me with Elvis Presley. But I don't believe in that. I just feel it's all her love that comes out for me.