January 14 marked the 22nd anniversary of Kaho Na Pyaar Hai (2000), the film which launched Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel in Bollywood. Directed by Rakesh Roshan, the film turned out to be an earth-shattering success at the box office and scooped every possible award.
But there is also a shocking story behind Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, one involving the mafia and an attempt to kill Rakesh Roshan.
In a past interview with American-British comedian Ruby Wax, Hrithik Roshan revealed the shocking story of the mafia’s involvement in Bollywood and how dangerous it can be. He said, “My father was in a lot of debt because we had borrowed a lot of money to make the film. The film struck big time. It was the biggest hit in the past five-six years. The one that made me a star.”
Junior Roshan added, “This happened just in the first week (of Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai’s release). They knew my father had hit big time, he was successful, and money was going to come in. So, they wanted money, and we did not pay. They shot him. Point blank. That’s what made me believe that there was no point in living in fear. If you are destined to die with that bullet, you will. If you’re not, you won’t. So, it is okay.”
Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan is presently busy filming his next Vikram Vedha, co-starring Saif Ali Khan and Radhika Apte.