'Struggler': Sonali Kulkarni Recalls How Her Mission Kashmir Co-Star Hrithik Roshan Introduced Himself

Hrithik Roshan has become one of the most popular Bollywood actors who rose to prominence with his acting abilities and captivating screen presence. His journey began with the enormous success of his first film, Kaho Naa Pyar Hai but before its release, the actor had started working with Sonali Kulkarni for Mission Kashmir. In a recent interview, Sonali recalled the time she worked with Hrithik and how the actor introduced himself as a ‘struggler.”

In conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Sonali Kulkarni mentioned working with Hrithik Roshan before his breakthrough film was released. Sonali and Hrithik featured in the 2000 film Mission Kashmir. The actress shared that she met Hrithik Roshan on her audition day for the film and “He said, ‘Hi, I am Hrithik Roshan, son of Rakesh Roshan. I am a struggler.’”

In return, Sonali also introduced herself, “’Hi, I am Sonali Kulkarni, daughter of BG Kulkarni. I am also a struggler’.” Sonali added that as filming for Mission Kashmir progressed, Hrithik’s debut film, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai made him popular overnight. Nonetheless, when they met, it was always very positive, and they frequently motivated one another.

Sonali Kulkarni, at a young age of 25, played Hrithik’s foster mother in the film. When questioned if she was uncomfortable with her role, the actress noted she didn’t mind because she was playing a character. However, she expressed anxiety about the height gap between Sanjay Dutt and herself, as she was playing his wife in the film. The actress added that she felt she would be rejected from the film because of their height difference and the makers would keep in mind Sanjay Dutt’s screen presence. She also mentioned that initially she did not know that she was playing Hrithik Roshan’s mother. Mission Kashmir was directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Since his debut, Hrithik has appeared in numerous hit films, including War, Bang Bang, Jodhaa Akbar, Krrish 3, among others. He was last seen in Fighter along with Deepika Padukone. He will next appear in the action film War 2, co-starring Jr NTR. On the other hand, Sonali Kulkarni was last seen in Love Sitara featuring Shobita Dhulipala, B Jayashree, Virginia Rodrigues and others.