This Bollywood star turned his father’s first name into his surname, here’s the story behind it
The cinema world has always seen a flair for reinvention, and names are no exception.
While some actors changed their names, many stars, like Rekha, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Govinda, dropped their surnames entirely, but one major Bollywood family took a whole different route.
Any guesses, who are we talking about? Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan and his superstar son Hrithik Roshan are the ones we are talking about. But the twist is, ‘Roshan’ is not their actual surname. Yes, you read it right!
What’s the real surname of Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan?
The real last name of the Roshan father-son duo is Nagrath. Rakesh Roshan’s father was the legendary music director Roshanlal Nagrath, who gave Hindi cinema unforgettable tunes like “Nigahen Milane Ko Ji Chahta Hai” and “Laga Chunari Mein Daag.”
Instead of carrying forward “Nagrath,” Rakesh decided to turn his father’s first name, Roshan, into his surname, and that’s the name Hrithik got, too.
In a poetic sense, it wasn’t just about a name; it was a tribute, a way of carrying the music maestro’s legacy into a new generation of cinema.
Did Rakesh Roshan always want to be a director?
According to several media reports, Rakesh started as an assistant director for five years before stepping in front of the camera. While his acting career didn’t exactly take off, he discovered his true calling behind the camera.
And we are so glad he did, because his directorial ventures turned out to be box office gold. From Karan Arjun to Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Koi… Mil Gaya to the Krrish franchise, Rakesh Roshan has shaped some of Bollywood’s most iconic moments.
About Hrithik Roshan
With his unforgettable debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), Hrithik Roshan became an overnight sensation. In the 25 years since, he’s starred in blockbusters like War, Super 30, Agneepath, Krrish 3, Dhoom 2, ZNMD, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, cementing his status as one of the finest actors in modern Bollywood.
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