Entertainment
The family worth over £300,000,000 who changed cinema forever-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro
They are the subject of a new Netflix documentary.

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You may not have heard of them, but the Roshan family’s impact on cinema is undeniably huge.
Three generations of their family have left a legacy that has forever changed the Indian film industry, and they’ve made a whole load of money in the process.
Key players in the world of Bollywood, they’ve produced, starred in and soundtracked many of the genre’s most beloved films. They’ve been able to grow something bigger than any of them could have produced alone.
Naturally, the family are therefore the perfect subjects for a Netflix documentary, The Roshans. Forget Keeping up with the Kardashians, it’s time to Roll with the Roshans (we’ll work on it).
‘Each generation has contributed not just to the fabric of Indian cinema but to the success stories of Indian cinema. This is a legacy that will remain there for posterity,’ the trailer summarised.
Let’s meet the men who make up the powerful family…
Roshan Lal Nagrath
The Roshans are the subject of a new documentary (Picture: Netflix)
Maestro and musical extraordinaire, the late Roshan Lal Nagrath is the patriarch who set up the important foundations that have allowed the artistic dynasty to continue its growth.
His mark on the industry resonates not through his own work, but blossoms in the achievements of his descendants (more on that later).
Born in Gujranwala in 1917, Nagrath took an early interest in music and became an accomplished sarod player, as well as the esraj. He was a staff artist for All India Radio Delhi, before he decided to pursue fame and fortune in Bombay.
After some early struggles, he positioned himself as a player on the Hindi film music scene when he composed the music for Bawre Nain in 1950 which became a big musical hit.
The 1960s proved to be the golden aged for Nagrath, with his way of blending folk music with Hindustani classical music becoming his synonymous style. He worked on Barsaat Ki Raat, which is still in the top 100 highest-grossing films in Indian cinema, when inflation is taken into account.
In 1967, aged 50, Nagrath died of a heart attack while at a family gathering. He was survived by his two sons, who have continued his legacy, along with his grandson who was born six years after his death.
‘It’s actually what the elders have passed on to their younger generation. I think this is the reason why that grain runs in all three of them,’ one commentator said in the show’s trailer.
Rakesh Roshan
Rakesh started with acting before discovering his directing talent (Picture: Prodip Guha/Getty Images)
Nagrath’s eldest son is Rakesh Roshan, who busied himself starring in 84 titles, mainly in supporting roles, during the 1970s and 80s.
He found his true calling as a filmmaker, making commercially successful films that all begin with the letter K. His directorial debut with action drama Khudgarz in 1987 set the tone with blockbuster success, and he has continued making hay while the sun shines.
Some of his films, including musical romantic thriller Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai and science fiction film Koi… Mil Gaya, featured someone very close to him – his son Hrithik Roshan, once again keeping things firmly in the family. He has said that Hrithik is ‘living my dreams’ after he ‘failed’ as an actor.
The 75-year-old has been honoured at the the Global Indian Film Awards for his outstanding contribution to cinema.
Rajesh Roshan
Rajesh is the music man (Picture: STR/AFP via Getty Images)
Nagrath’s second son is music director Rajesh Roshan, and shot to fame after scoring the 1974 film Kunwara Baap. Proving it wasn’t beginner’s luck, he got equal amounts of praise for Kara Arjun, Julie, Des Pardes, Man Pasand, and Lootmaar.
Talking about working on the iconic titles, Rajesh told India Today: ‘It wasn’t solely about producing hits; it was about inspiring one another, sharing meals, and engaging in creative discussions. That connection led to timeless music.’
The 69-year-old has now had a career that has spanned five decades, and often works with his brother on films, including on Krazzy 4 and Karobaar.
Hrithik Roshan
Hrithik is the ultimate leading man (Picture: Prodip Guha/Getty Images)
They’ve got somebody on music duty, another on directing, now they just needed someone to star in the films and that’s where Hrithik Rosham comes in.
Being on the big screen means that Hrithik, the grandson of Nagath and the son of Rakesh, is the most recognisable member of the family. His debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai made him an instant star, and the 50-year-old is now the ultimate leading man, with his name on the credit list virtually guaranteeing success for the title.
On his CV is Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, the most expensive Indian film at the time of its release in 2001, in which he plays Rohan, who brings his estranged family back together in the music extravaganza.
He’s also appeared in action thriller film franchise Dhoom, with the sequel becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time in 2006.
He has starred in over 40 films and counting. If you want to check out some of his back catalogue we recommend starting with any of the above, or love story Jodhaa Akbar!
Despite his mainstream success, Hrithik still isn’t used to fame. ‘I remember when Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai was released I was so shy and anxious that I didn’t do a single interview. I didn’t step out of my house to do anything. I just skipped the entire promotional event. 25 years have passed and unfortunately, that side of me has not changed, I’m still as shy, and just as anxious as always,’ he said at a meet-and-greet event, as reported by Deccan Herald.
However, Hrithick is grateful for fans and media support, which has helped him discover himself: ‘You helped me search inside myself as to what kind of human I want to be in this world.’
What is The Roshans’ net worth?
The trio have made a lot of money (Picture: STR/AFP via Getty Images)
While there is little public information about the net worth of Rakesh and Rajesh, it is estimated that Hrithick alone is worth over £300million (Times of India).
When will The Roshans be available to watch?
The special documentary will be available to watch on Netflix on January 17.
‘We are incredibly excited to partner with Netflix and share previously untold stories that shaped our lives. The platform allows us to reach viewers from across the globe, and it’s an honor to showcase our journey to the audience,’ the Roshan family have teased.
Director Shashi Ranjan said of his experience: ‘Directing this docu-series has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Being invited into the Roshan family’s world and entrusted with their legacy is a privilege I am grateful for. It is an honour to bring their story of creativity, courage, and commitment to the world, and having Netflix house the legendary movie family’s stories was undoubtedly the only way to go.’
The docu-series will feature interviews with Bollywood celebrities who will talk about working with the Roshan family and their impact.
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