One of the most all-round talented stars in Bollywood history, Hrithik Roshan has dedicated fans around the world. One of them is Laxman Das, who was lucky enough to meet Hrithik and is a member of a popular Kolkata-based fan club dedicated to his idol.
Eastern Eye caught up with him to find out more.
What first connected you to Hrithik?
As a child, I used to watch him and admired his hairstyle and dance, but gradually, I fell in love with his personality.
What made you become a super fan?
I used to be a die-hard fan from childhood. But after joining HRFC Kolkata (the fan club), we all consider ourselves to be super fans. Whenever people say anything good about Hrithik, it makes me proud and happy.
Tell us about something super you have done for Hrithik?
The night before his film releases as well as his birthday, my excitement knows no bounds. I can’t sleep. I even watch three shows on the first day itself. The first-day first-show is a must though. Also, my team and I organise an annual blood donation camp every year in his name.
Tell us your most memorable moment?
First, was when he replied “good morning” to me on Twitter. The next was when I met him when he came to Kolkata to meet our club members.
What do you most love about Hrithik?
I love everything about him. I love him so much for all his qualities.
What’s your favourite work he has done?
He has done many charitable works, but the thing that makes him stand out is his sense of dignity. There have been several events when others tried to bring him down, but he took a dignified stand and overcame those difficult situations.
Which quality in Hrithik do you most relate to?
There is only one Hrithik. It is not possible for me to be like him, but I try to emulate his style. Also, I am a dancer. I can’t dance as good as him, but still, I try my best to dance like him.
Tell us, why do you love being a super fan?
Hrithik sir is talented in each and every way; be it looks, physique, acting, dancing or singing. It surprises me to watch such a talented person. That’s why I am his proud fan.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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