More than two decades after its release, Lakshya continues to be celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most inspiring coming-of-age dramas. Directed by Farhan Akhtar and starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta, the film told the story of an aimless young man who finds purpose and direction after joining the Indian Army. While the movie has earned cult status over the years, not much was known about the deeper motivation behind its creation—until now.
Recently, Hrithik Roshan revisited memories of working on the film and shed light on why Farhan Akhtar was so determined to make Lakshya. According to Hrithik, the film wasn’t just another project for the director; it was personal, emotional, and something he felt compelled to share with the world.
A Story Rooted in Real-Life Observations
Hrithik revealed that Farhan Akhtar was deeply fascinated by the transitional phase young adults go through—especially those who struggle to define their ambitions. Farhan had often spoken about how many youngsters drift without a clear sense of identity or purpose, and how society rarely discusses this with honesty. He wanted to portray this confusion in a heartfelt yet relatable way.
Farhan had also grown up hearing stories from friends and family about individuals who joined the Army not merely out of patriotism, but to find structure and discipline in their lives. The transformational journey of such individuals stayed with him, eventually becoming the foundation for Lakshya. Hrithik recalled Farhan saying that he wanted to showcase how ordinary people discover extraordinary strength when given the right environment.
Why Hrithik Roshan Was the First Choice
Hrithik shared that Farhan chose him because he wanted an actor capable of delivering both vulnerability and intensity. The character of Karan Shergill demanded a boyish, confused charm in the first half and a powerful, determined persona in the second. According to Hrithik, Farhan believed he could portray this spectrum authentically.
For Hrithik personally, Lakshya became more than just a role—it was a mirror. The actor admitted that, at the time, he too was grappling with uncertainty in his career and personal life. This connection allowed him to pour real emotions into the role, making the performance one of the most memorable of his career.
Driven by the Desire for Meaningful Cinema
Hrithik revealed that Farhan was in a phase where he wanted to explore themes deeper than romance or commercial drama. After the success of Dil Chahta Hai, Farhan wanted to tell stories that had introspection, philosophy, and emotional honesty at their core. Lakshya offered him a chance to deliver a message without sounding preachy. The film spoke directly to the youth—encouraging them to take responsibility for their lives.
Farhan often said that Lakshya was about the journey from confusion to clarity, from hesitation to conviction. According to Hrithik, the director believed this was a universal story everyone could relate to, which made him passionate about bringing it to screen.
The Army’s Influence and Realism
Another reason Farhan wanted to make Lakshya was to highlight the human side of the Indian Army. Instead of making a typical patriotic film filled with jingoism, he wanted to portray soldiers as real people who also deal with doubts, fears, and personal struggles. Hrithik recalled the extensive workshops, training sessions, and time spent with real Army personnel to make the film authentic.
The team shot in Ladakh under extremely challenging conditions, something Hrithik described as “life-changing.” Farhan believed that showing the emotional and physical rigour of the armed forces would inspire audiences to appreciate the sacrifices made by soldiers every day.
A Film That Became a Legacy
In the end, Hrithik emphasized that Lakshya was made to inspire. Farhan wanted it to serve as a reminder that finding one’s purpose is not a race—it’s a journey. The film may not have been a massive blockbuster at the time, but over the years, its emotional impact and motivational message have made it timeless.
Hrithik expressed immense gratitude for being part of a story that still resonates with audiences, especially young people seeking direction. He said that Farhan’s conviction and courage in telling such a layered story is what made Lakshya unforgettable.
