Hrithik celebrating 36th birthday today

Greek god, perfectionist, electrifying, the adjectives people use for Hrithik Roshan are aplenty as the actor completes a decade in the industry and turns 36 today (Jan 10).

While he became an overnight star with "Kaho Na Pyaar Hain", his career has indeed been a roller coaster ride. He starred in Khalid Mohammed's "Fiza" but it failed to repeat the success of his debut film. Later Subhash Ghai's "Yaadein", Yash Raj Films' "Mujhse Dosti Karoge!", Arjun Sablok's "Na Tum Jaano Na Hum" and Vikram Bhatt's "Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage" failed to make an impact at the box office and were declared flops.

But he bounced back with the super successful "Koi...Mil Gaya" in 2003 where he played a mentally challenged young man. It was the highest grosser of the year and won him many awards.

"Hrithik Roshan dominates the show and packs in a power-packed performance. The role of a mentally challenged person is no cakewalk, but the actor takes to it like a fish takes to water. He manages to pull off the zero to hero routine exceptionally well. As an actor, he scales dizzier heights with this splendid performance," film critic Taran Adarsh had said when the film released.

The actor then went on to give blockbusters like "Krrish", "Dhoom 2" and "Jodhaa Akbar".

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai told IANS: "I have seen Hrithik grow from a newcomer to a big star today. He has achieved his stardom sheerly on his hard work and passion for his films.

"He takes interest in each department of filmmaking and keeps inspiring his directors all the time. Hrithik is electricity in front of the camera and puts in lot of dedication in his work. I love him for that and wish him greater success in future too."

According to film critic Omar Qureshi, Hrithik is a perfectionist.

"I know Hrithik since the time he was a thin boy. The very fact that he took a year's time to work on himself before doing his first film proves how dedicated he is," Qureshi told IANS.

"He is a perfectionist and a very hardworking actor. The best thing about him is that he makes his characters look so convincing. He works so well on that.

"But I'm sure his fans have one complaint from him. They never get to see enough of the actor since he does just one or two films in a year," he added.

After just a cameo last year in Zoya Akhtar's "Luck By Chance", the actor will be seen in the much-awaited "Kites" in May.

Described as a truly international film, "Kites" tells the story of a young con-man who lives life in Las Vegas, always ready to make fast money in any way possible.

Directed by Anurag Basu and co-produced by his father Rakesh Roshan and Reliance BIG Pictures, Hrithik will be seen sharing screen space with Mexican beauty Barbara Mori, Kangana Ranaut and Kabir Bedi. The film will be released in two versions -- Indian and international.

"Kites" is being touted as the biggest film of the year.

"I am desperately waiting for 'Kites'. I love Hrithik and I think he is nothing less than a Greek god," said Stuti Sharma, a 21-year-old fan.