Born in a film family, Hrithik always knew he'd be associated with the movies. The question was how? Shy and unassuming by nature, he hardly appeared "hero"-material and was therefore set to study film production abroad. There was one more reason why he chose not to become an actor. His father had struggled many years trying to make a mark but all efforts were in vain before dad decided to turn to film direction. As luck turned out, it proved to be a good move. Rakesh Roshan saw success with movies like 'Khudgarz', 'Khoon Bhari Maang' and 'Karan Arjun'. Naturally therefore, Hrithik's immediate career option seemed to be in working behind rather than before the camera. He started with assisting his father during the making of 'Koyla'. But despite being the son of a star-director he was subject to no favoritism when with the film unit. So much so that he ate, slept and led the exhausting life that a junior would lead when on an outdoor shoot. Traveling second class, sleeping in cheap motels, eating unit food, being cases in point. But in hindsight, Hrithik, by his own admission, believes the exercise made him tougher and more aware of the grimmer realities in show business.