Did you know Hrithik Roshan's ancestors came from Pakistan? Here's the full story
Hrithik Roshan is one of Bollywood ’s most celebrated stars, but not many people know that both sides of his family trace their origins to cities that are now in Pakistan. The Roshan family story is shaped by music, cinema, migration, and generations of talent, making their legacy even richer than what fans see on screen.
Roshan Lal Nagrath and Ira Roshan: The foundation of a musical dynastyHrithik’s paternal grandfather, Roshan Lal Nagrath, was born in 1917 in Gujranwala, Punjab Province (now in Pakistan). Gifted with a natural talent for music, he trained under the legendary Ustad Alauddin Khan and mastered the sarod. His musical career took off when he joined All India Radio in the 1940s, where he met Ira Moitra, a talented Bengali vocalist.
The two married, blending their musical worlds and strengthening the artistic roots of the Roshan family.
After moving to Mumbai, Roshan Lal became a celebrated composer, delivering soulful melodies until his passing in 1967. Ira continued contributing to music until her death in 2005.
Rakesh Roshan and the maternal link to LahoreBorn on September 6, 1949, Rakesh Roshan carried forward the family’s creative legacy. After assisting on film sets and acting in several Hindi films, he transitioned into direction and delivered hits like Khudgarz, Khoon Bhari Maang, Karan Arjun, and later launched Hrithik with Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai in 2000.
Rakesh’s wife, Pinkie Roshan, is the daughter of filmmaker J. Om Prakash, who hailed from Lahore before migrating to India after Partition. He began his journey in a distribution office in Lahore before establishing a successful production house in Mumbai.
Sunaina Roshan and Rajesh Roshan : Two distinct branches of the Roshan legacy
Rakesh and Pinkie’s elder child, Sunaina Roshan, has worked behind the scenes in her father’s production house and produced films like Kites, Krrish 3, and Krazzy 4. She has openly shared her life struggles—from depression to health issues—while remaining close to her family.
Rakesh’s younger brother, Rajesh Roshan, inherited their father’s musical brilliance. Born in 1955, he composed iconic music for films like Julie, Des Pardes, Mr. Natwarlal, and the Krrish franchise. His daughter, Pashmina Roshan, recently made her acting debut in Ishq Vishk Rebound.
Hrithik Roshan: Rising above challenges to become a superstarBorn on January 10, 1974, Hrithik Roshan faced early struggles, including a stammer and scoliosis, but overcame them with immense determination. Before his debut, he worked behind the scenes sweeping floors, serving tea, and learning filmmaking from the ground up.
His breakthrough in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai made him an overnight sensation, followed by iconic roles in Koi Mil Gaya, Jodhaa Akbar, Lakshya, ZNMD, and Agneepath.
Hrithik married his childhood sweetheart Sussanne Khan in 2000 and became father to Hrehaan and Hridhaan. Despite their separation in 2013, the two continue to co-parent amicably. In recent years, Hrithik has been in a steady relationship with actress Saba Azad .
On the work front, Hrithik was last seen in War 2 and is set to make a cameo in the upcoming film Alpha as Agent Kabir, featuring Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor in key roles.
Roshan Lal Nagrath and Ira Roshan: The foundation of a musical dynastyHrithik’s paternal grandfather, Roshan Lal Nagrath, was born in 1917 in Gujranwala, Punjab Province (now in Pakistan). Gifted with a natural talent for music, he trained under the legendary Ustad Alauddin Khan and mastered the sarod. His musical career took off when he joined All India Radio in the 1940s, where he met Ira Moitra, a talented Bengali vocalist.
After moving to Mumbai, Roshan Lal became a celebrated composer, delivering soulful melodies until his passing in 1967. Ira continued contributing to music until her death in 2005.
Rakesh Roshan and the maternal link to LahoreBorn on September 6, 1949, Rakesh Roshan carried forward the family’s creative legacy. After assisting on film sets and acting in several Hindi films, he transitioned into direction and delivered hits like Khudgarz, Khoon Bhari Maang, Karan Arjun, and later launched Hrithik with Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai in 2000.
Rakesh’s wife, Pinkie Roshan, is the daughter of filmmaker J. Om Prakash, who hailed from Lahore before migrating to India after Partition. He began his journey in a distribution office in Lahore before establishing a successful production house in Mumbai.
Sunaina Roshan and Rajesh Roshan : Two distinct branches of the Roshan legacy
Rakesh and Pinkie’s elder child, Sunaina Roshan, has worked behind the scenes in her father’s production house and produced films like Kites, Krrish 3, and Krazzy 4. She has openly shared her life struggles—from depression to health issues—while remaining close to her family.
Rakesh’s younger brother, Rajesh Roshan, inherited their father’s musical brilliance. Born in 1955, he composed iconic music for films like Julie, Des Pardes, Mr. Natwarlal, and the Krrish franchise. His daughter, Pashmina Roshan, recently made her acting debut in Ishq Vishk Rebound.
Hrithik Roshan: Rising above challenges to become a superstarBorn on January 10, 1974, Hrithik Roshan faced early struggles, including a stammer and scoliosis, but overcame them with immense determination. Before his debut, he worked behind the scenes sweeping floors, serving tea, and learning filmmaking from the ground up.
His breakthrough in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai made him an overnight sensation, followed by iconic roles in Koi Mil Gaya, Jodhaa Akbar, Lakshya, ZNMD, and Agneepath.
Hrithik married his childhood sweetheart Sussanne Khan in 2000 and became father to Hrehaan and Hridhaan. Despite their separation in 2013, the two continue to co-parent amicably. In recent years, Hrithik has been in a steady relationship with actress Saba Azad .
On the work front, Hrithik was last seen in War 2 and is set to make a cameo in the upcoming film Alpha as Agent Kabir, featuring Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol, and Anil Kapoor in key roles.
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