'Hrithik is ready for Hollywood' Rakesh Roshan on his superstar son

Shyam Bhatia in London

Hrithik Roshan will be ready to take on any Hollywood offers from next year, father and filmmaker Rakesh Roshan has disclosed.

Roshan Sr, who was standing in for his superstar son recovering from a bad attack of migraine, told a gathering in London that Hrithik plans to cut down his work schedule to just one film a year.

"Maybe he will go ahead (with Hollywood)," Rakesh said, adding that there had already been an offer a couple of years ago, but Hrithik's tight schedule did not allow him to even consider it.

Both Roshans have been visiting London en route to the United States where Hrithik is one of the main attractions in the Heartthrobs Live in Concert show that kicks off in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 17, before moving on to other venues in North America and Europe this summer.

In London, Hrithik spent time putting in appearances at the London high street departmental store, Selfridges, as well as rehearsing for the concerts.

"We have 19 back-to-back shows starting in the US and ending up in the UK," Rakesh explained. "The acts are comparable to Michael Jackson and other stars." An estimated 5,000 tickets have been sold already for next month's UK concerts and the promoters say they have been flooded with inquiries from as far afar as Holland and Germany.

Rakesh, who was the victim of a drive-by shooting two years ago, has made a full recovery and has been enjoying his time in the British capital. He also said that fears for his own and his son's physical safety were not the reasons why Hrithik has avoided the US in recent times.

"He has been to the US many times, it's just a matter of his schedule." Describing himself as a "normal, proud father," Rakesh added that his son was perfectly able to look after himself, but "whenever need be, I guide him.

"For the last 20 days he has been rehearsing for his show and there is a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He is a perfectionist and he is doing his best to do well."

Rakesh says the Oscars are important for the Hindi film industry and the nomination of Lagaan was "very important" for producers back home in Mumbai. "The time will come when we will win an Oscar," he declares.

He adds it is extremely significant that Western audiences are now beginning to appreciate the quality of the Hindi film industry which is spreading its appeal world wide. "Bollywood films are full of emotions that are common all over. People all over the world are starting to accept Bollywood."