Actor Hrithik Roshan has spoken about the crucial role makeup plays in helping actors transform into their on-screen characters, saying the process of creating a distinct look can be an important step towards fully inhabiting a role.
During a media interaction, Hrithik explained that makeup for films can broadly serve two purposes. While one type is primarily used to enhance an actor’s appearance on screen, he believes its potential is limited when it comes to character-driven performances.
The other, he said, involves creating a look and personality that is significantly removed from the actor’s own appearance and identity.
“If you talk about doing characters in films, one kind of makeup is the makeup that makes your face look good, and that has got a very limited potential as far as an actor is concerned,” Hrithik said.
He stressed that having a makeup artist who can create a look detached from an actor’s personal self can help establish the foundation for a convincing performance.
‘Koi… Mil Gaya’ Example
Recalling his experience of playing Rohit Mehra in the 2003 science-fiction drama ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’, Hrithik said considerable makeup work went into developing the character’s appearance.
“So like for example, if I’m doing a ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, there’s a lot of makeup effort that goes into creating that look,” he said.
For Hrithik, the transformation begins even before the actual acting. He said getting the hair, face and makeup right helps him move deeper into the character.
He made his Bollywood debut in 2000 with ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’, opposite Ameesha Patel, and quickly emerged as one of Hindi cinema’s leading stars.
His notable films include ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’, ‘Lakshya’, ‘Dhoom 2’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Guzaarish’, ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, ‘Agneepath’, ‘Bang Bang!’, ‘Super 30’, ‘War’ and ‘Fighter’.