Hrithik reveals his reasons to choose TV

Known for his complicated moves and mesmerizing dance form, Hrithik Roshan, who makes his foray into television with a brand new reality show Just Dance, doesn’t agree that he is 'God of Dance' as he is called on the show. In a candid chat, Hrithik reveals his reasons to choose TV, especially this show and what he expects from this endeavour.

What prompted you to chose Just Dance as your first television appearance?I was never inclined towards doing television shows but when I was approached with this concept, it connected with me and I came on board. That is the same method I apply when I choose my films projects. One has to identify with something, only then can you be excited about your work. I assure you that Just Dance is a show never been seen before and I am very proud to be associated with No 1 GEC of the country Star Plus, to bring the best talent forward. Along with talented choreographers, Farah Khan and Vaibhavi Merchant, we will hunt the best in dance, the ultimate dancing champion, from across the globe –India, UK, US.

What will be the judging parameters?In the show, we will be looking for someone who goes beyond steps, beyond counting- one, two, three, four. They should feel the dance in their soul, in their bones. According to me, competition is the only way to push you to excel in life. Competition nurtures innovation, drives passion and Just Dance is a show that takes this energy to a whole new level. I can’t wait and am looking forward with bated breath to Just Dance.

Is the concept indigenous or derived from a foreign show?This is something never done before. I have seen numerous dance shows and was blown away when this concept came to me. The international auditions will begin on 27 February and the Just Dance team will scout talent in Britain, US, and major cities across India. Just Dance will provide a global platform for dancers not only passionate about their art but enjoy different dancing styles as well.
How does it feel to be called the 'God of Dance', especially in the promos of Just Dance?I don’t think anyone is God of Dance- especially not me. According to me, dance is an expression. When first time someone would have danced, he must have been happy, jubilant, overwhelmed or perhaps emotionally charged. For me the root of dance is that first expression, that first person who have some emotion inside him that he wanted to express via his body.

Who is your God of dance?Shammi Kapoor is the God of dance for me, because he went beyond steps, his body just moved to music and he created magic moments. Also, I believe there are gurus of dance who teach you the intricacies, the nuances and I have two wonderfully talented gurus with me on the show. I have been guided and abused by them many times but that helped me hone my dancing skills to this level

Numerous filmstars are on telly today. Are you nervous, anxious or apprehensive about the TRP war?Not at all. It is the same way as numerous actors do numerous films. You can’t keep worrying or keep tabs on who is doing what. You have to work on yourself, your projects and leave the rest to God.
Reports in the media suggest you are paid Rs 112 crore for Just Dance. Is it true?I thought I was paid very well but then I heard these speculative reports. Now I feel like renegotiating.

Who is your favourite filmstar on TV? Who do you watch on TV?I hardly watch TV. But I have seen bits of most celeb reality shows. I look upto all of them. I enjoyed watching Mr Bachchan the most.

Hrithik's world

Hrithik Roshan is a great actor, and his Zee Cine Awards nomination (as we go to print) for his performance in ‘Guzaarish' proves it. But did you know he also makes fabulous Spanish omelettes?

Greek deity is a synonym often associated with this six-foot hunk. He has always had a larger-than-life aura but Hrithik Roshan the man is content living life in a luxurious yet understated way.

Home is where the heart is
El Palazzo in Juhu, Mumbai, is Roshan's address. His huge duplex in the high-rise qualifies as one of the most sought after and costly properties in the city.
The hunk's hideout is best described as warm and classic, yet contemporary. And the credit goes to wife Sussanne for making the house a home. Not only is she the decision-maker when it comes to the whats and hows of the house, she is also the interior designer. The home reflects a regal aura with its spacious settings, white and off-white walls and upholstery, and wide marble stairs. It's a home where everything whispers and nothing shouts including the family photographs (past and present) that adorn the walls. This has been Roshan's home for the past seven years.
The drawing room on the first floor encompasses full-length bay windows, which offer a breathtaking view of the city's skyline, palm groves and some vintage bungalows.
A recent addition to the house is the newly done-up kids' room for Hrehaan and Hridhaan. Sussanne, a qualified interior designer, was at the helm of this project but Roshan made sure he contributed too. "Both kids live in the same room and the bedroom has been designed accordingly. Sussanne and Hrithik firmly believe it's always good to keep the kids together because they bond better. I made sure Zayed and Sussanne had the same room when they were young," beams Zarine Khan, Roshan's interior-designer mother-in-law.
To make sure the home is child-friendly, the couple have made a few changes. The in-house gym has been relocated to the terrace and he has also filled his DVD rack with movies the kids like to watch. Sussanne has designed the gym keeping Roshan's health condition (his knee injury) in mind. But the other members of the family (Hrithik's parents, Pinkie and Rakesh) who live on the ninth floor of the same building, also share this gym.
The room that Roshan cherishes the most is his entertainment den. It was a surprise gift from his lovely wife. "Well, she knew I needed a place where I could be by myself — with my gadgets or just watching movies. So once, when I was on a long outdoor spell, she got one of the rooms converted into a sort of den for me. It was a super surprise!" he says. Although he has recently bought Paras, a villa in a nearby lane, he plans to move there only after his sons have grown up.

The health buff
There is no denying the fact that he has one of the best bodies in the industry. But it definitely doesn't come easy. The gym in his house is equipped with world-class gadgets. Revolutionary fitness fads always find a place in his workout haven. His favourite training partner, apart from his trainer Satyajit Chaurasia, is his petite-framed spouse. "Privacy is something that Hrithik is always looking for — even in his workouts," his trainer says. Roshan admits he is addicted to workouts, "I don't feel good if I don't work out. Right after the workout, there is a total sense of calm within me. The stress flows out." He also gives us a sneak peek into his workout regime. "I start my exercise with jogging and then do my regular workout. I concentrate on each part of my body and do special workouts designed for each. I also own two separate sets of exercise equipment — one, which is kept at home, and the other, which I take along when I travel. They are imported pressure pull machines, which help me work out during my free time — even on a flight. With the help of a vacuum press, I fix this equipment on to a flat surface and pull the handle to exercise the biceps. I follow the same process for my legs. This special mechanism is an essential part of my entourage, along with dumb-bells."

The food freak
Roshan says he never refrains from eating something he really wants to. But he quickly adds that he always balances it by either sweating it out or making sure his next meal is lighter. He sheds some light on his eating habits. "My dietary restrictions are few because I work out. Yet I avoid oily and fried food. I like Chinese and Indian food but I don't like milk so I don't have any milk products except chocolate. Every day, I have a special chocolate shake rich in protein, recommended by my instructor. I also have a heavy breakfast because it's the most important meal of the day. My afternoon meal is mostly on the sets and an evening snack is optional.
"Since I work late into the night, I either have dinner on the sets or go out with friends to restaurants. I have a sweet tooth and love anything that has sugar but I don't overindulge."
Does his wife charm him with her culinary skills? "Sussanne makes the best spaghetti bolognaise. She cooked me a lovely Italian meal on my birthday, which coincided with my honeymoon in Australia. Except for her cheesecake, which is the best dessert in the world, I avoid sweets. And there is nothing that beats the bread pudding my mum makes." He also doesn't shy away from showing off his skills. "I make the best eggs in the world — fabulous Spanish omelettes and very good scrambled eggs. When I was in school I used to get ready early and then go into the kitchen and make eggs."
He adds: "According to me, one's body is 90 per cent his/her diet. Hence, one should eat only the right food. I eat very little oil, butter, ghee and fatty stuff. I balance out my meals — protein, carbohydrates and fats. I drink lots of water."

An ideal day
When he gets a day off, which is rare, he likes to just chill out at home. Watching movies and spending time with his wife and kids make a perfect picture for him. "Sussanne and Hrithik are devoted parents. No matter how busy they are, they always make time for their kids. Even with his busy schedule, he tries his best to attend school functions and other activities his kids are a part of," divulges mum-in-law Zarine. Whenever he takes the family out for a holiday, he keeps in mind not to repeat a destination they've already been to, "I don't like to repeat memories because that can't happen," says Roshan. "I would rather explore the places I've never been to."