Its something of a pleasant paradox that the actor who has played physically stunning roles like Dhoom 2 and Krissh is also perhaps the only mainstream Bollywood actor to have successfully essayed differently abled characters in Koi Mil Gaya, Guzaarish and recently released Kaabil.

Hrithik’s performance in Kaabil has been universally applauded and it played a major part in the film’s success. But for Hrithik, the success of the film is not the only takeaway from the movie. “I am really glad that the film has done well but as actors, we also look for something more permanent than box office success. I was going through a difficult time in my life when I was shooting for Kaabil. I needed to fight my own limitations in order to play this character.” says Hrithik.

Rohit of Koi Mil Gaya, Ellen Mascarenhas of Guzaarish and Rohan Bhatnagar of Kaabil each performance connected with the audiences in their own unique way.  Although all these three characters are different, there was a common thread in the way Hrithik played these characters.

All of them are emotionally intelligent.  “perhaps I connect with these characters at some level.  It must be some sort of coincidence that I have played these characters but in each of my performances, my directors helped me a lot.  I have had my own struggles with my physical self.  I did stammer as a kid and I am aware how socially awkward and debilitating it can get.” 

Kaabil which is being called as Hrithik’s career best performance saw Hrithik playing a visually impaired man taking revenge for the love of his life. Rohan Bhatnagar is vulnerable as a lover and at the same time possesses qualities of an iron. “ Kaabil was a different experience for me personally.

Perhaps more than the accolades and the box office success what will remain with me is an invaluable understanding. I perhaps realized for the first time that the phrase differently abled is not a polite word for disabled people. They are ACTUALLY differently abled. I didn’t play Rohan Bhatnagar as a disabled guy, I played a guy who believes in himself. My way of seeing them has changed forever.”