Title: The Roshans
Director: Shashi Ranjan
Release Date: January 17, 2025
OTT and genre: Netflix documentary-series
Episodes and runtime: 4 episodes of average 45 minutes
As a lifelong Bollywood fan, I can confidently say that Netflix¡¯s The Roshans is one of the most beautifully made tributes to Indian cinema in recent years. This documentary series shares the untold story of a film family and celebrates their contributions to the industry across three generations of talent, hard work, and dedication that helped shape Bollywood as we know it today.
This four-part series dives into the successes, struggles, sacrifices, and dreams that defined the lives of Roshan Lal Nagrath, Rakesh Roshan, Rajesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan. Each episode feels like a well-crafted movie, blending nostalgia, drama, and a celebration of their impact on Bollywood. If you¡¯ve ever hummed a tune from Jo Wada Kiya or cheered for Hrithik¡¯s stunts in Krrish, this docu-series will feel like reconnecting with old friends.
The first chapter, Rahe Na Rahe Hum, focuses on Roshan Lal Nagrath, the family¡¯s patriarch and a musical genius. Imagine sitting in Hrithik Roshan¡¯s living room as he plays a cassette of his grandfather's song, ¡®Isko Bhi Apnaata Chal.¡¯ That¡¯s the feeling The Roshans gives you¡ªlike stepping into a time machine.
This 46-minute episode beautifully highlights Roshan Lal¡¯s contributions to Bollywood, from the unforgettable melodies of Bawre Nain to his reinvention of qawwali in Hindi cinema. The archival interviews and stories bring his legacy to life, with songs like Mahalon Ka Raja Mila and Laga Chunari Mein Daag tying everything together.
The second chapter, Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zarurat Hai, shifts focus to Rajesh Roshan, often seen as an underdog in music despite his immense talent. Known for hits like Dil Kya Kare and Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan, this episode will answer why Rajesh¡¯s story has always been largely untold and deserves more recognition.
In this 39-minute episode, you get a glimpse of his struggles with addiction and the pressure of living up to a legacy. When Shah Rukh Khan calls him and Rakesh the ¡°real Karan Arjun,¡± you¡¯ll find yourself smiling through your tears. Among many guests, late radio legend Ameen Sayani also gave his final recorded interview in The Roshans, which is sure to touch your heart.
Chapter 3, Nikle They Kahan Jaane Ke Liye, mirrors Rakesh Roshan¡¯s life and doesn¡¯t shy away from showing his struggles as an actor, where he faced rejection despite his father¡¯s fame. But it also celebrates his success as a filmmaker, with iconic films like Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Koi Mil Gaya, and the Krrish franchise.
The honesty with which Rakesh recalls these moments is worth appreciating. He talks about being labelled ¡°average¡± as an actor and how that pushed him to find his true calling as a director. This 44-minute episode is a celebration of second chances and daring to dream big with his cancer diagnosis story stealing the light.
The fourth and final episode, Koi Mil Gaya, focuses on Hrithik Roshan, the face of their third generation. From being an awkward, stammering teenager to one of Bollywood¡¯s biggest stars, this chapter is a fan¡¯s dream. It¡¯s filled with behind-the-scenes moments, family trivia, and insights into the challenges the Roshans faced while building Hrithik¡¯s career starting with Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai.
This 53-minute episode also touches on darker moments, like the attack on Rakesh Roshan and the family¡¯s internal conflicts during tough times. But it does balance these with stories of resilience, like how Koi Mil Gaya came to life. Madhuri Dixit¡¯s description of Hrithik as ¡°poetry in motion¡± sums up his Bollywood presence perfectly.
Take a bow, Shashi Ranjan! The visionary behind Dobara and Dhoom Dhadakka has outdone himself by breathing life into this docu-series. As director and curator of the live interviews, he brings the Roshan family¡¯s story to life in the most wholesome way. Every moment feels authentic, and you can sense the effort that went into transforming this series into something both historical and artistic.
The show is packed with rare archival footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses that make you feel part of their journey. Bharati K Dubey and Sameer Salunkhe along with Shashi deserve credit for their thorough research and seamless integration of materials. Together, this trio has crafted?The Roshans?into a complete experience. By the time the credits roll, you¡¯ll be reaching for tissues, grateful for how the creators preserved such an important part of Bollywood history.??
Despite its many strengths,?The Roshans?falters when it tries to dramatize certain aspects of the story in the first half. The fictional recreations of key life events feel unnecessary and sometimes disrupt the flow of the documentary. These dramatized segments only weaken the emotional impact of otherwise powerful moments.
The second and third episodes can feel slow at times. While the stories are fascinating, some parts drag, and attention may dip. Still, for a docu-series that excels in its emotional moments, these are small flaws in an otherwise fantastic show.
For anyone who loves Bollywood, The Roshans is a must-watch. It¡¯s a tribute to the art, music, and storytelling this family has contributed to Indian cinema. With appearances from stars like Asha Bhosle, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shah Rukh Khan, Javed Akhtar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Anil Kapoor, the series will keep you glued to the screen.
By the end of the series, you¡¯ll be humming Roshan Lal¡¯s iconic tunes, recognizing Rajesh¡¯s contributions even more, admiring Rakesh¡¯s struggles, and looking forward to Hrithik¡¯s next big project. So, grab a cup of chai, tune in to Netflix, and let The Roshans remind you why Bollywood feels like home and why this docu-series is something cinephiles have needed for a long time!
For more news and updates from the world of?OTT, and?celebrities?from?Bollywood?and?Hollywood, keep reading?Indiatimes Entertainment.