Hrithik Roshan on Salman Khan: ‘He believed I’d be a phenomenon’

In a heartfelt throwback interview on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, Hrithik Roshan opened up about the pivotal role Salman Khan played in shaping his early career, particularly during the making of his debut film, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. Hrithik, then a newcomer navigating the challenges of Bollywood, fondly recalled Salman’s mentorship and moral support during a crucial phase of his life.

Reflecting on those formative days, Hrithik shared: "Things got decided that I was going to be in Dad's next film. There was no time, and I was skinny as hell. I was half of this, so you can imagine." Faced with limited time to prepare for his debut, Hrithik reached out to Salman Khan, whom he admired as the best in the business. "I called him up just out of the blue. I had to remind him who I was... he just took me in," Hrithik recounted.

Salman is the OG godfather of Bollywood! This video is prooff????#SalmanKhan pic.twitter.com/Ma9iLEpqlt

— Salman Khan Universe Fan Club (@salmanuniv) January 4, 2025

Salman didn’t just guide Hrithik physically through rigorous training but also provided invaluable emotional support. Hrithik highlighted, "Along with training me, the moral support that he gave me was incredible. He was one of the few people who really believed that I would be a phenomenon."
Dispelling any notions of rivalry or insecurity, Hrithik expressed deep gratitude for Salman’s selflessness. "When he's around me, you know, he's always pushing me. He's like a brother," he said, emphasizing Salman’s consistent encouragement.

On the professional front, Salman Khan is set to star in the highly anticipated Sikandar, slated for an Eid 2025 release. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by A.R. Murugadoss, the film also features Rashmika Mandanna in a leading role and promises an action-packed cinematic spectacle infused with drama and emotion.

Salman's enduring legacy as both a mentor and a superstar continues to shine, exemplifying the profound impact he has had on Hrithik Roshan's journey and countless others in the industry.

Also Read: Beardo & Hrithik redefine evolution with bold 'Bearded Boss' campaign