Behind the Scenes: A Lesson in Support from Hrithik Roshan
Bollywood sets can look dazzling from the outside, but they ask a lot from the actors. For Akshay Oberoi, who played Squadron Leader Basheer Khan in Siddharth Anand’s aerial action film Fighter, there was one day that felt especially hard. Stuck in a cycle of retakes and self-doubt, Oberoi felt the heat—not from the spotlights, but from his own inner critic. It’s the kind of moment every actor dreads, even if they rarely talk about it in interviews.
You might expect seasoned stars to stick to their own circles, but Hrithik Roshan was different. He noticed Oberoi’s struggle, even though it was a busy day packed with tight schedules and massive set pieces. Instead of brushing it off, Hrithik pulled Oberoi aside during a break. It wasn’t a lecture or a dramatic pep talk. With quiet confidence, Hrithik told Oberoi that he’d been there before, reminding him that every actor has days where nothing seems to work. Sometimes, just knowing that even a superstar like Hrithik has rough days makes all the difference. The moment passed with a smile, but for Oberoi, Hrithik’s empathy stuck with him long after the scene wrapped.
Bonds That Go Beyond the Script
What’s truly interesting is that Oberoi already admired Hrithik from afar, but experiencing that kindness up close shifted something. On Guru Purnima, the day that celebrates mentors, Oberoi posted on social media about the encounter, calling it a reminder that Bollywood is built on human connections, not just box office numbers. He’s spoken in interviews about how seeing Hrithik leading without ego—always first to check in on co-stars, treat crew with respect, and push everyone to bring out their best—was eye-opening.
Of course, making a film like Fighter goes far beyond memorizing lines or perfecting a stunt. The actors needed to bond and trust each other for those high-altitude scenes. On tough days, Oberoi says he watched Hrithik solve problems with grace, quietly lift the team’s mood, and reach out with advice when someone was struggling. That’s not something you find in contractual requirements. It’s what makes someone a real mentor in the high-pressure world of Bollywood.
Now, Oberoi describes his friendship with Hrithik as one of the best takeaways from the film—something that matters a lot more than onscreen heroics. With Guru Purnima as a backdrop, their story is a reminder that even in a competitive industry, simple acts of support can leave a lasting mark.
