In today’s segment of Eimes BFFs (Big Filmy Families), we dive deep into the Roshan clan, how they made their way to Independent India and established a royal footprint in the film industry.
Roshan Lal Nagrath and Ira Roshan
The artistic legacy of the Roshan family traces back to Roshan Lal Nagrath, born in 1917 in Gujranwala, Punjab Province, British India (now Punjab, Pakistan). Inheriting a deep passion for music, Roshan underwent training under the guidance of Ustad Alauddin Khan and eventually mastered the sarod. During the 1940s, he joined All India Radio, a significant step in his musical journey. It was there that he crossed paths with Ira Moitra, a talented Bengali vocalist and music enthusiast, who also lent her melodious voice to several films. Their union added a musical touch to the rich creative tapestry of the Roshan roots.
In pursuit of his dreams, Roshan Lal Nagrath journeyed to Mumbai, marking the start of a remarkable career that transitioned from assisting a music composer to creating some of the industry’s most significant hits. Ira, Roshan’s second wife, played an integral role in this journey. Together, they were blessed with two children, Rajesh and Rakesh Roshan, further enriching the artistic lineage of the Roshan family.
Roshan passed away in 1967, after suffering a fatal heart attack. Ira passed away in January 2005.
Rakesh Roshan
Roshan Lal Nagrath and Ira embraced parenthood with the birth of Rakesh Roshan on 6 September, 1949. After the untimely demise of his father, Rakesh Roshan went on to work as an assistant director to filmmaker Mohar Kumar and while working on the sets, he bagged his debut movie in 1970 – ‘Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani’. Rakesh Roshan’s career is decorated with charming lover boy characters, celebrated supporting roles and multi-starrers. Some of his notable performances were in films like Khubsoorat, Aankhon Aankhon Mein, Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara, Man Mandir and Aakhir Kyon? to name a few.
Transitioning from being in front of the camera to taking charge behind it, Rakesh Roshan established his production house in 1980. His directorial debut came with the superhit Khudgarz in 1987, marking the beginning of a successful career. Rakesh Roshan helmed iconic movies such as Khoon Bhari Maang and Karan Arjun. Continuing his streak of blockbuster films, he played a pivotal role in launching his son Hrithik’s acting career with the widely acclaimed ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’ in 2000.
Rakesh Roshan married Pinkie Roshan in 1970 and the couple have two kids – daughter Sunaina and son Hrithik. In 2018, Rakesh Roshan faced a health challenge when he was diagnosed with an early stage of squamous cell carcinoma of the throat. Following a successful course of treatment, the filmmaker made a robust recovery and is recognized as a fitness enthusiast who doesn’t like to skip his date with the gym.
J Om Prakash and Rakesh Roshan
The hitmaker, J Om Prakash collaborated with Rakesh Roshan for several movies. Hrithik Roshan’s maternal grandfather hailed from Lahore and reportedly had keen interest in Urdu language. After gaining valuable experience in a film distributor’s office in Lahore, he ventured to Mumbai post-partition and successfully established his own production house. Notably, his daughter Pinkie is married to Rakesh Roshan.
Sunaina Roshan
Born in 1972, Rakesh and Pinkie’s first child Sunaina joined her father’s production house. She is credited as the producer for Rakesh Roshan’s films like ‘Kites’, ‘Krrish 3’ and ‘Krazzy 4’. After parting ways from her husband, Sunaina stayed with her family and daughter Suranika. In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, Sunaina candidly shared the various challenges she faced in life, including battles with depression, diabetes, bariatric surgery, and cervical cancer. Preferring to keep a low profile, Sunaina occasionally makes delightful appearances during the Roshan family’s gatherings.
Hrithik Roshan
Rakesh and Pinkie Roshan’s son, Hrithik, faced challenges from an early age. Born on January 10, 1974, the actor grappled with a stammer during childhood, recalling school as a painful memory. Yet, he triumphed over this with the aid of speech therapy. Hrithik transformed from a shy school kid to a national heartthrob. In his 20s, he was diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition that initially hindered his ability to dance. Undeterred, Hrithik’s determination prevailed, and he successfully overcame this limitation, earning recognition as one of the country’s finest dancers.
Following brief appearances in various films, Hrithik Roshan transitioned to assisting his father behind the scenes, undertaking tasks such as sweeping floors and serving tea. After gaining insights into the film industry, he made his debut in the lead role with Rakesh Roshan’s directorial venture, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai in 2000, instantly becoming a sensation. His career boasts notable successes including Lakshya, Koi… Mil Gaya, Jodhaa Akbar, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and Agneepath, among others.
In the year 2000, Hrithik tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart, Sussanne Khan. The couple welcomed two children into their lives, Hrehaan in 2006 and Hridhaan in 2008. Despite their separation in 2013, Hrithik and Sussanne maintain an amicable relationship as they continue to co-parent their children. In recent years, Hrithik has publicly acknowledged his relationship with Saba Azad.
Rajesh Roshan
Roshan Lal Nagrath and Ira Roshan’s second born, Rajesh, was born in 1955. He continued the family’s musical legacy, carving a successful path as a Bollywood composer. Rajesh Roshan is acclaimed for his work in iconic films such as Julie, Des Pardes, Mr. Natwarlal, Khoon Bhari Maang and Krrish 3 to name a few.
Married to Kanchan Roshan, the couple is blessed with two children – son Eshaan and daughter Pashmina. Eager to pursue a career in acting, Pashmina is on the brink of making her debut in the film industry with ‘Ishq Vishk Rebound,’ where she shares the screen with Rohit Saraf, Jibraan Khan, and Naila Grewal.