As Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai celebrates its 25th anniversary on January 14, actor Hrithik Roshan reflected on his journey in Bollywood. Speaking at an event, Roshan, who debuted with the film, expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the media and credited them for shaping his growth as an actor and person over the last two and a half decades.

“25 years! I remember 25 years ago when tell me you love me As it was being released, I was so shy and so anxious that I didn’t give a single interview. I didn’t come out of my house to do anything. I left the entire promotional schedule,” Hrithik candidly shared.

He added, “25 years have passed, and unfortunately, that side of me hasn’t changed. I am still as shy. “This is really an excuse and opportunity for me to say things to all of you that I probably have never said in 25 years.”

Reflecting on his interactions with the media, Hrithik acknowledged how their questions, assumptions and coverage have affected his career.

“I really think that you all have helped me, through our interactions over these 25 years, have helped me become a human being and an actor. Through all the questions and answers, you made me feel uncomfortable—I grew up with that. Sometimes you made me feel responsible, sometimes you made me feel accountable. Guys, it’s not good for a shy guy!” expressed Hrithik.

The actor also credited the media for creating people’s perception about him. “You know, it’s you who is talking to them, telling them how to see me, and how to understand me. It is your perceptions that you shared with the world that taught them how to see me. Thanks for that. Thank you for creating me, for contributing so much to my journey.”

‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’, directed by Hrithik’s father Rakesh Roshan, launched him into stardom in 2000, earning him the title of Bollywood’s newest heartthrob. Over the years, Hrithik has established himself as one of India’s finest actors with memorable performances in films like Koi… Mil Gaya, Dhoom 2, Jodha Akbar, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and War.